Internal Market Affairs Officer (Transport)

Role Description 

ESA is recruiting a Legal Officer to join its Internal Market Affairs Directorate (IMA), in the Transport and Connectivity Unit (TCU unit). 

IMA is responsible for monitoring the EEA EFTA States to ensure that they comply with their obligations in the field of internal market law. The TCU unit is more specifically responsible for monitoring the compliance of the EEA EFTA States to the legislation in the areas of Maritime, Aviation, Rail, Road and Inland transport as well as in the areas of Telecommunications, Postal Services, Information Society Services, Audiovisual Services and Cyber Security.

ESA is seeking a candidate with a minimum of 3 years of work experience from the public or private sector and solid knowledge of EEA Maritime Transport legislation.

The successful candidate will be assigned responsibility for general surveillance work and case handling regarding the implementation and application of EEA law relating to Maritime Transport (safety, security, freedom to provide services and establishment) in the EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway).

 Tasks include examination of complaints, legal conformity assessments, drafting of decisions, opinions and reports, organisation of and participation in maritime security inspections.

 IMA’s work in the maritime field requires close cooperation with the European Maritime Safety Agency and the successful candidate will be expected to engage in regular contact and cooperation with the Agency.

Finally, the Legal Officer will be expected to proactively keep abreast of developments in the field and closely cooperate with external counterparts, such as the European Commission, the EFTA Secretariat and the EEA EFTA States’ national competent authorities.

Depending on workload and other developments, the responsibilities may be changed to cover other general or specific issues relating to EEA law.

Experience with security inspections in an international context would be advantageous but is not essential.

 The role of Legal Officer is a unique opportunity to handle a wide range of challenging cases. It should appeal in particular to eloquent, dynamic and self-motivated lawyers who enjoy analysing legal problems while at the same time being interested in policy formulation and implementation at both national and European level.

Essential Skills and Qualifications: 

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

• Very good knowledge of EU/EEA law

• Specialised knowledge of EEA Maritime Transport Law

• Minimum 3 years relevant professional experience in the private or the public sector

• Excellent command of written and spoken English (ESA’s working language)

• Excellent organisational, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills

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

• Ability to obtain a security clearance at EU level ‘Secret’, which will be commissioned by ESA for the selected candidate

• Ability to travel, primarily to the EEA EFTA States, depending on the tasks assigned

• Willingness and ability to take on work across different areas within the responsibility of the TCU unit.

The following are desirable:

• A postgraduate degree in EU/EEA law and/or in the field of transport law

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

• Knowledge of other areas falling under the responsibility of TCU unit

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

• Experience with security inspections carried out in an international context

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

Conditions: 

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 27 April 2025 (midnight Brussels time)

• Interviews: May/June

• 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 Valgerður Guðmundsdóttir Deputy Director IMA on +32 (0)2 286 1818 / vag@eftasurv.int.

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