The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) is an international organisation which 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's work helps remove barriers to trade and opens up new opportunities to over 450 million Europeans, creating jobs and growth and adding to the international competitiveness of the States.
ESA currently employs staff members of 21 different nationalities from across the EEA. Based in Brussels, ESA is collocated with in the EFTA House with its sister organisations the EFTA Secretariat and the EEA and Norway Grants (FMO).
Role Description
ESA is recruiting a Legal Officer to join its Competition and State Aid Directorate (CSA). CSA is a multi-disciplinary team comprising both economists and lawyers that enforces the competition and state aid rules of the EEA Agreement. These rules mirror the competition rules in the EU, both with regard to antitrust and state aid control. CSA has similar enforcement powers as the European Commission’s DG COMP. In the field of state aid the bigger share of CSA’s work is focused on assessing notifications of major state aid schemes and individual awards as well as handling complaints in a a broad and diverse portfolio. CSA maintains close cooperation with the authorities of the EFTA EEA states and with the European Commission under the cooperation rules of the EEA Agreement. CSA participates in the state aid working groups of the European
Commission.
The successful candidate will be assigned responsibility for assessing and handling state aid cases. Tasks include examination of complaints and notifications, drafting of decisions, and legal opinions on the effects of state aid and on the application of the state aid rules and procedures. Participation in the state aid working groups may also form part of the job.
We are looking for a well-qualified lawyer with extensive experience within the field of state aid law. This position is aimed at candidates with at least five years of relevant experience. Ideally the successful candidate will have worked with state aid matters within a European institution (e.g. DG Comp or Legal Service) an international organisation, a private law firm or a national administration.
Additional qualified candidates will also be considered for similar vacancies arising in the Directorate over the next 18 months.
The following are essential:
The following would be advantageous:
Conditions:
ESA offers a dynamic and diverse work environment, providing the chance to collaborate with a team of highly skilled professionals. You will be part of an organisation that values professionalism, cooperation, trust, responsibility and respect.
We offer:
This position will be filled in accordance with ESA’s policy on Recruitment available at:
https://jobs.eftasurv.int. Former ESA staff members are eligible to apply provided the closing date is at least three years after their departure date. In exceptional circumstances, this requirement may be waived.
The positions are placed at grade A4 of ESA’s salary scale, the precise step being determined depending on the relevant experience of the successful candidates, with a likely starting salary of between €112,780 and €118,650 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 (EEA EFTA States and the EU Member States) 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:
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.
Questions regarding the post may be addressed to Ketill Einarsson, Deputy Director
State Aid on +32 (0)2 286 1818 / kei@eftasurv.int.
Questions regarding the recruitment process may be addressed to Catherine Vandeput,
HR Officer, on +32 2 286 1870 / cva@eftasurv.int.