EFTA - European Free Trade Association
Are you a passionate, driven individual looking to kick-start your career in an intergovernmental organisation? Or do you already bring a first work experience with you and want to know more about the EEA Agreement? Then welcome to our Junior Professional Programme, where we offer you a unique opportunity to embark on an exciting journey of professional growth and development.
The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is an intergovernmental organisation set up for the promotion of free trade and economic integration between its four Member States: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
We are looking for highly motivated and qualified Junior Professionals to fill 6 positions as of 1 September 2025 for a duration of 11 months. Deadline for application: 23 February 2025.
Division: All Units
Duration of Appointment: 11 months
Start Date: 1 September 2025
Closing Date: 23-02-2025
Job Reference: VA 01/2025
Scope
The aim of the programme is to provide junior civil servants and other qualified applicants with opportunities
Junior Professional Programme - EFTA Secretariat 2025-2026
Field of work
The Junior Professionals will be assigned to a specific Division of the EFTA Secretariat according to the academic field of specialisation, personal preferences, and career objectives.
Posts are offered within the following fields of work:
- Legal Affairs (Brussels)
- Policy Coordination (Brussels)
- Statistical cooperation (Luxembourg)
A short overview of the activities of each Division and the related Junior Professional position can be found here. Please read the page carefully before applying, you can consult the EFTA Secretariat website for more information.
Note that candidates must specify their preferred field of work in the online application tool.
Qualifications
- University degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Law, Economics, Political or Social Science, International Relations etc.) or final year students due to complete their degree prior to 1 September 2025.
Experience
- Work experience of 1-2 years in a governmental service and knowledge of the EEA agreement or EFTA free trade agreements would be an advantage.
Skills
- An analytical mind with ability to draft good quality documents in English;
- A flexible and motivated team player and capable of taking on a wide variety of tasks, both complex and more basic.
Languages
- Fluency in both spoken and written English.
Employment Terms
Nationality requirements
The Junior Professional programme at the EFTA Secretariat is open to nationals of the EFTA Member States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).
What we offer
- Junior Professionals receive a monthly stipend of EUR 1 890 (if stationed in Brussels or Luxembourg);
- Accommodation in spacious individual furnished flats will be provided;
- Health, life and invalidity and travel insurance cover;
- Reimbursement of travel costs upon taking up and leaving the programme;
- The opportunity to join language classes.
Note: The stipend and benefits received by Junior Professionals do not fall under the same privileges applying to EFTA officials. The relationship with the respective tax authorities is the Junior Professionals' own responsibility and the taxation decision lies with the competent tax authority.
Application procedure
Only applications submitted via the EFTA online recruitment tool will be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by phone and interviews are normally conducted online via Teams in the weeks following the deadline.
Please be aware of the following:
- Your application will only be considered if you are a national of one of the EFTA Member States;
- All requested information on education, work experience, motivation, etc., should be filled in on the application form;
- Applications submitted by e-mail will not be taken into consideration.
More information regarding the recruitment process for the Junior Professional Programme
can be found here.
In the interest of offering this valuable experience to the broadest pool of individuals possible, former ESA, EFTA Court and EFTA Secretariat Junior Professionals/trainees will not be eligible to apply for this Junior Professional Programme.
Arbeitsort: Brüssel
For any further information, please contact EFTA Human Resources: hr.support@efta.int