Legal Officer – Internal Market Affairs, Transport and Connectivity

The EFTA Surveillance Authority The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) 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 is an international organisation, independent of the States, which safeguards the rights of individuals and undertakings under the EEA Agreement, ensuring free movement, fair competition and control of state aid. ESA's work helps remove barriers to trade and open up new opportunities to over 450 million Europeans, creating jobs and growth and adding to the international competitiveness of the States. ESA is based in Brussels. It currently employs staff members of 19 nationalities. ESA is led by a College consisting of three members, each appointed for a period of four years by the three participating EFTA States. Job Title : Legal Officer – Internal Market Affairs, Transport and Connectivity - Job Reference 13 / 2023 Role Description ESA is recruiting a Legal Officer to join its Internal Market Affairs Directorate (IMA), in the Transport and Connectivity Unit (TCU). In monitoring the effective implementation of Internal Market rules into domestic law in the EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), ESA performs broadly the same role as that of the European Commission in the EU Member States and the two bodies work closely together. IMA is responsible for monitoring the EEA EFTA States to ensure that they comply with their obligations in the field of internal market law. The successful candidate will be assigned responsibility for general surveillance work and case handling regarding the implementation and application of EEA law relating to electronic communication services, audio-visual services, information society, cyber security and postal services. Day to day tasks will include the examination of complaints, legal conformity assessments, drafting of decisions, opinions and reports. Depending on workload and other developments, the responsibilities may be changed to cover other general or specific issues relating to EEA law. Due to possible operational needs, ESA may request that the successful candidate obtain a security clearance at EU level ‘Secret’. The following are essential :

• University degree in law, or recognised equivalent qualification in law
• Minimum 5 years’ relevant working experience in the private or the public sector
• Very good knowledge of the legal framework of EU / EEA law and relevant policy guidance, in particular in relation to regulatory issues in the electronic communications services, audiovisual services, information society, cyber security and postal services sectors
• 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 :

Conditions : This position will be filled in accordance with ESA’s policy on Recruitment available at : . The position is placed at grade A4 of ESA’s salary scale, the precise step being determined depending on the relevant experience of the successful candidate, with a likely starting salary of between €108,000 and €113,500 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 (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.