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.L 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. The following qualifications are essential: A master’s degree in economics or business administration. A degree in a related field may also be considered, depending on the length and relevance of the candidate’s professional experience. At least six years of relevant professional experience in applied economics and/or corporate finance, which may also include experience outside the field of State aid where the role involved a similar analytical skillset. Excellent command of written and spoken English (ESA’s working language) Strong analytical skills, including the ability to understand complex facts, work with both quantitative and qualitative information, critically assess assumptions and translate findings into well-reasoned legal conclusions. Strong command of Excel and other relevant software programs. Good organisational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver on deadlines. Effective interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international, multidisciplinary environment, drive casework forward and consult effectively.

Role Description ESA is recruiting a Legal Adviser to join its Legal and Executive Affairs Department (LEA) in 2026. We are looking for an EEA/EU law generalist with the ability to specialise in subject areas such as internal market, competition or State aid law. Within ESA, LEA is responsible for providing legal advice and support with regard to policy formulation, co-ordination and communication. The Department reviews all decisions of ESA and conducts litigation before the EFTA Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). Day-to-day work covers all aspects of EEA law including internal market, State aid and competition law as well as the implementation and application of EEA law in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. LEA is responsible for managing ESA’s formal decision-making process, including ensuring the adoption of decisions by College in compliance with ESA’s procedural rules. LEA also hosts the Communications Team, the Registry and Library. ESA’s Data Protection Officer is a member of the LEA team. The role of Legal Adviser is a unique opportunity to handle a wide range of challenging and high-profile 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.