Legal Officer, Food and Veterinary Unit

Role Description

ESA is recruiting a Legal Officer to join its Internal Market Affairs Directorate (IMA), in the Food and Veterinary Unit (FVU). The successful candidate will be assigned responsibility for general surveillance work and case handling regarding the implementation and application of EEA law relating to food and veterinary matters. The successful candidate will also provide legal support to ESA’s veterinary and food safety auditors in their audits on food and feed safety, animal health and welfare of the food chain. Tasks include monitoring the timely implementation of EEA legislation in Iceland and Norway, examination of complaints, legal conformity assessments, drafting of decisions, opinions and reports and reviewing audit documents.

IMA is responsible for monitoring the EEA EFTA States to ensure that they comply with their obligations in the field of internal market law.

For this particular vacancy, we are looking for candidates with experience in EEA/EU law and knowledge of relevant food and veterinary law. We are looking for a well-qualified candidate with at least 5 years’ relevant experience from the public and/or private sector.

The following are essential:

• University degree in law, or recognised equivalent qualification in law
• Minimum 5 years’ relevant professional experience in the private or the public sector
• Very good knowledge and experience of working with EEA/EU law
• Knowledge of food and feed safety and/or animal health and welfare
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (ESA’s working language) as well as proven legal drafting ability
• Excellent organisational, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills
• Initiative and the ability to work both independently and in a team in an international environment

The following are desirable:

• Postgraduate degree in EU/EEA law
• Relevant professional experience involving the EU institutions, relevant national authorities or administrations
• Knowledge of and familiarity with the functioning of the Agreement on the European Economic Area, and of the EEA EFTA States
• Familiarity with the legal orders of Norway or Iceland
• Good understanding of Norwegian, Icelandic or German (the EEA EFTA languages).
• Microsoft Office tools and case handling

Conditions:

ESA 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.

ESA also offers:

• International career and learning opportunities.
• An inclusive environment with high regard for cultural differences.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

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 €106 700 and €112 250 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.

Application process:

• All applications must be made online at: https://jobs.eftasurv.int
• Deadline for applications: Sunday 26 May 2024 (midnight CET)
• Interviews: June 2024
• Start date: 1 November 2024 (at latest)

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 Janne Britt Krakhellen, Deputy Director on +32 2 286 1881 / jbk[at]eftasurv[dot]int.

Questions regarding the recruitment process may be addressed to Emma Thomas, HR Officer on +32 2 286 1870 / eth[at]eftasurv[dot]int.