Legal Officer - State Aid

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 open 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 within 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.

Role Description

ESA is recruiting a State aid 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 State aid, the bigger share of CSA’s work is focused on assessing notifications of major aid schemes and individual awards as well as handling complaints in a broad and diverse portfolio. CSA maintains close cooperation with the authorities of the EFTA EEA states and with the European Commission under the cooperation rules of the EEA Agreement. CSA participates in the State aid working groups of the European Commission.

The successful candidate will be assigned responsibility for assessing and handling state aid cases. Tasks include:

• Responsible for assessing and handling state aid cases.
• Examine complaints and notifications related to state aid.
• Draft decisions and legal opinions on the effects of state aid and on the application of the state aid rules and procedures.
• Participate in state aid working groups, as required.

We are looking for a well-qualified lawyer with extensive experience within the field of state aid law. This position is aimed at candidates with at least five years of relevant experience. Ideally the successful candidate will have worked extensively with state aid matters within a European institution (e.g. DG COMP or Legal Service, the Court of Justice), an international organisation, a private law firm or a national administration of any EU/EEA EFTA State.

Additional qualified candidates will also be considered for similar vacancies arising in the Directorate over the next 18 months.

• University degree in law
• At least 5 years of demonstrated relevant professional experience
• Expert knowledge and extensive practical experience in EU and/or EEA state aid law from an EU Institution, national authority or administration or a private law firm
• Solid knowledge of the legal framework of the EU and/or the EEA
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (the working language of the Authority)
• Excellent legal drafting skills, including the ability to prepare clear and legally robust decisions, opinions, reports and other written assessments
• Proven ability to cooperate effectively with stakeholders (national authorities, European institutions or other external stakeholders).
• 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

Ideal Skills

• Knowledge of procurement law
• Experience working in an international environment
• Knowledge of one or more of the EEA EFTA languages (Norwegian, Icelandic and German)

Other information

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: 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.

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.

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