EFTA Surveillance Authority 2015/16 Trainee Programme

EFTA Surveillance Authority 2015/16 Trainee Programme

Launch your career in the heart of Europe
Each year six talented candidates are invited to join the EFTA Surveillance Authority trainee programme for 10 months from September to June. The traineeship provides young professionals or recent graduates from the EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) a unique opportunity to experience and participate in the work of the Authority and the inner workings of the EEA Agreement.

The Authority
The EFTA Surveillance Authority ensures that the participating EFTA States  – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway – respect their obligations under the EEA Agreement. The Authority protects the rights of individuals and market participants who find their rights violated by rules or practices of the EFTA States or companies within those States. The Authority also enforces restrictions on state aid and ensures that companies operating in the EFTA States abide by the rules relating to competition. In monitoring and enforcing the EEA Agreement, the Authority has powers that correspond to those of the European Commission.

The Authority is based in Brussels and operates independently of the EFTA States. It currently employs 70 staff members of 15 nationalities. The Authority is led by a College which consists of three members appointed by the EEA EFTA States.

The Traineeship
A traineeship at the Authority is a great way to kick-start your career. Whether you are pursuing a career in the public or the private sector, at home or internationally, the experience will prove beneficial. Trainees take part in the daily work of the different departments in the Authority. They gain valuable work experience by assisting case handlers with the ongoing activities of the Authority, get hands-on knowledge of the functioning of the EEA Agreement and have the opportunity to live and work in a thriving multicultural environment.
We are looking for engaged young professionals or recent graduates from Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, primarily with a background in law but also in economics, social sciences or media and communication. Strong academic results and an interest in EEA/EU Affairs are required, as is an excellent command of English.  Relevant extracurricular activities are also rated positively.
The trainees either work in the Competition and State Aid (CSA) or Internal Market Affairs (IMA) directorates or in the Legal and Executive Affairs (LEA) department, which includes the Press and Information Service of the Authority.  Each year two trainees join each of the directorates/departments.
Essential requirements, skills and qualifications:
Applicants must be nationals of one of the EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway).
A university degree, primarily in law but also in economics and social sciences such as political science and communication .
Interest or specialisation in EU/EEA matters.
Applicants should be young professionals or recent graduates with strong academic results.
An excellent command of English, the working language of the Authority. Other language skills are a plus.
We are looking for people who are engaged, proactive and independent, whilst at the same time being strong team players. You should be accurate, well organised and proactive in your work.
Extracurricular activity and community involvement will be rated positively.

Conditions:
The traineeship at the Authority is a paid position and trainees receive:
A monthly allowance of €1465
Free, furnished and private accommodation in Brussels
Private health and travel insurance cover
Reimbursement of travel costs upon taking up and leaving the traineeship

For more information about the Authority and the traineeship programme, visit  HYPERLINK «http://www.eftasurv.int» www.eftasurv.int

Application procedure
All applicants must apply online via our jobs portal at:  HYPERLINK «https://jobs.eftasurv.int» jobs.eftasurv.int Applicants are required to specify their preferred traineeship in their application.  The selected trainees may be assigned to duties and functions other than those initially requested.

Further questions regarding the traineeship programme may be addressed to Kathryn Edwards, HR Officer:  HYPERLINK «mailto:ked@eftasurv.int» ked@eftasurv.int  or +32 (0)2 286 18 32.

Deadline for applications: 6 March 2015        Start Date: 1 September 2015

Interviews will be held in March by telephone or Skype and the selection process will be finalised by the end of April 2015 at the latest.