ESA is recruiting a Legal Officer to join its Internal Market Affairs Directorate (IMA), in the Transport and Connectivity Unit (TCU).
IMA is responsible for monitoring the EEA EFTA States to ensure that they comply with their obligations in the field of internal market law. TCU is more specifically responsible for monitoring the compliance of the EEA EFTA States to the legislation in the areas of Aviation, Maritime, Rail, Road and Inland transport as well as in the areas of Telecommunications, Postal Services, Information Society Services, Audiovisual Services and Cyber Security.
ESA is seeking a candidate with a minimum of 5 years of work experience from the public or private sector and solid knowledge of EEA legislation in the field of aviation, rail and/or road transport.
The successful candidate will:
- Be assigned responsibility for general surveillance work and case handling concerning the implementation and application of EEA law relating to Transport (safety, security, freedom to provide services and establishment) in the EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway).
- Examine complaints and carry out legal conformity assessments.
- Draft ESA decisions, opinions and reports.
- Participate in aviation and maritime security inspections.
- Proactively monitor and analyse developments in the relevant policy and legal fields.
- Cooperate closely with external counterparts, including the European Commission, the EU Agencies for transport, the EFTA Secretariat and national competent authorities in the EEA EFTA States.
- Contribute to the wider work of IMA and ESA, coordinating with colleagues and supporting delivery of shared objectives in an international setting.
Depending on workload and other developments, the responsibilities may be changed to cover other general or specific issues relating to EEA law.
The role of Legal Officer is a unique opportunity to handle a wide range of challenging cases. It should appeal in particular to eloquent, dynamic and self-motivated lawyers who enjoy analysing legal problems while at the same time being interested in policy formulation and implementation at both national and European level.
Essential Skills
- University degree in law, or recognised equivalent qualification in law
- Very good knowledge of the EU/EEA legal framework and relevant policies, with a strong focus on regulatory aspects of EEA law concerning aviation, rail and/or road transport
- Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in the private or the public sector
- Experience with case handling in relevant areas
- 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
- Ability to obtain a security clearance at EU level ‘Secret’, which will be commissioned by ESA for the selected candidate
- Ability to travel, primarily to the EEA EFTA States, depending on the tasks assigned
- Willingness and ability to take on work across different areas within the responsibility of TCU
Ideal Skills
- A postgraduate degree in EU/EEA law and/or in the field of transport 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
- Knowledge of other areas falling under the responsibility of TCU
- 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 offers a dynamic and diverse work environment, providing the chance to collaborate with a team of highly skilled professionals. You will be part of an organisation that values professionalism, cooperation, trust, responsibility and respect.
We offer:
- International experience and professional development
- An inclusive and supportive environment with high regard for cultural differences
- Competitive salary and 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. Former ESA staff members are eligible to apply provided the closing date is at least three years after their departure date. In exceptional circumstances, this requirement may be waived.
The positions are placed at grade A4 of ESA’s salary scale, the precise step being determined depending on the relevant experience of the successful candidates, with a likely starting salary of between €117 072 and €123 167 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 (EEA EFTA States and the EU Member States) at the point of application and the time of any offer being made.
ESA actively seeks to promote a healthy work/life balance and a working environment allowing its staff members to develop their professional skills and interests.
Application process:
- All applications must be made online at: https://jobs.eftasurv.int
- Deadline for applications: Sunday, 26 April 2026 (midnight Brussels time)
- Interviews: May/June
- Start date: September 2026
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 Valgerður Guðmundsdóttir Deputy Director IMA on +32 (0)2 286 1818 / vag[at]eftasurv[dot]int.
Questions regarding the recruitment process may be addressed to Catherine Vandeput, HR Officer, on +32 2 286 1870 / cva[at]eftasurv[dot]int.
