Application Guide

How to Apply for Expert Advisor, Plant Protection Products (Pesticides)

at France Government, General Directorate of Health

🏢 About France Government, General Directorate of Health

The General Directorate of Health (DGS) is a key French government agency shaping national public health policy with a focus on protecting citizens from health threats. Working here offers direct impact on France's health regulations and the opportunity to contribute to the Ecophyto 2030 strategy, which aims to reduce pesticide use while maintaining agricultural productivity. This role places you at the intersection of environmental protection, public health, and European regulatory harmonization.

About This Role

As Expert Advisor for Plant Protection Products, you'll co-pilot the implementation of France's Ecophyto 2030 strategy while developing and monitoring EU and national pesticide regulations. This role directly impacts public health protection and environmental sustainability through regulatory oversight and national coordination on pesticide policies. You'll serve as the DGS's technical authority on pesticides, bridging scientific assessment with policy implementation.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day typically involves reviewing pesticide regulatory dossiers, preparing technical briefings for DGS leadership on EU regulatory developments, and coordinating with regional health agencies on pesticide policy implementation. You might spend the afternoon participating in inter-ministerial meetings on Ecophyto 2030 progress, analyzing ANSES scientific opinions, and drafting position papers on proposed regulatory changes affecting plant protection products.

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🎯 Who France Government, General Directorate of Health Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years of hands-on experience with EU pesticide authorization procedures (Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009) and French national implementation
  • Demonstrates specific project management experience coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives involving government agencies, industry, and environmental groups
  • Possesses detailed knowledge of Ecophyto 2030's specific targets, implementation mechanisms, and progress indicators
  • Can navigate both technical scientific assessments of pesticides and their translation into practical regulatory frameworks

📝 Tips for Applying to France Government, General Directorate of Health

1

Highlight specific experience with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 and how you've applied it in previous roles or projects

2

Demonstrate understanding of France's specific pesticide reduction targets under Ecophyto 2030 and propose concrete implementation approaches

3

Showcase coordination experience with ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety) or similar regulatory bodies

4

Include examples of navigating the interface between EU regulations and national implementation in the French context

5

Quantify your impact in previous pesticide-related roles using metrics like regulatory timelines improved, stakeholder groups coordinated, or policy documents drafted

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your direct experience with EU pesticide regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 and how you've contributed to its implementation", "Specific knowledge of Ecophyto 2030's structure, current progress, and challenges in meeting its pesticide reduction targets", 'Examples of successful coordination between national and territorial levels on environmental or health policies', "Understanding of DGS's role within France's public health ecosystem and how this position contributes to its four main objectives"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → France's latest Ecophyto 2030 progress report and specific reduction targets for different pesticide categories
  • → DGS's recent publications or positions on pesticide-related health issues and how they align with ANSES assessments
  • → Current debates in the French Parliament regarding pesticide regulation and how they might impact this role
  • → The specific coordination mechanisms between DGS, the Ministry of Agriculture, and regional health agencies on pesticide policies

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your experience with the EU pesticide authorization process and how you've handled a complex regulatory dossier
2 How would you approach coordinating pesticide policy implementation across different French territorial levels (regional, departmental)?
3 What specific challenges do you foresee in achieving Ecophyto 2030's targets, and how would you address them?
4 Describe a situation where you had to balance agricultural needs with environmental and public health protection in pesticide regulation
5 How would you handle a situation where EU regulations conflict with national implementation priorities in France?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Treating pesticide regulation as purely environmental without addressing public health implications central to DGS's mission
  • Demonstrating only theoretical knowledge of EU regulations without practical implementation experience in the French context
  • Failing to recognize the dual challenge of reducing pesticide use while maintaining agricultural productivity and food security

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to France Government, General Directorate of Health!

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