Do you want to be a part of a dynamic and ambitious intergovernmental organisation working for the promotion of free trade and economic integration across Europe and globally? The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) offers the opportunity for motivated and highly skilled professionals to join the Internal Market Division in Brussels as Temporary Policy Officers. Here, you will be part of an organisation based on professionalism, cooperation, trust, responsibility and respect.

The EFTA Secretariat serves the four EFTA States – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – and has offices in Geneva, Brussels and Luxemburg. The Brussels Office supports the EEA EFTA States in the management of the EEA Agreement and assists in preparing new legislation for integration into the Agreement.

The Internal Market Division (IMD) is responsible for providing support and assistance to the EFTA States in their work related to the EEA Agreement and their contribution to the development of EEA-relevant legislation.

Role Description

For this vacancy we are recruiting two temporary policy officers for a period of 6 months. If considered desirable and in the interest of the Organisation, an additional temporary contract of maximum 12 months may be offered.

The temporary policy officer positions in IMD entail on one hand taking on responsibility for certain files within policy sectors and working independently on them, and on the other helping out across the division as needed. The position requires a high degree of cooperation with other experts. The Temporary Officer may therefore be asked to take on assignments within various policy fields covered by the EEA Agreement.

The main tasks and responsibilities of the post are i.e.:

Preparation and facilitation of meetings of EFTA expert and working groups
Monitor policy developments of the EU and their relevance and impact for the EEA EFTA States
Day-to-day case handling as regards the incorporation of EU acts into the EEA Agreement
Draft memos, notes and meeting reports, provide input to reports and briefings for working groups and the Subcommittees
Liaise with EFTA Member States and EU experts on specific files
Coordinate and contribute to drafting EEA EFTA comments and position papers
Give briefings both internally and to external stakeholders on developments of the EEA and the EU.

Essential Skills

University degree in international relations, political sciences, law etc.
Preferably, at least 2 years of relevant work experience, ideally in a national administration, social partner organisation or international organisation.
Excellent ability to draft policy papers, agendas and reports concisely in English
Solid knowledge of the substance and functioning of the EEA Agreement and EU policies and institutional structure.
Agile use of standard office software and case handling systems.
Working knowledge of at least one of the EFTA languages.

Ideal Skills

Result-oriented and proactive
Good diplomatic, communication and social skills
Excellent organisational ability with facility for teamwork
Self-reliance and autonomy
Enthusiasm and willingness to learn

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: A2

Annual salary: EUR 81,649.92

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.

For further information on this post, please contact:

On substance:

Ms Gabriella Kristjansdottir Unnur, Head of Horizontal and Regulatory Affairs Unit, Internal Market Division, [email protected], tel. + +32 2 286 17 53
Ms Gunnthora Elin Erlingsdottir, Head of Market Integration and Economic Affairs Unit, Internal Market Division, [email protected], tel. +32 2 28 61 766

On process:

HR Support, [email protected]

Deadline for applications: 11 October 2026

Department: Internal Market Division

Role: Temporary Policy Officer

Locations: Brussels

Yearly salary: €81,649.92

Employment type: Temporary

Employment level: Professionals

Salary range: 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.

Start date: 1 January 2027

About EFTA

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 cooperation between its members, within Europe and globally.