Key data
| Regulation | Resolution of 17 July 2026, from the Under-Secretariat of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food |
|---|---|
| Publication | 27 July 2026 |
| Entry into force | 27 July 2026 |
| Affected parties | Civil servants of the State Administration with groups C1/C2 (level 18) and A1 (level 29) |
| Category | Public Sector |
| Number of positions | 3 positions in Madrid |
| Provision system | Free appointment |
| Application deadline | 15 business days from 27/07/2026 |
| Application method | Funciona Portal with electronic certificate |
Three positions at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food are open to State civil servants through free appointment. The announcement, published on 27 July 2026 through the Resolution of the Under-Secretariat of 17 July 2026, affects technical profiles with experience in international fisheries and senior management support staff. The deadline is short: 15 business days from publication, with mandatory online application.
What does this regulation establish?
The resolution announces the provision of three job positions in Madrid through the free appointment system. Unlike merit-based competition, free appointment allows the competent body of the Department to discretionally appoint the candidate it considers most suitable, and can also declare the position vacant if none meet the profile.
The three positions announced are as follows:
| Position | Unit | Level | Group | Specific requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of Secretariat | General Secretariat of Fisheries | 18 | C1/C2 | No additional specific requirements detailed |
| Senior technical position (1) | Sub-Directorate General of Agreements and Regional Fisheries Organizations | 29 | A1 | A1 qualification, high level of English, experience in international fisheries negotiation |
| Senior technical position (2) | Sub-Directorate General of Agreements and Regional Fisheries Organizations | 29 | A1 | A1 qualification, high level of English, experience in international fisheries negotiation |
Applications must be submitted through the Funciona Portal with an electronic certificate. The appointment is the responsibility of the competent body of the Department. Against the appointment resolution, a request for reconsideration may be filed within one month or an administrative contentious appeal within two months.
Economic and operational impact
For candidate civil servants, level 29 positions represent a significant salary improvement compared to lower levels, given that the position allowance in the General State Administration increases notably between levels 26 and 30. Level 29 is one of the highest accessible through free appointment in A1 bodies.
For the Ministry, filling these positions is strategic: the Sub-Directorate General of Agreements and Regional Fisheries Organizations manages Spain's international fisheries agreements, with direct impact on the national fishing sector. Leaving these positions vacant or declaring them vacant would have operational consequences for Spain's negotiating capacity in international forums.
The 15 business day deadline is tight. Given that publication is on 27 July 2026, the deadline expires around mid-August, during the holiday period, which reduces the actual margin for preparing applications.
Who does it affect?
- Group A1 civil servants of the General State Administration with experience in international fisheries negotiation and high level of English, interested in the two level 29 positions.
- Civil servants from groups C1 or C2 interested in the Head of Secretariat position of the General Secretariat of Fisheries (level 18).
- HR managers of units in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food who must manage or process internal applications.
- Spanish fishing sector, indirectly, given that level 29 positions affect the technical capacity to negotiate international fisheries agreements.
Practical example
A civil servant from the Superior Body of State Civil Administrators (group A1) currently assigned to another ministry, with proven experience in negotiations in regional fisheries organizations such as NAFO or ICCAT, and with certified high level of English, can submit their application for one of the two level 29 positions in the Sub-Directorate General of Agreements and Regional Fisheries Organizations.
To do so, they must access the Funciona Portal with their electronic certificate and submit the application within 15 business days from 27 July 2026. The competent body of the Ministry will discretionally assess their profile and may appoint them or declare the position vacant. If they disagree with the resolution, they have one month for a request for reconsideration or two months for an administrative contentious appeal.
What should civil servants do now?
- Verify the requirements of the position you are applying for: for level 29 positions it is essential to belong to group A1, demonstrate high level of English and have experience in international fisheries negotiation. For level 18, verify that you belong to group C1 or C2.
- Prepare the documentation: gather language certificates, proof of experience in international fisheries negotiation and any other relevant merits before the deadline expires.
- Calculate the actual deadline: the 15 business day deadline from 27/07/2026 expires around 18-19 August 2026, excluding national holidays. Confirm the exact date with the official calendar.
- Access the Funciona Portal with electronic certificate and complete the online application. Paper applications or applications through other channels are not accepted.
- Save the application submission receipt as proof in case of incident or subsequent appeal.
- Know the appeal procedures: if the appointment resolution is unfavorable, you have one month for a request for reconsideration or two months for an administrative contentious appeal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the deadline to apply for free appointment positions at the Ministry of Agriculture 2026?
The deadline is 15 business days counted from 27 July 2026, the date of publication of the resolution in the BOE. This places the expiration around mid-August 2026, although national holidays during the period must be excluded.
What requirements are necessary for level 29 positions in the Fisheries Sub-Directorate?
The two level 29 positions in the Sub-Directorate General of Agreements and Regional Fisheries Organizations require: belonging to group A1, demonstrating A1 qualification, having high level of English and having experience in international fisheries negotiation.
How is the application submitted for these free appointment positions?
The application must be submitted exclusively online through the Funciona Portal, using an electronic certificate. In-person or paper applications are not accepted.
Can the Ministry declare the free appointment position vacant?
Yes. The appointment is the responsibility of the competent body of the Department, which has discretionary authority and can declare the position vacant if it considers that no candidate meets the appropriate profile.
What appeals are available against the appointment resolution in free appointment?
Against the appointment resolution, two options are available: a request for reconsideration within one month before the same body that issued the resolution, or an administrative contentious appeal within two months before the administrative contentious jurisdiction.
Official source
Consult complete regulation at official source
Notice: This article is purely informational in nature 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-2026-16284