What can you expect from this job?
Being
a field commander or deputy commander comes with a lot of
responsibility. The commanders will be managing groups from 300 to 600
officers deployed not in one country, but in a region, travelling
between the locations where the officers are based.
Professionalism,
integrity, strong leadership skills, ability to manage resources and
understand the bigger picture are key skills needed in this job. Many
will be leaving their national services and starting in a completely
new, international environment. This is why it is crucial that the
officers are able to learn fast.
Those who worked in
an international environment before know how exciting the job can be.
Working with people from different backgrounds – law enforcement,
civilian, but also various cultural backgrounds – is a truly enriching
experience. This is a passion.
These will be the
first contingent leaders. They will be able to create their contingents,
shape the working methods and set the benchmarks. This is an
opportunity that they will probably never have in their current
positions – to create and build up a team.
What makes a good leader?
In
my view, a leader is someone whose mission is to develop people he or
she works with, someone who understands and listens to people. They
guide, rather than instruct. But at the same time, a leader needs to be
able to take decisions, stand by them, and take responsibility.
Most
importantly, a leader needs to have high ethical standards. This is not
just a statement. We are looking for people who have respect for the
values of the European Union, and who will lead by example. We want
people we can trust.
What motivates you in your work?
The
ability to create. The people I work with. I try to surround myself
with strong people who have strong opinions, with diverse backgrounds,
who will advise me and challenge me. I will take decisions, but I will
consult them.
What did your path towards leadership look like?
I
started from the very bottom. I started as a corporal in the Latvian
police and went up to Deputy Chief – as the first woman. It was learning
and growing together with the colleagues. Whoever I am, whatever I
know, a lot of it is their gift to me.
What would you tell future commanders?
You
need to come with the right mindset. It’s good to have a strong
national or international experience, but what is extremely important is
to have a European focus, not only national. We will support you with
the necessary leadership and border management training, and with
guidance from staff.
This is an extremely rewarding
job, difficult at times, but it’s worth it. This is the opportunity to
do something no one has ever done before. It’s an opportunity to deliver
strategic change in the European Union.
If you want a job that you can be proud of, don’t look any further.
