The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is the intergovernmental organisation of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, set up for the promotion of free trade and economic integration between its members, within Europe and globally. The EFTA Secretariat provides services to the EFTA Member States. At the duty station in Brussels this mainly entails support in the management of the EEA Agreement and assistance in the preparation of new legislation for incorporation into the Agreement. The Secretariat also assists the Member States in the elaboration of input into EU decision making.
This position is open to nationals of one of the EFTA Member States (Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein).
Division: Goods
Scope
The Goods Division is one of the substance divisions of the Secretariat and is responsible for serving the EFTA States in the area of free movement of goods, including standardisation, harmonisation and technical regulations. One of the major areas of legislation in the EEA Agreement within the free movement of goods is matters related to the food chain. We are looking for a highly motivated and qualified candidate to take on the challenging post of officer responsible for veterinary and phytosanitary matters, food safety, wine and spirit drinks.
The main tasks of the successful applicant will be the following:
• Following the development of EU policy and legislation concerning food safety and veterinary matters, including animal health, animal welfare and seeds
• Coordinating, facilitating and providing support services to the EFTA Working Group on the Food Chain
• Case handling related to the incorporation of relevant acts into the EEA Agreement
In addition to the above-mentioned tasks, the job entails frequent contact and coordination with the EU Commission services, participation in relevant EU forums and committees (including meetings in the European Parliament), reporting and other administrative and more horizontal tasks.
The successful applicant may be assigned additional tasks and policy areas in the area of free movement of goods, dependent on the needs and workload of the division.
Qualifications
University degree, preferably at Master’s level
Experience
• Minimum five years’ work experience, including three years in the relevant field with a national body, national administration, international organisation or the private sector
• Solid overall knowledge of the EEA Agreement and the relevant areas in particular
• Solid knowledge of the EU structure and EU decision making
• Experience with standard office software (Microsoft Office) and case handling and document management systems
Skills
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• Self-reliance and autonomy combined with facility for teamwork
• Excellent analytical skills and focus on results
• Eye for detail as well as capacity to see the full picture
• Positive and enthusiastic attitude
• Ability to draft analytical reports and policy papers concisely and clearly in English
Languages
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Knowledge of French and/or other EU languages would be an asset
Employment Terms
Grade: A4
Annual starting salary: EUR 87,532
Appointments are normally made at the first step of the grade. The Secretary-General reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level different from that advertised.
Salaries and related payments are exempt from taxation by the EFTA States, and as regulated in headquarters agreements, in the EFTA host states. Depending on the candidate’s family status, benefits and allowances may apply.
Applicants must be nationals of one of the EFTA Member States.
Applicants must apply online via the e-recruitment tool.
For further information on this post, please contact:
Ms Brit Helle, Director GDD, tel. + 32 2 286 17 40
Ms Line Bøystad, Senior Officer GDD, tel. +32 2 286 17 45
Mr Sigurd Gangnaes, Head of HR, tel. +32 2 286 17 06
Deadline for applications: 24 April 2016
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