Legal Officer, Internal Market Affairs

ESA is recruiting a Legal Officer to join its Internal Market Affairs Directorate (IMA), in the unit responsible for the four freedoms of the internal market and related areas of EEA law such as labour law, social security, recognition of professional qualifications and data protection.

IMA is responsible for monitoring the EEA EFTA States to ensure that they comply with their obligations in the field of internal market law. In monitoring and enforcing the effective implementation of Internal Market rules into domestic law in the EEA EFTA States, ESA performs broadly the same role as that of the European Commission in the EU Member States and the two bodies work closely together.

The successful candidate will be assigned responsibility for surveillance work and case handling regarding the implementation and application of the rules of the Internal Market. We are looking for EEA/EU law generalists with the ability to specialise in subject areas covered by the unit, such as the four freedoms and related areas referred to above, with special focus on freedom of establishment, including taxation, and capital. Depending on the workload and other requirements, the responsibilities of the successful candidate may vary and also cover other fields of law of the internal market as well as general or specific issues relating to EEA/EU law.

We are therefore looking for a candidate with strong background knowledge in EEA/EU law and at least three years of relevant experience from the public and/or private sector in the application of internal market rules. Day to day tasks include the examination of complaints, legal conformity assessments, drafting of decisions, opinions and reports. 

Essential Skills

• University degree in law, or recognised equivalent qualification in law
• Minimum 3 years’ relevant professional experience in the private or the public sector
• Very good knowledge of the legal framework of the internal market, in particular the four freedoms
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (ESA’s working language) as well as proven legal drafting ability
• Excellent organisational, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills
• Initiative and the ability to work both independently and in a team in an international environment

Ideal Skills

• Postgraduate degree in EEA law
• Knowledge of and familiarity with the functioning of the Agreement on the European Economic Area, and of the EEA EFTA States
• Familiarity with the legal orders of Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
• Relevant professional experience involving the EU institutions, relevant national authorities or administrations
• Good understanding of Norwegian, Icelandic or German (the EEA EFTA languages).

Other information

ESA has a dynamic and diverse work environment with the opportunity to work in a team of highly qualified people. We offer: 

• International experience and professional development  
• An inclusive environment with high regard for cultural differences 
• Competitive benefits package and favourable tax conditions 
• Generous leave scheme
• Medical, life and disability and travel insurances 
• Savings fund to assist with retirement planning 
• Flexible working arrangements 
• Language training expenses 

This position will be filled in accordance with ESA’s policy on Recruitment available at: https://jobs.eftasurv.int.  The position is placed at grade A4 of ESA’s salary scale, the precise step being determined depending on the relevant experience of the successful candidate, with a likely starting salary of between €106,700 and €112,250 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 (EU + EEA EFTA) at the point of application and the time of any offer being made. 

Application process:

• All applications must be made online via the link below
• Deadline for applications: 25 August 2024 midnight CET
• Interviews: September/October 2024
• Start date: January 2025 (at the latest)

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 Maria Moustakali, Deputy Director IMA General Internal Market on +32 2 286 1868 / mmou[at]eftasurv[dot]int.

Questions regarding the recruitment process may be addressed to Emma Thomas, HR & Payroll Officer on +32 2 286 1870 / eth[at]eftasurv[dot]int.