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 motivated and highly skilled professionals to join the Internal Market Division in Brussels as Temporary Officers. 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: A2
Type/Duration of Appointment: Temporary 12-month contract
Start Date: Spring 2025
Job Reference: VA 07/2025
Temporary Officers (Policy and Legal) Internal Market Division
Role Description
For this vacancy we are recruiting two temporary officers. One policy temporary officer and one legal temporary officer.
The temporary policy officer position in IMD entails on one hand taking on responsibility for certain files within policy sectors and working independently on them, and on the other helping out across the division as needed. The position requires a high degree of cooperation with other experts. The Temporary Officer may therefore be asked to take on assignments within all the policy fields covered by the EEA Agreement.
The main tasks and responsibilities of the post are i.e.:
- Preparation and facilitation of meetings of EFTA expert and working groups
- Monitor policy developments of the EU and their relevance and impact for the EEA EFTA States
- Day-to-day case handling as regards the incorporation of EU acts into the EEA Agreement
- Draft memos and notes and provide input to reports and briefings for working groups and the Subcommittees
- Liaise with EFTA Member States and EU experts on specific files
- Coordinate and contribute to drafting EEA EFTA comments and position papers
- Give briefings both internally and to external stakeholders on developments of the EEA and the EU.
The temporary legal officer position in IMD entails cooperating closely with and providing legal advice to colleagues and the EEA EFTA States as well as helping our Legal Officers as needed. The Temporary Legal Officer may therefore be asked to take on legal assignments related to all the policy fields covered by the EEA Agreement.
The main tasks and responsibilities of the post are i.e.:
- Provide legal services and advice in cooperation with Legal Officers to the EEA EFTA States and colleagues in IMD within a wide selection of policy areas covered by the EEA Agreement
- Draft Decisions of the EEA Joint Committee incorporating EEA-relevant EU legal acts into the EEA Agreement
- Draft legal and explanatory notes related to the management of the EEA Agreement
- Cooperate closely with Ministries in the EEA EFTA States, the EFTA Missions to the EU and EU counterparts regarding the incorporation of EU legislation into the EEA Agreement.
Essential Skills
- University degree in law (mandatory in case you apply for the temporary legal position), international relations, political sciences, etc.
- At least 2 years of relevant work experience, preferably in a national administration, social partner organisation or international organisation
- Excellent ability to draft policy papers, agendas and reports concisely in English
- Solid knowledge of the substance and functioning of the EEA Agreement and EU policies and institutional structure
- Agile use of standard office software and case handling systems
- Working knowledge of at least one of the EFTA languages
Ideal Skills
- Result-oriented and proactive
- Good diplomatic, communication and social skills
- Excellent organisational ability with facility for teamwork
- Self-reliance and autonomy
- And a positive attitude
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: A2
Annual salary: EUR 78,660.84
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. Please specify in your motivation for which of the two temporary positions you are applying for.
Deadline for applications: 16 March 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
Ms Gunnthora Elin Erlingsdottir, Deputy Director of IMD Internal Market Division
mail: gunnthora.erlingsdottir@efta.int
tel. +32 2 28 61 766