\\n The European Free Trade Association (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 Luxembourg. The Headquarters in Geneva services the EFTA Council and supplies 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\\xe2\\x80\\x99s Luxembourg office contributes to the development of the European Statistical system.

EFTA has established preferential trade relations \\xe2\\x80\\x93 primarily in the form of free trade agreements and joint declarations on cooperation \\xe2\\x80\\x93 with more than 40 countries and territories outside the EU and is continuing to develop this worldwide network.

This position is open to nationals of the EFTA Member States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).

Division

Trade Relations Division

Location

Geneva

Lattitude

46.2197682

Longitude

6.1381131

Category/Level

A4

Duration of Appointment

Fixed term 3 years. If in the organisation\\\'s interest, an additional three-year contract may be offered.

Start Date

1 April 2024 or upon agreement

Closing Date

16-10-2023

Job Reference

VA 33/2023

Role Description

The Trade Relations Division of the EFTA Secretariat in Geneva consists of 12 staff members. It provides comprehensive services to Member States related to the exploration, negotiation, administration, and modernisation of EFTA\\xe2\\x80\\x99s preferential trade relations.

The officer will have special responsibility for legal and institutional matters in EFTA free trade agreements and extends to a range of other trade policy questions, including dispute settlement, trade remedies, competition or other fields covered by EFTA\\xe2\\x80\\x99s comprehensive free trade agreements. It may include issues pertaining to the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR), an area also covered by another team member.

The officer further assumes tasks as desk officer for several partner countries, the elaboration of relevant documents around monitoring and negotiation processes, as well as other tasks in areas covered by EFTAs free trade agreements. The position requires willingness and flexibility to travel internationally.

Essential Skills

University degree in law, preferably with a specialisation in public international and/or trade law;

Expertise in the field of international trade policy and rules, with sound knowledge of relevant international legal frameworks, in particular of the WTO;

Relevant work experience in a national administration, international organisation, and/or related research or private sector activity in the field of international trade policy;

Excellent oral and written command of English, the EFTA working language;

Service-mindedness and tact; Excellent communication skills;

Flexibility and readiness to cooperate closely in an international team;

Ability to work under time pressure and to meet deadlines;

Strong organisational skills, proactivity and self-reliance.

Ideal Skills

Postgraduate degree in law;

Specialist know-how in relation to questions of intellectual property rights and legal and institutional issues in trade agreements;

Working experience in a national administration of an EFTA Member State;

Knowledge of French, and possibly other work-related languages, would be an asset.

Employment Terms

As an organisation committed to diversity, we understand the transformative power of varied perspectives. We invite you to bring your unique insights and innovative ideas to the table, contributing to a more inclusive and progressive future. We particularly encourage female applicants to seize this opportunity and submit their documents.

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 benefits package (salaries are normally exempt from income taxation; additional benefits and allowances may apply).

Grade: A4
Annual salary: CHF 170,085

Appointments are 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.

EFTA is an international organisation, and the salaries and related payments are normally exempt from income taxation by the EFTA States and the host states of the EFTA duty stations. Depending on the candidate\\xe2\\x80\\x99s family status, benefits and allowances may apply.

Applicants must be nationals of one of the EFTA Member States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).
Applicants must apply online via the e-recruitment tool. Please note that only applications received via our web tool will be considered.

For further information on this post, please contact:

On job content: Mr Frank B\\xc3\\xbcchel, Deputy Secretary-General and Director TRD,\\n \\n \\n \\n \\n \\n

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