Deputy Director Internal Market Affairs (TCU)

Role Description

ESA is recruiting a Deputy Director who will be responsible for leading the Transport and Connectivity Unit (TCU) within the Internal Market Affairs Directorate (IMA) in co-operation with the IMA Director.

Within ESA, IMA is responsible for monitoring the implementation and application of EEA rules relating to the internal market. This includes the free movement of goods, workers, services and capital, as well as horizontal policies such as public procurement, energy, environment, transport and food and veterinary law. Furthermore,  IMA is tasked with taking decisions and exercising direct supervision in line with the relevant acquis.

The Transport and Connectivity Unit is one of the four Units in IMA. It monitors and enforces EEA law across transport sectors (aviation, maritime, rail and road) and connectivity fields such as telecommunications, audio-visual services, postal services, cyber security and information society services, handling complex cases on market access, public service obligations and security inspections, while ensuring compliance with newly adopted legislation and addressing high-profile regulatory issues.

The successful candidate will:

• Propose course of action in cases within the Unit’s scope.
• Set objectives and monitor performance, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Empower and support staff, fostering professional growth and development.
• Ensure compliance with ESA procedures and drive continuous improvement in internal processes.
• Oversee recruitment and onboarding within the Unit, while promoting staff wellbeing and cultivating a positive, collaborative working environment.
• Manage the Unit’s relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective cooperation.
• Contribute to the IMA Management Team, assisting the Director in managing the Directorate as a whole.

ESA is seeking a dynamic, well-qualified, and highly motivated professional with in-depth knowledge of EEA law and sectoral expertise in at least one area within the Unit’s scope. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership qualities, exceptional interpersonal skills, and outstanding communication abilities. The successful applicant should possess the aptitude to guide and support team members in all aspects of case handling, while fostering their growth and professional development.

Essential Skills

• University degree in law;
• A thorough knowledge of EEA Law, in particular in transport and/or connectivity;
• Minimum 7 years’ relevant professional experience in either the private or public sector, including at least three years in a leadership or coordination role;
• Proactive approach and initiative to advance projects and cases effectively;
• Excellent leadership, organisational, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to help others grow and build consensus;
• The ability to work both independently and in a team in an international environment;
• Proven flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and requirements;
• An affinity for using IT tools and document management systems;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (ESA’s working language) as well as proven legal drafting ability.

Ideal Skills

• Relevant professional experience involving the EU institutions, relevant national authorities or administrations;
• Demonstrated ability to deliver effective internal and external communications;
• Familiarity with the legal orders of Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein;
• Good understanding of Norwegian, Icelandic or German (the EFTA languages).

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
• Competitive benefits package and favourable tax conditions 
• Generous leave scheme
• Medical, life and disability and travel insurances 
• Savings fund to assist with retirement planning 

This position will be filled in accordance with ESA’s policy on Recruitment available at: https://jobs.eftasurv.int. The position is placed at grade A5 of ESA’s salary scale, with a likely starting salary of between €130 000 and €137 000 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.   

Application process:

• All applications must be made online at: https://jobs.eftasurv.int
• Deadline for applications: Sunday 14 December 2025 midnight CET
• Interviews: January/February 2026
• Start date: June 2026

Questions regarding the post may be addressed to Jonina Lárusdóttir, Director IMA on +32 (0)2 286 1873 / jsl[at]eftasurv[dot]int.

Questions regarding the post and the recruitment process may be addressed to:

Sabina Vella, Head of HR on +32 (0)2 286 1832 / sve[at]eftasurv[dot]int or

Catherine Vandeput, HR Officer on +32 (0)2 286 1870 / cva[at]eftasurv[dot]int.