Legal Officer - Competition and State Aid - State Aid

Role Description

ESA is recruiting a 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 state 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 examination of complaints and notifications, drafting of decisions, and legal opinions on the effects of state aid and on the application of the state aid rules and procedures. Participation in the state aid working groups may also form part of the job.

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 with state aid matters within a European institution (e.g. DG Comp or Legal Service) an international organisation, a private law firm or a national administration. 

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

Essential Skills

• University degree in law
• At least 5 years of demonstrated relevant professional experience
• Expert knowledge in EEA/EU state aid law
• Solid knowledge of the legal framework of the EEA/EU
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (the working language of the Authority)
• 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

• Postgraduate degree in EU law
• Relevant professional experience with state aid matters from a national authority or administration, an EU institution or an international organisation
• Knowledge of competition, procurement or telecommunications law
• Knowledge of the legal system, economy and national administration of Norway
• Familiarity with the legal orders of Iceland or Liechtenstein
• Command of written and spoken Norwegian
• Good understanding of Icelandic or 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: https://jobs.eftasurv.int. 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 €112,780 and €118,650 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 (EEA EFTA States and the EU Member States) 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 6 April 2025 (midnight CET)

-          Interviews: April/May

-          Start date: Autumn 2025

Applications submitted in response to this vacancy notice may also be taken into account for the purpose of filling other vacancies arising for similar positions within ESA. 

Questions regarding the post may be addressed to Ketill Einarsson, Deputy Director State Aid on +32 (0)2 286 1818 / kei[at]eftasurv[dot]int.

Questions regarding the recruitment process may be addressed to Catherine Vandeput, HR Officer, on +32 2 286 1870 / cva[at]eftasurv[dot]int.