Public Administration Personnel: Roles, Access, and Selection

Public Administration Personnel

Public Officials: Individuals in paid roles within public administration serving the general interest.

• Career Officials: Linked to the administration by a statutory administrative relationship to perform services on a permanent basis.
• Interim Officials: Appointed to specific roles, with their tenure ending upon the cessation of the cause for their appointment.

Personal Laboral (Contracted Staff)

Subject to employment legislation, these individuals provide services paid by the government:

• Indefinite
• Temporary

Temporary and Directive Personnel

• Temporary Personnel: Appointed for non-permanent, special advisory functions.
• Directive Personnel: Develop professional leadership roles in government, as defined by specific administration rules.

Access to Public Employment

Access is granted via public call through systems that ensure equality, merit, ability, and publicity. The law requires that, once the General State Budget (PGE) is approved, the job offer must be published in the first quarter of each year.

Personnel Selection Processes

• Competition-Opposition: A selective process involving both competitive examinations and the assessment of merits.
• Competition: Involves the classification of merits provided by applicants in relation to the requirements of the specific call.

Requirements for Selective Tests

• Possess Spanish nationality.
• Not suffer from a disease or physical defect preventing duty.
• Be at least 16 years of age.
• Not have been separated from service by disciplinary action.
• Possess the required qualifications or be able to obtain them.

Calls and Applications

Content of Calls: Published in the Official Gazette, including the number of seats, application centers, conditions, required evidence, and merit rating systems.

Application Presentation: Must be submitted within 20 days of the BOE publication.

Status and Registration

• Practice Phase: Upon passing the screening test, candidates are appointed as trainee officials.
• Procurement of Official Status: Granted after successfully passing the practice stage.
• Personnel Registration: A central registry maintains records of all staff serving in the state administration for consistency and control.

Internal Promotion

Opportunities for advancement require the necessary qualifications, two years of service, and passing specific tests. Types include:

• Vertical: Climbing from a body or sub-scale to a higher one.
• Horizontal: Accessing different grades within the same professional subgroup.

Workplace Relations

The technical instrument used to manage personnel according to service needs, determining levels of responsibility and compensation.

EU Administration

The European Union acts as a source of employment, selecting staff on a geographical basis.