EFTA - European Free Trade Association
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 and has offices in Geneva, Brussels and Luxembourg. In Brussels this entails support in the management of the EEA Agreement, particularly in ongoing decision making for the continuing evolution of the
EEA Agreement.
The EEA Coordination Division consists of currently 17 staff members and is responsible for the overall coordination of general policy, legal, translation, and publication of EEA related activities, i.a. servicing the EEA Council, EEA Joint Committee, Standing Committee and Advisory Bodies of the EFTA States.
We are looking for a highly motivated individual who is willing to take on a challenging post with a high level of responsibility in a dynamic environment.
This position is open to nationals of the EFTA Member States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).
Division: EEA Coordination Division
Location: Brussels
Category/Level: A5
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term three years. If considered desirable and in the
organisation’s interest, an additional three-year contract may be offered.
Start Date: Winter 2026
Job Reference: VA 12/2026
Head of EEA Policy Coordination – EEA Coordination Division VA 12/2026
Role Description
The position is based in the EEA Coordination Division (ECD), and reports to the Deputy Secretary General/Director of ECD.
In the role of Head of EEA Policy Coordination in the Brussels Secretariat the successful applicant will have the responsibilities of:
- Preparation and organisation of the activities and meetings of the EFTA Standing Committee, the EEA Joint Committee, and the EEA Council, in close collaboration with the EFTA management and colleagues from other divisions;
- Managing a team comprised of a Temporary Policy Officer and Junior Professional, including line management responsibilities;
- Providing support and coordination for the work of the EEA EFTA States in Brussels and maintaining close working relationships with their Missions;
- Working closely with the Secretariat-General of the European Commission, relevant EU Commission Services and the EU Council Presidency and General Secretariat in the organisation and preparation of these meetings;
- Monitoring relevant developments of the EU and their impact on the EEA and the EFTA States, and provide input to reports and briefings to advisory bodies, working groups and subcommittees as well as visiting groups;
- Providing substantive briefings and policy analysis, both internally and externally, on EEA-related developments in the EU.
Essential Skills
- Relevant university degree, minimum master's level
- A minimum of 5 years relevant work experience, preferably from a national administration, international organisation or a relevant private sector company
- Result-oriented approach, a productive and cooperative attitude, good diplomatic, interpersonal and communication skills, and a high level of motivation
- Self-reliance and autonomy, with the ability to take initiative and deliver on sensitive issues under tight deadlines and pressure
- Good knowledge of the EEA Agreement, the European policies of the EFTA States and EU policies and structure
- Demonstrated leadership potential and motivation to develop further in this area · Excellent organisational skills, accuracy and attention to detail
- Excellent ability to draft speaking notes, speeches, analytical reports and policy papers concisely and clearly in English
- Working knowledge of at least one of the EFTA languages
Ideal Skills
- Knowledge of the EU institutions, policies and procedures
- Good understanding of the EFTA structure and organisation
- Previous management experience
Employment Terms
EFTA has a dynamic and diverse work environment with the opportunity to work in a team of highly qualified people. Here you will be part of an organisation based on professionalism, cooperation, trust, responsibility and respect.
EFTA also offers:
- International career and learning opportunities
- An inclusive environment with high regard for cultural differences
- Competitive benefit package
Grade: A5
Annual salary: EUR 135,583.80
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. Through its recruitment policy, the EFTA Secretariat wants to ensure diversity in terms of gender, age and culture.
EFTA is an international organisation, and the salaries and related payments are normally exempt from income taxation by the EFTA Member States and in the host states of the EFTA duty stations. Depending on the candidate’s family status, benefits and allowances may apply.
This position is only open to nationals of all the EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland). Applicants must apply via the EFTA e-recruitment tool. Please note that only applications received via our web tool will be considered.
Deadline for applications: 5 July 2026
Arbeitsort: 1000Brüssel
For further information on this post, please contact:
On substance:
- Mr Thordur Jonsson, Deputy Secretary-General EEA Coordination Division, thordur.jonsson@efta.int
Technical issues:
- HR Support: hr.support@efta.int