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 a motivated and highly skilled professional to join the EEA Coordination Division in Brussels as a Legal 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 incorporation into the Agreement.
The EEA Coordination Division currently consists of 17 staff members and is responsible for the overall coordination of general policy and legal EEA related activities, i.a. servicing the EEA Council, the EEA Joint Committee, the Standing Committee of the EFTA States, and the EFTA Parliamentary and Consultative Committees.
We are looking for a highly motivated and qualified lawyer who is willing to take on a challenging post in a dynamic environment.
Scope
The Legal Officer is a member of the EEA Coordination Division and plays a key role in providing the EEA EFTA States with legal assistance on horizontal issues relating to the EEA Agreement. Such horizontal issues include e.g. two-pillar questions (for example, legal questions arising in relation to EU legal acts on agencies); matters related to third countries; and cross-sectoral initiatives. The work of the Legal Officer will involve all policy areas covered by the EEA Agreement.
Under the supervision of the Division Director and the Head of EEA Legal Coordination, and in close collaboration with the Secretariat’s Legal Team, the successful applicant will assume responsibility for the following tasks:
- Managing the procedures and processes related to the incorporation of new EU legislation into the EEA Agreement (“the Long list”) to ensure that the EEA Joint Committee can adopt its decisions on incorporation of EEA-relevant EU legislation in a timely manner, and that the content and style of these decisions are correct. This entails close cooperation with colleagues within the Secretariat, in the EEA EFTA States, and in the EU institutions.
- Drafting legal notes and providing legal advice to the EEA EFTA States. The Legal Officer maintains a horizontal overview of the issues being dealt with in order to ensure the necessary continuity for the smooth running of the EEA Agreement and to uphold its homogeneity.
- Assisting the EFTA Subcommittee on legal and institutional questions (Subcommittee V) and the EFTA Standing Committee as needed.
- Contributing to EFTA’s outreach activities, sharing knowledge and building competence on how the EEA Agreement functions and its legal implications, by giving trainings and presentations in meetings and seminars.
The successful applicant may also be assigned other legal tasks, including tasks to support the broader legal work across the Secretariat.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in law, or equivalent. A postgraduate degree in EEA and/or European Union law would be an asset.
Experience
- At least 3-5 years of relevant work experience in a national administration or international organisation, or other relevant private sector company;
- Sound knowledge and understanding of the EEA Agreement. Knowledge of related agreements, such as the Surveillance and Court Agreement and Standing Committee Agreement, would be an asset;
- Knowledge of the functioning of EEA and EU institutions;
- Proficiency in standard office software (Microsoft Office). Interest and experience in new IT tools, including AI-based solutions, would be an asset.
Skills
- Excellent analytical skills;
- Ability to draft legal texts and opinions concisely, clearly and swiftly in the English language;
- Interest in the political processes and priorities in the EFTA States;
- Ability to manage and co-ordinate complex and detailed procedures and work processes;
- Results-oriented approach, strong attention to detail, a productive and co-operative attitude, and good diplomatic, communication and social skills;
- Self-reliance, autonomy and ability to take initiative and deliver with short deadlines on sensitive issues under pressure.
Languages
- Knowledge of at least one of the EFTA languages.
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 offers exciting and challenging opportunities for suitably qualified candidates.
Grade: A4
Annual salary: EUR 112,786.56
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.
Please note the following indicative timeline for the selection process:
- Application deadline: 29 June 2025
- Automated video interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a pre-recorded video interview during the week of 7 July 2025
- Written assignment: Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a written assignment during the week of 21 July 2025
- Online interview: Interviews will be held between 28 and 30 of August 2025
Please note that these timelines are subject to change. We appreciate your understanding as we accommodate the summer holiday period in our recruitment process.
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.
For further information on this post, please contact:
On substance:
- Ms Karoline Lumholdt Mathisen, Head of EEA Legal Coordination, [email protected], +32 2 286 17 12
On process:
- HR Support, [email protected]
Deadline for applications: 29 June 2025
