EFTA - European Free Trade Association
The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is an intergovernmental organisation working for the promotion of free trade and economic integration to the benefit of its four Member States Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
The EFTA Secretariat provides services to the EFTA States and has offices in Geneva, Brussels, and Luxemburg. The Headquarters in Geneva services the EFTA Council and supplies services for policy development, negotiations and implementation of free trade and cooperation agreements with countries outside the European Union. The Brussels office supports the management of the EEA Agreement and assists the Member States in the elaboration of input to EU decision making. EFTA’s Luxembourg office contributes to the development of the European Statistical system.
EFTA has established preferential trade relations – primarily in the form of free trade agreements and joint declarations on cooperation – with more than 40 countries and territories outside the EU and is continuing to develop this worldwide network. Regular travels are part of the role.
This position is open to nationals of the EFTA Member States (Iceland, Liechtenstein,
Norway, and Switzerland).
Division: Trade Relations Division (TRD)
Location: Geneva
Category/Level: A4
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term 3 years. If considered desirable and in the organisation’s interest, an additional three-year contract may be offered.
Start Date: 1 June 2024
Job Reference: VA 18/2024
Officer - Intellectual property and legal issues - Trade Relations Division VA 18/2024
Scope
The advertised position is placed in the Trade Relations Division of the EFTA Secretariat in Geneva, consisting of a tightly knit team of 12 staff members. The Division provides comprehensive services to Member States related to the exploration, negotiation, administration, and modernisation of EFTA’s preferential trade relations.
The successful candidate will have substantive, analytical and organisational responsibilities in support of EFTA’s engagement with partner countries outside the European Union.
Her/his specific area of responsibility will centre on issues pertaining to the area of legal and institutional issues including dispute settlement, trade remedies and competition in EFTA free trade agreements as well as the legal review of agreements concluded or modernised.
The position will also extend to a range of other trade policy questions, e.g. the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) or other fields covered by EFTA’s comprehensive free trade agreements and country desk responsibilities (coordination of EFTA’s preferential trade relations with several partner countries). Depending on the candidate’s profile the position
offered may also involve work related to EFTA’s internal policy on data protection.
Essential Skills
- Relevant master’s university degree, preferably with a specialisation in international legal and/or economic issues and/or IPR;
- Expertise in the field of international trade policy and rules, with sound knowledge of relevant international legal frameworks, in particular of the WTO;
- Specific know-how in relation to questions of legal and institutional issues and IPR in trade agreements would be an asset;
- Relevant work experience in a national administration, international organisation, and/or related research or private sector activity, preferably involving international relations;
- Excellent oral and written command of English, the EFTA working language;
- Service-mindedness and tact;
- Very good communication and negotiation skills;
- Ability to work under time pressure and to meet deadlines;
- Strong organisational skills, proactivity and self-reliance;
- Readiness to cooperate closely in an international team as well as with partner countries and Member States.
Ideal Skills
- Sound knowledge in the field of international trade policy and rules and the relevant international legal frameworks, in particular of the WTO, OECD, WIPO and WCO;
- Knowledge of French, and possibly other work-related languages, would be an asset.
- Familiarity with international data protection laws and regulations, in particular the GDPR, would be an additional benefit.
Employment Terms
As an organization committed to diversity, we understand the transformative power of varied perspectives. We invite you to bring your unique insights and innovative ideas to the table, contributing to a more inclusive and progressive future.
EFTA has a dynamic and diverse work environment with the opportunity to work in a team of highly qualified people. Here you will be part of an organisation based on professionalism, cooperation, trust, responsibility, and respect.
EFTA also offers:
- International career and learning opportunities.
- An inclusive environment with high regard for cultural differences.
- Competitive benefits package (salaries are normally exempt from income taxation; additional benefits and allowances may apply).
Officer at Grade: A4
Annual salary: CHF 170,085
Appointments are made at the first step of the grade. The Secretary-General reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level different from that advertised.
EFTA is an international organisation, and the salaries and related payments are normally exempt from income taxation by the EFTA States and the host states of the EFTA duty stations. Depending on the candidate’s family status, benefits and allowances may apply.
Applicants must be nationals of one of the EFTA Member States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).
Applicants must apply online via the e-recruitment tool: https://jobs.efta.int/home.html
Please note that only applications received via our web tool will be considered.
Arbeitsort: Geneva
For further information on this post, please contact:
On job content:
Mr Markus Schlagenhof, Deputy Secretary-General and Director TRD, Markus.SCHLAGENHOF@efta.in
Tel. +41 22 332 26 04
On process & technical issues:
HR Support, HR.support@efta.int
Tel. +32 2 28 61 709
Deadline for applications: 31 January 2025