Deputy Director Internal Market Affairs (Environment, Energy, Financial Services and Public Procurement)

Position description

The EFTA Surveillance Authority

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 21 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.

Job Reference: 17/2025

ESA is recruiting a Deputy Director who will be responsible for leading the Environment, Energy, Financial Services and Public Procurement Unit (ENFIP) within the Internal Market Affairs Directorate (IMA) in co-operation with the IMA Director.

Within ESA, 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.

ENFIP is one of the four Units in IMA. It monitors the implementation and application of EEA law in specialised fields such as environment and climate change, energy, financial services, banking, anti-money laundering, insurance and public procurement, while also liaising with EU agencies and overseeing compliance by national authorities.

The successful candidate will

• Propose courses of action in cases within the Unit’s scope;
• Set objectives and monitor performance, ensuring alignment with organisational goals;
• Empower and support staff, fostering professional growth and development;
• Ensure compliance with ESA procedures and drive continuous improvement in internal processes;
• Oversee recruitment and onboarding within the Unit, while promoting staff wellbeing and cultivating a positive, collaborative working environment;
• Manage the Unit’s relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective cooperation;
• Contribute to the IMA Management Team, assisting the Director in managing the Directorate as a whole.

ESA is seeking a dynamic, well-qualified, and highly motivated professional with in-depth knowledge of EEA law and sectoral expertise in at least one area within the Unit’s scope. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership qualities, exceptional interpersonal skills, and outstanding communication abilities. The successful applicant should possess the aptitude to guide and support team members in all aspects of case handling, while fostering their growth and professional development.

Qualifications

Essential requirements

• University degree in law;
• A thorough knowledge of EEA Law, at least in one of the following areas: environment, energy, financial services or public procurement;
• Minimum 7 years’ relevant professional experience in either the private or public sector, including at least three years in a leadership or coordination role;
• Excellent leadership, organisational, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to help others grow and build consensus;
• Proactive approach and initiative to advance projects and cases effectively;
• The ability to work both independently and in a team in an international environment;
• Proven flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and requirements;
• An affinity for using IT tools and document management systems;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (ESA’s working language) as well as proven legal drafting ability.

Desirable requirements

• Relevant professional experience involving the EU institutions, relevant national authorities or administrations;
• Demonstrated ability to deliver effective internal and external communications;
• Familiarity with the legal orders of Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein;
• Good understanding of Norwegian, Icelandic or German (the 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;
• Competitive benefits package and favourable tax conditions;
• Generous leave scheme;
• Medical, life and disability and travel insurances;
• Savings fund to assist with retirement planning.

Application instructions

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