Legal Officer

ppThe 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. /p /brpESA'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. /p /brpESA 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). /p /brpESA 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. /p /brpbDeadline for applications: /b /p /brpbJob Reference: /b 13/2026 /p /brh3Role Description /h3 /brpESA is recruiting a State aid Legal Officer to join its Competition and State aid Directorate (CSA). /p /brpCSA 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. /p /brpThe successful candidate will be assigned responsibility for assessing and handling state aid cases. Tasks include: /p /brul /brliResponsible for assessing and handling state aid cases. /li /brliExamine complaints and notifications related to state aid. /li /brliPrepare various state aid guidelines. /li /brliDraft decisions and legal opinions on the effects of state aid and on the application of the state aid rules and procedures. /li /brliParticipate in state aid working groups, as required. /li /br /ul /brpWe are looking for a well-qualified lawyer with extensive experience within the field of state aid law. This position is aimed at candidates with bat least five years /b of relevant experience. Ideally the successful candidate will have worked extensively with state aid matters bwithin a European institution /b (e.g. DG COMP or Legal Service, the Court of Justice), ban international organisation /b, ba private law firm /b or a bnational administration /b of any EU/EEA EFTA State. /p /brpAdditional qualified candidates will also be considered for similar vacancies arising in the Directorate over the next 18 months. /p /brh3Essential Skills /h3 /brh3The following are essential: /h3 /brul /brliUniversity degree in law /li /brliAt least 5 years of demonstrated relevant professional experience /li /brliExpert 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 /li /brliSolid knowledge of the legal framework of the EU and/or the EEA /li /brliExcellent command of written and spoken English (the working language of the Authority) /li /brliExcellent legal drafting skills, including the ability to prepare clear and legally robust decisions, opinions, reports and other written assessments /li /brliProven ability to cooperate effectively with stakeholders (national authorities, European institutions or other external stakeholders). /li /brliExcellent organisational, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills /li /brliInitiative and the ability to work both independently and in a multi-disciplinary team in an international environment /li /br /ul /brh3Ideal Skills /h3 /brh3The following are desirable: /h3 /brul /brliPostgraduate degree in EU law /li /brliKnowledge of procurement law /li /brliExperience working in an international environment /li /brliKnowledge of one or more of the EEA EFTA languages (Norwegian, Icelandic and German) /li /br /ul /brh3Other information /h3 /brh3Conditions: /h3 /brpESA 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. /p /brpWe offer: /p /brul /brliInternational experience and professional development /li /brliAn inclusive and supportive environment with high regard for cultural differences /li /brliCompetitive salary and benefits packag