EFTA - European Free Trade Association
Do you want to be a part of an ambitious international organisation working for the promotion of free trade and economic integration? The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) offers the opportunity for a motivated and highly skilled professional to join the Internal Market Division in Brussels.
EFTA is an intergovernmental organisation working for the promotion of free trade and economic integration to the benefit of its four Member States; Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The EFTA Secretariat provides services to the EFTA States and has offices in Geneva, Brussels and Luxemburg. The Headquarters in Geneva services the EFTA Council and provides services for policy development, negotiations and implementation of free trade and cooperation agreements with countries outside the European Union. The Brussels office supports the management of the EEA Agreement and assists the Member States in the elaboration of input to EU decision-making. EFTA’s Luxembourg office contributes to the development of the European Statistical system.
The Internal Market Division of the Secretariat is responsible for serving the EEA EFTA States in their work related to the EEA Agreement. This entails both monitoring and influencing legislation in process on the EU side and facilitating timely incorporation of adopted EEA relevant legislation into the EEA Agreement.
Head of Policy - Internal Market Division
Role Description
We are looking for a highly motivated and qualified candidate to take on the new role as Head of Horizontal and Cross-Sectorial Policies within the Internal Market Division. The Division has recently initiated a reorganisation, and the successful candidate will join the division’s management team alongside the Director and the Head of Sector Policies and
Subcommittees I-IV. The new team is expected to assume responsibilities for horizontal and cross sectorial policies, including: digital, environment, climate, energy, competition, state aid, public procurement, securities and preparedness, EU MFF and programme participation and general internal market legislation and initiatives.
The main responsibilities include
- Lead and develop the unit, including supervision, performance management, financial management and budget oversight. Manage recruitment and onboarding of new team members, ensure sufficient training and foster a positive, inclusive working environment.
- Coordinate and advise the unit on tasks related to the management of the EEA Agreement. This requires maintaining a good overview of ongoing issues in relevant policy areas.
- Oversee daily operations, ensuring efficient workflows, highquality outputs, adherence to procedures and timely delivery of tasks, including coordination between EEA EFTA Member States and EU institution and relevant stakeholders.
- Engage in relevant horizontal projects and coordinate input to documents and reports.
- Contribute to the overall management of the Internal Market Division through active participation in the division’s management team, ensuring alignment between unit activities and divisional priorities, coordinating effectively with other units, and supporting EEA decisionshaping. Assist the Director and act in her absence (shared responsibility with the head of the other policy unit).
Essential Skills
- Relevant university degree, minimum master`s level
- Top notch interpersonal and communication skills, highly motivated and proactive
- Solid knowledge of the EEA Agreement and experience with incorporating legal acts into the EEA Agreement
- Relevant professional experience within a national administration or international organisation
- Demonstrated leadership potential and motivation to develop further in this area
- Excellent organisational skills, accuracy and attention to detail
- Fluency in written and spoken English
- Working knowledge of at least one of the EFTA languages
- Knowledge of the EU institutions, policies and procedures
- Good understanding of the EFTA structure and organisation
- Previous management experience
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
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 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: Sunday 21 June 2026
Arbeitsort: 1000Brüssel
For further information on this post, please contact:
On substance:
- Ms Marit Schage Andria, Director of IMD, maritschage.andria@efta.int , tel. +32 2 28 61 740
- HR Support, HR.support@efta.int