Legal Officer

ppESA is recruiting a State aid Legal Officer to join its Competition and State aid Directorate (CSA). /ppCSA 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. /ppThe successful candidate will be assigned responsibility for assessing and handling state aid cases. Tasks include: /pulliResponsible for assessing and handling state aid cases. /liliExamine complaints and notifications related to state aid. /liliPrepare various state aid guidelines. /liliDraft decisions and legal opinions on the effects of state aid and on the application of the state aid rules and procedures. /liliParticipate in state aid working groups, as required. /li /ulpWe 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 /bof any EU/EEA EFTA State. /ppAdditional qualified candidates will also be considered for similar vacancies arising in the Directorate over the next 18 months. /ph3The following are essential: /h3ulliUniversity degree in law /liliAt least 5 years of demonstrated relevant professional experience /liliExpert 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 /liliSolid knowledge of the legal framework of the EU and/or the EEA /liliExcellent command of written and spoken English (the working language of the Authority) /liliExcellent legal drafting skills, including the ability to prepare clear and legally robust decisions, opinions, reports and other written assessments /liliProven ability to cooperate effectively with stakeholders (national authorities, European institutions or other external stakeholders). /liliExcellent organisational, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills /liliInitiative and the ability to work both independently and in a multi-disciplinary team in an international environment /li /ulh3The following are desirable: /h3ulliPostgraduate degree in EU law /liliKnowledge of procurement law /liliExperience working in an international environment /liliKnowledge of one or more of the EEA EFTA languages (Norwegian, Icelandic and German) /li /ulh3Conditions: /h3pESA 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. /ppWe offer: /pulliInternational experience and professional development /liliAn inclusive and supportive environment with high regard for cultural differences /liliCompetitive salary and benefits package, and favourable tax conditions /liliGenerous leave scheme /liliMedical, life and disability and travel insurances /liliSavings fund to assist with retirement planning /liliFlexible working arrangements /liliLanguage training expenses /li /ulpThis position will be filled in accordance with ESA’s policy on Recruitment available at: /ppThe 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. /ppType 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 (the EU Member States and the EEA EFTA States) at the point of application and the time of any offer being made. /ppESA actively seeks to promote a healthy work/life balance and a working environment allowing its staff members to develop their professional skills and interests. /ppApplications submitted in response to this vacancy notice may also be taken into account for the purpose of filling other vaca