4 positions at the Ministry of Agriculture 2026: free appointment, levels and deadlines

Key data

Four positions of high strategic value at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food are opened for competition by free appointment starting July 6, 2026. The positions range from level 17 administrative support to level 30 Advisory Spokesperson, including specialized profiles in European fisheries funds and security with official qualification. The Resolution of June 29, 2026 from the Under-Secretariat sets a deadline of 15 working days to submit applications.

Unlike merit-based competition, free appointment grants the competent body full discretion to appoint the candidate it considers most suitable, and may even declare any of the positions vacant if no candidate meets the appropriate profile.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution convenes the provision of four job positions at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food through the free appointment system. Below are all the positions convened with their specific characteristics:

The free appointment system means that the appointment does not follow an objective merit scale, but rather the competent body evaluates the candidate's suitability in a discretionary manner. This makes professional profile, career trajectory, and fit for the position determinant, beyond simple compliance with formal requirements.

A relevant aspect is the possibility of declaring any of the positions vacant: if the convening body does not consider any candidate sufficiently suitable, it may not fill the position in this call.

Economic and operational impact

From a remuneration perspective, the positions convened correspond to significantly different salary ranges within the General State Administration. Levels 28, 29 and 30 correspond to management positions with high position allowance, while level 17 corresponds to a support profile with more modest remuneration.

For the Ministry's units, filling these four positions has direct operational impact:

• The position of Deputy Sub-director (level 29) for management of European fisheries funds is critical for the absorption and justification of community funds in the fishing sector, with direct implications for budget execution.
• The Advisory Spokesperson (level 30) for economic and contractual management affects the Ministry's capacity to process contracts and manage its budget with guarantees.
• The Head of Security Area (level 28) requires official qualification, which significantly restricts the number of eligible candidates and may prolong the process if not filled in this call.
• The Secretary's Assistant (level 17) covers an administrative support function in close proximity to management.

Who does it affect?

This call affects exclusively:

• Career civil servants of the General State Administration currently assigned to any ministry or body.
• Group A1 civil servants for the positions of Deputy Sub-director (level 29), Advisory Spokesperson (level 30) and Head of Security Area (level 28).
• Civil servants from groups A1 or A6 specifically for the Head of Security Area position, which also requires official qualification.
• Civil servants from groups C1 or C2 for the Secretary's Assistant position (level 17).
• Civil servants willing to work in Madrid, as all positions are located in the capital.

The following cannot apply for these positions: labor personnel, civil servants from other administrations (regional, local) unless integrated into the AGE, or interim personnel.

Practical example

A group A1 civil servant currently assigned to the State Secretariat for Trade who has accredited experience in managing European funds could apply for the position of Deputy Sub-director (level 29) specialized in European fisheries funds.

Their process would be as follows:

1. Access the Funciona Portal with their electronic certificate before the 15 working days from July 6, 2026 expire.
2. Complete the application indicating the position they are applying for and attach documentation proving their suitability (experience in European funds, specific training, etc.).
3. The competent body of the Ministry of Agriculture evaluates their application in a discretionary manner along with other applicants.
4. If selected, they receive formal appointment. If the body does not consider any candidate suitable, the position may be declared vacant and remain unfilled.

For the position of Head of Security Area (level 28, groups A1/A6), the candidate must previously verify that they have the required official qualification, as without it the application will not be admitted, regardless of their experience or career.

What should civil servants do now?

1. Verify the deadline: The 15 working day deadline begins on July 6, 2026. Calculate the exact deadline by discounting national and local holidays in Madrid to avoid missing the call.
2. Check group and level requirements: Confirm that you belong to the group required for the position you are applying for (A1 for levels 28-30; C1/C2 for level 17). Without meeting this requirement, your application will not be admitted.
3. Verify official qualification if applying for the security position: The Head of Security Area position (level 28) requires official qualification. Check that you have it in force before submitting your application.
4. Prepare your electronic certificate: Applications are processed exclusively through the Funciona Portal with electronic certificate. Make sure your certificate is current and operational.
5. Document your suitability: Since this is free appointment, the body evaluates fit for the profile. Prepare documentation proving your specific experience (European funds, contractual management, security, etc.) according to the position you are applying for.
6. Submit your application within the deadline: Access the Funciona Portal, complete the application for the corresponding position and send it with electronic certificate before the 15 working day deadline expires.

Official source

Consult complete regulation at official source (BOE-A-2026-14584)

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-14584