EFTA - European Free Trade Association
The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is an intergovernmental organisation working for the promotion of free trade and economic integration to the benefit of its four Member States Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
The EFTA Secretariat provides services to the EFTA States and has offices in Geneva, Brussels, and Luxemburg. The Headquarters in Geneva services the EFTA Council and supplies services for policy development, negotiations and implementation of free trade and cooperation agreements with countries outside the European Union. The Brussels office supports the management of the EEA Agreement and assists the Member States in the elaboration of input to EU decision making. EFTA’s Luxembourg office contributes to the development of the European Statistical system.
EFTA has established preferential trade relations – primarily in the form of free trade agreements and joint declarations on cooperation – with more than 50 countries and territories outside the EU and is continuing to develop this worldwide network. Regular travels, sometimes also at short notice, are part of the role.
This position is open to nationals of the EFTA Member States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).
Trade Relations Division (TRD)
Role Description
The advertised position is placed in the Trade Relations Division of the EFTA Secretariat in Geneva, consisting of a tightly knit team of 12 staff members. The Division provides comprehensive services to Member States related to the exploration, negotiation, administration, monitoring, analysis and modernisation of EFTA’s preferential trade relations.
The successful candidate will have substantive, analytical and organisational responsibilities
in support of EFTA’s engagement with partner countries outside the European Union.
The officer’s main responsibility will be in the areas of trade and sustainable development, government procurement and technical cooperation in EFTA free trade agreements. The position will also include responsibilities as desk officer for specific countries, the elaboration of relevant documents around monitoring, analytical and negotiation processes, as well as other tasks in areas covered by EFTAs free trade agreements. The position further requires willingness and flexibility to contribute to additional areas of the Trade Relations Division’s evolving work agenda, as well as to travel internationally.
Essential Skills
- Relevant master’s university degree or equivalent, preferably with a specialisation
in international legal, economic and/or political issues; - Specific know-how in relation to questions of trade and sustainable developmen and/or government procurement, including a good understanding of how sustainability monitoring processes and impact assessments are conducted;
- Relevant work experience in a national administration, international organisation, and/or related research or private sector activity, involving international relations;
- Excellent oral and written command of English, which is the EFTA working language;
- Service-mindedness and tact;
- Very good communication, negotiation and analytical skills;
- Flexibility to work in various areas of EFTA’s evolving third-country trade relations;
- Ability to work independently, under time pressure and to meet deadlines;
- Strong organisational skills, proactivity and self-reliance;
- Readiness to cooperate closely in an international team and interact with Member States.
- Sound knowledge in the field of international trade policy and rules and the relevant
international legal frameworks, in particular of the WTO, UNCTAD, ILO and OECD; - Knowledge of French, and possibly other work-related languages, would be an asset.
Employment Terms
As an organization committed to diversity, we understand the transformative power of varied perspectives. We invite you to bring your unique insights and innovative ideas to the table, contributing to a more inclusive and progressive future.
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 also offers:
- International career and learning opportunities.
- An inclusive environment with high regard for cultural differences.
- Competitive benefits package (EFTA salaries are normally exempt from income taxation; additional benefits and allowances may apply).
Annual salary: CHF 174,337.44
Appointments are 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 depending on the relevance and length of professional experience, demonstrated by the candidate.
EFTA is an international organisation, and the salaries and related payments are normally exempt from income taxation by the EFTA States and the host states of the EFTA duty stations. Depending on the candidate’s family status, benefits and allowances may apply.
Applicants must be nationals of one of the EFTA Member States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).
Applicants must apply online via the e-recruitment tool. Please note that only applications
received via our web tool and fulfilling the nationality requirement will be considered.
Arbeitsort: 1000Brüssel
On job content: Mr Markus Schlagenhof, Deputy Secretary-General and Director TRD,
markus.schlagenhof.@efta.int, tel. +41 22 332 26 04; On process & technical issues: HR Support, HR.support@efta.int