Position description
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 opens 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 with in 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 Le gal and Executive Affairs Department.
Job Reference: 04/2026
Role Description
ESA is recruiting two officers in the Food and Veterinary Unit (FVU), in the Internal Market Affairs (IMA) Directorate, to work as auditors and case handlers in the field of food and feed safety, animal health and welfare. The successful candidates will be assigned responsibilities related to the application of the relevant EEA legislation in Iceland and Norway. The incumbents may also be asked to assist with additional tasks within the unit as needed.
The vacant positions are situated in IMA, which 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.
ESA is seeking dynamic, well-qualified, and highly motivated professionals with in-depth knowledge of food and/or veterinary matters within the scope of EEA law and sectoral expertise in the required fields. The ideal candidates will demonstrate strong analytical and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work independently. The successful applicants should possess the aptitude to guide and support team members in audits.
The successful candidates will
Plan, conduct and lead audits in the fields of food and feed safety, animal health and welfare, and prepare high‑quality audit reports with clear recommendations;
Handle cases as a regular part of the work, assessing compliance issues, preparing documentation and following up on actions with national authorities;
Apply and interpret relevant EEA legislation, providing well‑reasoned proposals for action and supporting consistent implementation across the EEA EFTA States;
Cooperate with team members during audits, contributing to a collaborative, professional and learning‑oriented environment;
Engage effectively with Icelandic and Norwegian authorities and other stakeholders, promoting constructive cooperation and timely follow‑up;
Contribute to the wider work of the IMA Directorate, coordinating with colleagues and supporting delivery of shared objectives in an international setting.
Additional qualified candidates may also be considered for vacancies foreseen in the Directorate over the next 12-18 months.
Qualifications
Veterinary degree or a master's degree in veterinary science or other sciences related to the field of food and feed safety, animal health and animal welfare;
Minimum 5 years' relevant professional experience;
Experience in preparing and conducting audits, drafting of audit reports and follow-up of the results of such audits;
Experience of leading audit teams and/or other coordination role;
Knowledge of EEA legislation related to food and feed safety, animal health and welfare;
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 team in an international environment;
Ability to travel, primarily to the EEA EFTA States, depending on the tasks assigned.
The following are desirable
Knowledge of and familiarity with the functioning of the EEA Agreement and the EEA EFTA States;
Experience with case handling in relevant areas;
Relevant professional experience involving the institutions of the EU, the EEA and/or the EEA EFTA States;
Knowledge of the relevant industries within the EEA EFTA States (e.g. aquaculture and fisheries);
Good understanding of Norwegian or Icelandic (the relevant EEA EFTA languages);
Experience in leading audits in an international context;
Holder of a valid driving licence and confident driving in winter conditions.
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.
These positions 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.
Application instructions
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