EFTA - European Free Trade Association
Do you want to be a part of a dynamic and ambitious intergovernmental organisation working for the promotion of free trade and economic integration across Europe and globally? The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) offers the opportunity for two motivated and highly skilled professionals to join the Internal Market Division in Brussels. As an officer here, you will be part of an organisation based on professionalism, cooperation, trust, responsibility and respect.
The EFTA Secretariat serves the four EFTA States – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – and has offices in Geneva, Brussels and Luxemburg. The Brussels Office supports the EEA EFTA States in the management of the EEA Agreement and assists in preparing new legislation for integration into the Agreement.
The Internal Market Division (IMD) is responsible for providing support and assistance to the EFTA States in their work related to the EEA Agreement and their contribution to the development of EEA-relevant legislation.
Division: Internal Market Division
Location: Brussels
Category/Level: A4
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term three years. If considered desirable and in the organisation’s interest, an additional three-year contract may be offered.
Start Date: Summer 2025
Job Reference: VA 06/2025
Policy Officers Internal Market Division
Role Description
For this vacancy we are recruiting two policy officers. The work a policy officer consists of facilitating and coordinating the work of the Sectoral EFTA Working and Expert Groups related to the incorporation of EU legislation into the EEA Agreement.
We are looking for two highly motivated and competent candidates to take on responsibility for interesting and challenging policy areas within the EEA Agreement.
Among the policy areas which will be covered by our new colleagues are: Health and Safety at Work, Recognition of Professional Qualifications, Free Movement of Persons, Employment and Social Policy, Social Security, Public Health, Intellectual Property Rights, Competition Policy, State Aid, Public Procurement, Company Law and Consumer Affairs. Policy areas will be assigned dependent on candidates’ past experience, interest and qualifications in combination with the overall division of workload and needs of the
division.
Responsibilities include:
- Coordinate, facilitate and provide support services to the relevant EFTA Working and Expert Groups including preparing meeting agendas and reports
- Monitor the development of EU policy and legislation
- Case-handling related to the incorporation of relevant EU acts into the EEA Agreement
- Information and presentations to stakeholders and interest groups
- Support colleagues within other sectors when needed
- Take on responsibility for and contribute to other tasks and common projects
The job entails frequent contact and coordination with national administrations of the EFTA States, the European Commission services, such as the relevant Directorate Generals and the Secretariat-General of the European Commission and the EFTA Missions to the EU in Brussels. Officers may also participate in relevant EU institution meetings including attending and reporting from meetings and hearings in the European
Parliament.
The candidates must be willing to take on other tasks as required, e.g. facilitate the integration of new legislation into the EEA Agreement by ensuring the co-ordination and support services to the relevant EFTA working groups and expert groups.
Essential Skills
- Relevant university degree, minimum master's level
- At least five years of relevant work experience, preferably in national administration, international organisation and/or related private sector activity
- Good knowledge of the EEA Agreement and one or more of the relevant Policy areas
- Ability to draft texts, analytical reports and policy papers concisely and clearly in English
- Ability to cooperate closely and constructively in an international team
- Working knowledge of at least one of the EFTA languages
- Fluency in written and spoken English
Ideal Skills
- Top notch interpersonal skills, engaged, highly motivated and able to take initiative
- Knowledge of the EU institutions, policies and procedures
- Self-reliance, autonomy and a proactive approach
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
Employment Terms
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 benefit package.
Grade: A4
Annual salary: EUR 112,786.56
Number of positions: 2
Appointments are normally 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. Through its recruitment policy, the EFTA Secretariat wants to ensure diversity in terms of gender, age and culture.
EFTA is an international organisation, and the salaries and related payments are normally exempt from income taxation by the EFTA Member States and in the host states of the EFTA duty stations. Depending on the candidate’s family status, benefits and allowances may apply.
This position is open to nationals of all the EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland). Applicants must apply via the EFTA e-recruitment tool. Please note that only applications received via our web tool will be considered.
Deadline for applications: 6 April 2025
Arbeitsort: Brüssel
For further information on this post, please contact:
On substance:
Ms Marit Schage Andria, Director of IMD Internal Market Division,
mail: maritschage.andria@efta.int
tel. +32 2 28 61 740
On process:
HR Support, HR.support@efta.int