EFTA Surveillance Authority

Role description ESA is recruiting an economist to join its Directorate for Competition and State Aid (CSA). CSA is a multi-disciplinary team of economists and lawyers responsible for enforcing the competition rules of the EEA Agreement (antitrust and State aid), as well as regulation in the electronic communications sector (eCom). Across these areas, CSA cooperates closely with the European Commission to ensure the consistent application of the relevant legislation throughout the EEA. CSA is seeking a qualified economist to support its State aid casework. The ideal candidate should have broad professional experience in applied microeconomics (e.g. public economics or industrial organisation) and corporate finance. The candidate should also be familiar with cost accounting and financial reporting and have a good understanding of the State aid legal framework. The successful candidate will be part of CSA’s Chief Economist Team and report to the Chief Economist. The case handling work will be co-ordinated by the Deputy Director of State Aid. The main tasks of the position include: Providing economic and financial analysis in State aid cases (notifications and complaints), including both qualitative and quantitative assessments in cases covering a wide range of sectors and legal instruments. Leading or contributing to related case-handling tasks, including preparing information requests, conducting fact-finding, contributing to the drafting of decisions or other procedural documents, and assisting in litigation. Assisting the Chief Economist in supporting junior staff in their State aid case work, including providing guidance on analytical approaches, conducting quality review of draft decisions and other deliverables, and contributing to recruitment, onboarding and training of new colleagues.