ESMA Chair

Job description:

The ESMA Chair is a full‑time, independent professional, employed by ESMA and based in Paris (France). They are a voting member and a chair of both the Board of Supervisors and the Management Board. In this role, they represent the Authority and provide strategic leadership by defining ESMA’s long‑term direction and ensuring the delivery of its key priorities.

The Chair's term of office shall be five years and may be extended once.

Main duties:

• Chairing the meetings and setting the agenda of ESMA’s Board of Supervisors and the Management Board;
• Preparing the work of ESMA’s Board of Supervisors;
• Acting as the head and external representative of ESMA;
• Developing ESMA’s strategy and ensuring the achievement of ESMA’s objectives;
• Fulfilling certain clearly defined tasks and decisions of the Board of Supervisors;
• Ensuring accountability and representing ESMA before the European Parliament in annual hearings on ESMA’s performance;
• Preparing ESMA for and leading it through potential future changes in the financial regulatory landscape.

The role and responsibilities are likely to evolve with view to the European Commission’s legislative proposal on market integration and supervision, which includes changes to ESMA’s governance framework.

Candidates are invited to send their applications to the following email address: RecruitmentChair@esma.europa.eu by 23h59 (CET) on 03/03/2026.

Only complete applications will be accepted and considered, i.e.:

• A curriculum vitae in English, preferably in European format, clearly indicating how the candidate acquired the required knowledge and experience, how they meet the selection criteria and giving specific examples. Links to external platforms or profiles will not be examined. Desired naming format: ESMA_VAC01_Family name_First name_CV AND
• A motivation letter in English (max 2 pages). Desired naming format: ESMA_VAC01_Family name_First name_Motivation.

Required profile:

Candidates must meet all eligibility criteria by the application deadline:

Education and professional experience

• Completed university studies of at least four years attested by a diploma, plus a minimum of fifteen years of relevant professional experience acquired after graduation;
• or
• Completed university studies of at least three years attested by a diploma, plus a minimum of sixteen years of relevant professional experience acquired after graduation.

Only qualifications awarded in EU Member States or formally recognised as equivalent by an EU authority are accepted.

General eligibility

• National of an EU Member State;
• Enjoy full rights as a citizen;
• Have fulfilled obligations under applicable military service laws;
• Thorough knowledge of one EU language and satisfactory knowledge of a second EU language, at least at B2 level;
• Physically fit to perform the duties of the post.

There is no age limit to apply. The retirement age is 66. Given the strategic importance of the role, candidates should be able to complete the initial five-year mandate before reaching retirement age. Where candidates are equally qualified, this may be taken into account.

Requirements for the role

In addition to the eligibility criteria, the following selection criteria will be assessed throughout the procedure. Candidates should clearly demonstrate how they meet these requirements, with concrete examples.

Essential requirements

• At least fifteen years of professional experience relevant to the role, acquired after the required education level, including at least five years in a senior position within ESMA’s remit;
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Advantageous requirements

• Proven experience in financial markets, financial regulation and or supervision at national, EU or international level;
• Strong understanding of EU institutions, decision-making processes, and EU and international activities relevant to ESMA;
• Excellent knowledge of the EU political and legal environment, including negotiation experience at EU and or international level;
• Experience leading an organisation with significant responsibilities and objectives;
• Strong motivation for the position.

What we offer:

Competitive remuneration: The position is offered at AD15 level, with a competitive salary and possible allowances in accordance with EU staff regulations, reflecting the seniority and responsibilities of the role.

Impactful work: Change perspectives and shape the future of Europe’s financial markets. Dive in the current dynamic world of the European securities markets regulator and supervisor.

Multicultural environment: Join engaged professionals from across the EU, working in an inclusive, diverse, motivated and cooperative international setting.

Relocating to Paris made easy: Housing assistance: Reimbursement of a relocation agent to help you navigate the French real estate market. Language support: Free French language classes in-house (A1-B2) to ease integration. Schooling: Your children benefit from priority access, free of charge, to the European School in Paris La Défense, offering a multilingual and multicultural education in line with the European Schools curriculum, from kindergarten to the European Baccalaureate.