The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) monitors compliance with the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA Agreement) in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, enabling those States to participate in the Internal Market of the European Union.ESA is an international organisation, independent of the States, which safeguards the rights of individuals and undertakings under the EEA Agreement, ensuring free movement, fair competition and control of state aid. ESA's work helps remove barriers to trade and open up new opportunities to over 450 million Europeans, creating jobs and growth and adding to the international competitiveness of the States.ESA is based in Brussels. It currently employs staff members of 20 nationalities. ESA is led by a College consisting of three members, each appointed for a period of four years by the three participating EFTA States.
ESA is recruiting a legal officer to join its Internal Market Affairs Directorate (IMA).
In monitoring the effective implementation of Internal Market rules into domestic law in the EEA EFTA States, ESA performs broadly the same role as that of the European Commission in the EU Member States and the two bodies work closely together.
IMA is responsible for monitoring the EEA EFTA States to ensure that they comply with their obligations in the field of internal market law. The successful candidate will be assigned responsibility for general surveillance work and case handling regarding the implementation and application of general Internal Market law. Day to day tasks include the examination of complaints, legal conformity assessments, drafting of decisions, opinions and reports.
A high proportion of cases handled by IMA involve Norway and Liechtenstein, where the majority of the documentation is in Norwegian and German respectively. As such, we are looking for a lawyer who can bring experience and expertise of dealing with EEA law on the four freedoms and with knowledge of German and/or Norwegian.
Experience in other areas of EEA law is also desirable. Depending on workload and other requirements, the responsibilities may also cover other general or specific issues relating to EEA law.
The following are essential:
University degree in law, or recognised equivalent qualification in law
Very good knowledge of the legal framework of the internal market, in particular the four freedoms
Good command of written and spoken German and/or Norwegian
Excellent command of written and spoken English (ESA’s working language) as well as proven legal drafting ability
Excellent organisational, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills
Initiative and the ability to work both independently and in a team in an international environment
The following are desirable:
At least five years’ experience of working for the EU institutions, in particular the EU Commission.
Postgraduate degree in EEA/EU law
Familiarity with the legal orders of Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway
Knowledge of and familiarity with the functioning of the Agreement on the European Economic Area, and of the EEA EFTA States
Relevant professional experience involving national authorities or administrations
Conditions:
This position will be filled in accordance with ESA’s Policy on Recruitment available at: https://jobs.eftasurv.int.
The position is placed at grade A4 of ESA’s salary scale, the precise step being determined depending on the relevant experience of the successful candidate, with a likely starting salary of between €100 000 and €105 000 per annum. Depending on personal situation and family status, additional allowances and benefits may apply. Tax conditions are favourable.
Type and duration of appointment: fixed-term contract of three years, renewable for a further three years if desirable and in the interest of ESA. Candidates must be nationals of the States party to the EEA Agreement (EU + EEA EFTA) at the point of application and the time of any offer being made.
ESA actively seeks to promote a healthy work/life balance and a working environment allowing its staff members to develop their professional skills and interests.
Application process:
All applications must be made online at: https://jobs.eftasurv.int
Deadline for applications: 8 May 2022 at midnight CET
Interviews: May 2022
Start date: 1 September 2022 (or earlier)
Applications submitted in response to this vacancy notice may also be taken into account for the purpose of filling other vacancies arising for similar positions within ESA.
