ESA is recruiting a Legal Adviser to join its Legal and Executive Affairs Department (LEA) in 2026. We are looking for an EEA/EU law generalist with the ability to specialise in subject areas such as internal market, competition or State aid law.
Within ESA, LEA is responsible for providing legal advice and support with regard to policy formulation, co‑ordination and communication. The Department reviews all decisions of ESA and conducts litigation before the EFTA Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). Day‑to‑day work covers all aspects of EEA law including internal market, State aid and competition law as well as the implementation and application of EEA law in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
LEA is responsible for managing ESA’s formal decision‑making process, including ensuring the adoption of decisions by College in compliance with ESA’s procedural rules. LEA also hosts the Communications Team, the Registry and Library. ESA’s Data Protection Officer is a member of the LEA team.
The role of Legal Adviser is a unique opportunity to handle a wide range of challenging and high‑profile 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.
Deadline for applications
22‑03‑2026
Job Reference
06/2026
Role Description
The successful candidate will :
Be responsible for the legal review of ESA’s draft decisions
Act as agent for the Authority before the EFTA Court, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), and other courts
Work in close cooperation with case handlers across departments and with Members of the College
Maintain an overview of cases and relevant legal developments in the participating EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), acting as country coordinator where assigned.
Apply in depth knowledge of national legal systems, administrative structures and language of the State to guide ESA’s stance
Support proactive engagement with national authorities, with a view to ensuring the effective application of EEA law.
The following are essential:
University degree in law, or recognised equivalent qualification in law
At least 5 years’ relevant professional experience in the private or the public sector
Direct experience in litigation
Broad specialist expertise in substantive, institutional and procedural EEA and EU law
Capacity and willingness to take a stance and formulate concrete recommendations on complex legal issues, coupled with sound judgment and diplomacy
Excellent organisational, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills
Initiative and the ability to work both independently and in a team in an international environment
Excellent command of written and spoken English (ESA’s working language), as well as proven legal drafting ability
Ideal Skills
The following are desirable:
Knowledge of and familiarity with the functioning of the Agreement on the European Economic Area, and of the EEA EFTA States
Relevant professional experience involving national authorities, administrations, the EU institutions and agencies, or international organisations and courts
Familiarity with the legal system, economy and national administrations of Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
Experience as litigator before the EFTA Court or the CJEU
Good understanding of Norwegian and Norwegian legal system
Background in the legal services of EU institutions
Good understanding of French (working language of the Court of Justice of the European Union)
Other information
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. 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 €117 072 and €123 167 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: Sunday 22 March 2025 (midnight CET)
Interviews: April/May 2025
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:
Questions regarding the recruitment process may be addressed to:
Catherine Vandeput, HR Officer on +32 (0)2 286 1870 / cva[at]eftasurv[dot]int.
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