Legal Officer – Internal Market Affairs – Environment

The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) 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 is an international organisation, independent of the States, which safeguards the rights of individuals and undertakings under the EEA Agreement, ensuring free movement, fair competition and control of state aid. 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. Based in Brussels, ESA currently employs staff members of 18 different nationalities.  ESA is led by a College consisting of three members, each appointed for a period of four years by the three participating EFTA States.

In the area of the Environment, ESA is responsible for ensuring that the EEA EFTA States comply with their obligations to protect, preserve and improve the quality of the environment and ensure a high level of environmental protection. In the area of Climate Change, ESA oversees the participation of the EEA EFTA States in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), as well as the obligations they have undertaken to curb emissions under the Effort Sharing Legislation.

We are looking for an experienced candidate with a minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience with regulatory and/or supervisory work in the field of environmental law for the public and/or private sector. 

Tasks include the examination of complaints, legal conformity assessments, and drafting of decisions, opinions and reports. Depending on workload and other developments, the responsibilities may also cover other general or specific issues relating to EEA law. 

The following are essential:

•    University degree in law, or recognised equivalent qualification in law 

•    Minimum 5 years’ relevant professional experience in the private or the public sector 

•    Specialised knowledge of EEA/EU law in the field of environment law

•    Excellent command of written and spoken English (ESA’s working language) as well as proven legal drafting ability

•    Excellent organisational, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills

•    Initiative and the ability to work both independently and in a team in an international environment

The following are desirable:

•    Postgraduate degree in EEA/EU law

•    Relevant professional experience involving national authorities, administrations or the EU institutions

•    Knowledge of and familiarity with the functioning of the Agreement on the European Economic Area, and of the EEA EFTA States

•    Good understanding of Norwegian, Icelandic or German (the EEA EFTA languages)

Conditions:

This position will be filled in accordance with ESA’s policy on Recruitment Policy 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 position is placed at grade A4 of ESA’s salary scale, the precise step being determined depending on the relevant experience of the successful candidate, with a likely starting salary of between €95 000 and €100 000 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: 28 June 2020 (midnight CET)

-    Interviews: July 2020

-    Start date: As soon as possible

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 Gabrielle Somers, Deputy Director Internal Market Affairs on +32 (0)2 286 1876 / gas@eftasurv.int.

Questions regarding the recruitment process may be addressed to Kathryn Bryan, Head of HR, on +32 (0)2 286 1832 / kbr@eftasurv.int. 

 

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