Legal Officer

The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) is an international organisation which 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'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.

ESA currently employs staff members of 22 different nationalities from across the EEA. Based in Brussels, ESA is collocated within the EFTA House with its sister organisations the EFTA Secretariat and the EEA and Norway Grants (FMO).

ESA is led by a College of three members, appointed by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It is divided into the following departments: Administration, Internal Market Affairs Directorate, Competition and State Aid Directorate and Legal and Executive Affairs Department.

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Legal Officer - Internal Market Affairs (TCU) - Connectivity

Deadline for applications :

Job Reference :
VA 05/2026

Role Description

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

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. In addition, IMA has some management tasks and direct enforcement within the internal market.

The TCU unit is 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 Electronic Communications, Postal Services, Information Society Services, Audiovisual Services and Cybersecurity (\"connectivity\").

ESA is seeking a candidate with a minimum of 5 years of work experience from the public or private sector and solid knowledge of the connectivity-related domains.

The successful candidate will:

• Be assigned responsibility for general surveillance work and case handling concerning the implementation and application of EEA law in the fields of electronic communications services, audiovisual services, information society, cybersecurity and postal services in the EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway).
• Examine complaints and carry out legal conformity assessments.
• Draft ESA decisions, opinions and reports.
• Proactively monitor and analyse developments in the relevant policy and legal fields.
• Cooperate closely with external counterparts, including the European Commission, the EFTA Secretariat and national competent authorities in the EEA EFTA States.

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

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

• University degree in law, or recognised equivalent qualification in law
• Very good knowledge of the legal framework of EU/EEA law and relevant policies, in particular in relation to regulatory issues in the electronic communications services, audiovisual services, information society, cybersecurity and postal services
• Minimum 5 years relevant professional experience in the private or the public sector
• 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
• 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.

Ideal Skills

• A postgraduate degree in EU/EEA law, or in connectivity-related areas e.g. ICT law
• Knowledge of and familiarity with the functioning of the Agreement on the European Economic Area, and of the EEA EFTA States
• Familiarity with the legal orders of Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
• Knowledge of other areas falling under the responsibility of TCU unit
• Relevant professional experience involving the EU institutions, relevant national authorities or administrations
• Good understanding of Norwegian, Icelandic or German (the EEA 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 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: 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 € and € 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:
• Deadline for applications: Sunday, 8 March 2026 (midnight Brussels time)
• Interviews: April/May
• 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 Valgerður Guðmundsdóttir, Deputy Director IMA on / vag[at]eftasurv[dot]int.

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