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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 21 different nationalities from across the EEA. Based in Brussels, ESA is collocated within the EFTA House with its sister organisations the EFTA Secretariat and the EEA and Norway Grants (FMO).
Legal Officer Competition - Competition and State Aid Directorate
Role Description
ESA is recruiting a Legal Officer to join its Competition and State Aid Directorate (CSA).
CSA is a multi-disciplinary team, comprising both economists and lawyers, that enforces the competition and state aid rules of the EEA Agreement. These rules mirror the competition rules in the EU, both with regard to antitrust and state aid control. CSA has similar enforcement powers as the European Commission’s DG COMP. In the field of competition, the bigger share of CSA’s work is focused on cases of abuse of dominance (article 54 EEA, which mirrors article 102 TFEU). CSA maintains close cooperation with the competition authorities of the EFTA EEA states and with the European Commission under the cooperation rules of the EEA Agreement. CSA is a member of the European Competition Network (ECN) and participates in the various working groups.
The successful candidate will be assigned responsibility for assessing and handling competition law cases. Tasks include examination of complaints, drafting of Statements of Objections, Requests for Information, decisions, and legal opinions on the application of the EEA antitrust rules and procedures. Cooperation with national authorities and participation in the ECN working groups form part of the job.
We are looking for a qualified lawyer with experience within the field of EEA/EU competition law. This position is aimed at candidates with at least five years of relevant experience, who are motivated by the opportunity to gain professional development. Ideally, the successful candidate will have worked with competition law matters in private practice (law firm or in-house lawyer), a European institution (DG Comp or Legal Service) or a national competition authority. Knowledge of the language, legal system, economy
and national administration of Iceland or Norway would be an advantage (but not a requirement).
Additional qualified candidates will also be considered for vacancies foreseen in the
Directorate over the next 12-18 months.
The following are essential:
- University degree in law
- Solid knowledge of the legal framework of the EEA/EU
- Expert knowledge in EEA/EU competition law
- At least 5 years of demonstrated relevant professional experience (competition law)
- Excellent command of written and spoken English (the working language of the Authority) as well as proven legal drafting skills
- Excellent organisational, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills
- Initiative and the ability to work both independently and in a multi-disciplinary team in an international environment
Any of the following would be advantageous:
- Postgraduate degree in EU/EEA law (ideally competition law)
- Professional experience with competition law matters (in particular antitrust) in private practice (international law firm or in-house lawyer), a national competition authority of an EEA State, an EU institution (DG COMP or Legal Service) or an international organisation (e.g. OECD)
- Knowledge of and familiarity with the functioning of the EEA Agreement
- Knowledge of the language, legal system, economy and national administration of Iceland or Norway
- Knowledge of telecommunications law
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
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 (EU + EEA EFTA) 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 11 May 2025 at midnight CET
- Interviews: May/June 2025
- Start date: Autumn 2025
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 Filip Ragolle, Deputy Director CSA on +32 2 286 1827 / fra@eftasurv.int.
Questions regarding the recruitment process may be addressed to Catherine Vandeput,
HR Officer on +32 2 286 1870 / cva@eftasurv.int.