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EFTA Surveillance Authority
The EFTA Surveillance Authority
The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) is an international organisation which monitors compliance with the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA Agreement) in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, enabling those States to participate in the Internal Market of the European Union.
ESA's work helps remove barriers to trade and opens up new opportunities to over 450 million Europeans, creating jobs and growth and adding to the international competitiveness of the States.
ESA currently employs staff members of 22 different nationalities from across the EEA. Based in Brussels, ESA is collocated with in the EFTA House with its sister organisations the EFTA Secretariat and the EEA and Norway Grants (FMO).
ESA is led by a College of three members, appointed by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It is divided into the following departments: Administration, Internal Market Affairs Directorate, Competition and State Aid Directorate and Legal and Executive Affairs Department.
Legal Officer – Internal Market Affairs (General) - Job Reference 08/2026
Role Description
ESA is recruiting a legal officer to join its Internal Market Affairs Directorate (IMA).
Within ESA, IMA is responsible for monitoring the implementation and application of EEA rules relating to the internal market. This includes the free movement of goods, workers, services and capital, as well as horizontal policies such as public procurement, energy, environment, transport and food and veterinary law. In addition, IMA has some management tasks relating, inter alia, to direct enforcement within the internal market.
ESA is seeking a dynamic, well-qualified, and highly motivated professional with in-depth knowledge of EEA law, in particular the four freedoms. Experience in other areas of EEA law is an asset. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work independently as well as
in a team environment. Depending on workload and other requirements, the responsibilities may also cover other issues relating to EEA law.
The successful candidate will:
- Be assigned responsibility for general surveillance work and case handling concerning the implementation and application of EEA law in the fields of free movement of goods, including State monopolies, discriminatory taxation, medicinal products and devices and intellectual property in the EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway).
- Examine complaints and carry out legal conformity assessments.
- Draft ESA decisions, opinions and reports.
- Proactively monitor and analyse developments in the relevant policy and legal fields.
- Cooperate closely with external counterparts, including the European Commission, the EFTA Secretariat and national competent authorities in the EEA EFTA States.
Essential Skills and Qualifications:
- University degree in law, or recognised equivalent qualification in law
- Very good knowledge of EEA law and the legal framework of the internal market, in particular the four freedoms
- Minimum 5 years’ relevant professional experience in either the public or private sector
- 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
The following are desirable:
- Experience of working for the EU institutions, in particular the EU Commission.
- Postgraduate degree in EEA/EU law.
- Familiarity with the legal orders of Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway
- Knowledge of and familiarity with the functioning of the Agreement on the European Economic Area, and of the EEA EFTA States.
- Good command of written and spoken Norwegian, German and/or Icelandic (the EFTA languages).
- Relevant professional experience
Conditions:
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, 12 April 2026 (midnight Brussels time)
- Interviews: May
- 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.
Arbeitsort: 1000Brüssel
Questions regarding the post may be addressed to Maria Moustakali, Deputy
Director IMA on +32 (0)2 286 1868 / mmou[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.