Economist - Competition and State Aid Directorate

Economist - Competition and State Aid Directorate

ESA - EFTA Surveillance Authority

Brussels, Belgium

The EFTA Surveillance Authority

The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) is an international organisation which monitors compliance with the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA Agreement) in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, enabling those States to participate in the Internal Market of the European Union.

ESA's work helps remove barriers to trade and opens up new opportunities to over 450 million Europeans, creating jobs and growth and adding to the international competitiveness of the States.

ESA currently employs staff members of 22 different nationalities from across the EEA. Based in Brussels, ESA is collocated with in the EFTA House with its sister organisations the EFTA Secretariat and the EEA and Norway Grants (FMO).

ESA is led by a College of three members, appointed by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It is divided into the following departments: Administration, Internal Market Affairs Directorate, Competition and State Aid Directorate and Legal and Executive Affairs Department.

Job Reference: VA 07/2026

Role description

ESA is recruiting an economist to join its Directorate for Competition and State Aid (CSA).

CSA is a multi-disciplinary team of economists and lawyers responsible for enforcing the competition rules of the EEA Agreement (antitrust and State aid), as well as regulation in the electronic communications sector (eCom). Across these areas, CSA cooperates closely with the European Commission to ensure the consistent application of the relevant legislation throughout the EEA.

CSA is seeking a qualified economist to support its State aid casework. The ideal candidate should have broad professional experience in applied microeconomics (e.g. public economics or industrial organisation) and corporate finance. The candidate should also be familiar with cost accounting and financial reporting and have a good understanding of the State aid legal framework.

The successful candidate will be part of CSA’s Chief Economist Team and report to the Chief Economist. The case handling work will be co-ordinated by the Deputy Director of State Aid.

The main tasks of the position include:

• Providing economic and financial analysis in State aid cases (notifications and complaints), including both qualitative and quantitative assessments in cases covering a wide range of sectors and legal instruments;
• Leading or contributing to related case-handling tasks, including preparing information requests, conducting fact-finding, contributing to the drafting of decisions or other procedural documents, and assisting in litigation;
• Assisting the Chief Economist in supporting junior staff in their State aid case work, including providing guidance on analytical approaches, conducting quality review of draft decisions and other deliverables, and contributing to recruitment, onboarding and training of new colleagues.

The following qualifications are essential

• A master’s degree in economics or business administration. A degree in a related field may also be considered, depending on the length and relevance of the candidate’s professional experience;
• At least six years of relevant professional experience in applied economics and/or corporate finance, which may also include experience outside the field of State aid where the role involved a similar analytical skillset;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (ESA’s working language);
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to understand complex facts, work with both quantitative and qualitative information, critically assess assumptions and translate findings into well-reasoned legal conclusions;
• Strong command of Excel and other relevant software programs;
• Good organisational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver on deadlines;
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international, multi-disciplinary environment, drive casework forward and consult effectively.

The following qualifications are desirable

• Experience in applying EEA/EU State aid rules;
• Experience and competence in applied corporate finance;
• Experience with cost accounting and financial reporting;
• Experience in antitrust and regulatory economics.

Conditions

ESA offers a dynamic work environment, providing the chance to collaborate with a team of highly skilled professionals. You will be part of an organisation that values professionalism, cooperation, trust, responsibility and respect.

We offer

• International experience and professional development;
• An inclusive and supportive environment with high regard for cultural differences;
• Competitive salary and benefits package, and favourable tax conditions;
• Generous leave scheme;
• Medical, life and disability, and travel insurances;
• Savings fund to assist with retirement planning;
• Flexible working arrangements;
• Language training expenses.

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, with a likely starting salary of between €117 072 and €123 167 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.

ESA actively seeks to promote a healthy work/life balance and a working environment allowing its staff members to develop their professional skills and interests.

Application process

• All applications must be made online;
• Deadline for applications: Sunday 22 March 2026 (midnight Brussels time);
• Interviews: April/May 2026;
• Start date: Autumn 2026.

Applications submitted in response to this vacancy notice may also be considered for similar vacancies arising in the Directorate over the next 18 months.

Questions regarding the post may be addressed to Ida Rødseth Kjosås, Chief Economist, +32 (0)2 286 1850/ikj[at]eftasurv[dot]int.

Questions regarding the recruitment process may be addressed to Catherine Vandeput, HR Officer on +32 (0)2 286 1870/cva[at]etasurv[dot]int.