JOB DESCRIPTION

WE ARE

As part of Directorate F (Western European Partners), Unit F.3 contributes to the coherence of the Union’s policies as regards Western European countries, which are not members of the European Union. In particular, the Unit ensures the overall coordination at the level of the Commission for relations with the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), with Switzerland and with Andorra, Monaco and San Marino. As such, it plays a broad analytical, steering and coordinating role within the Commission for relations with each of these countries.

In that context, the Unit:

• coordinates the representation of the Commission in the Council Working Party on the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
• coordinates and manages the implementation of the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Free Movement of Persons Agreement with Switzerland and represents the EU in joint bodies established by these Agreements.
• coordinates and leads the negotiations on framework agreements with the EEA EFTA States and on a set of bilateral agreements to update and deepen the relationship between the EU and Switzerland.
• coordinates and leads the negotiations on the Association Agreement with Andorra, Monaco and San Marino.
• coordinates bilateral relations with Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, and Switzerland within the Commission.

Overall purpose

To coordinate the implementation of the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA Agreement). To coordinate the relations with the EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) within the Commission. Provide high-level policy, legal and inter-institutional/procedural advice to the Unit, Directorate and Commission services in the implementation of the EEA Agreement and relations with the EEA EFTA States.

WE PROPOSE

Unit SG.F.3 of the Secretariat-General is seeking to hire one Policy coordinator.

We are looking for a motivated colleague to join our team. All profiles are welcome to apply. We are offering an interesting, multifaceted and challenging position in a quick-paced work environment as we look for someone to reinforce the policy team of our Unit working on the implementation of the EEA Agreement and on the relations with the EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway). The colleague will work in particular on relations with Norway in its different dimensions, as well as on horizontal issues relevant for relations with Western European partners.

The successful candidate will contribute to strategy, planning, coordination and drafting of input to the implementation and application of the EEA Agreement. The job entails continuous contacts with other DGs of the Commission, with the European External Action Service, with the EFTA Secretariat and with the EEA EFTA States. In addition to these specific tasks, the position involves overall coordination of briefings in the unit. The ability to work with such diverse interlocutors, teamwork, and the capacity to adapt to new circumstances and work within tight deadlines are essential. While normal working hours will generally apply, the work might entail a heavier workload in peak periods. The work of the Unit is covered by strict confidentiality requirements. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

WE LOOK FOR

We look for an experienced, strongly committed, proactive, service- and results-oriented Policy coordinator with a particular expertise in:

• Policy areas covered by the EEA Agreement and the relations with the EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), in particular the internal market or internal market-related policies and relations with Norway or other Western European partners.
• The steering and coordination of policies and briefing materials; and/or
• The steering and coordination of negotiations and implementation of agreements.

The successful candidate should be a strong team player and possess:

Personal qualities and communication skills:

• Excellent analytical capacity, sound judgement and strong problem-solving attitude, ability to quickly understand and analyse (sometimes technical) issues arising from new policy areas.
• High commitment to quality, timeliness and accuracy.
• Solid negotiation skills.
• Developed political sensitivity to deal with highly sensitive and strategic issues.
• Ability to build solid working relationships with colleagues in the relevant Commission services, and to communicate clearly and constructively including with middle and senior management.
• Capacity to identify strategies, set priorities, and deliver within very short deadlines.
• Capacity to work under pressure and resilience to cope with high workload periods.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively collaborate and communicate with diverse individuals, while maintaining composure and courtesy under pressure.

Specialist skills:

• Experience in at least two (2) of the policy areas covered by the EEA Agreement.
• Comprehensive understanding of international agreements between the EU and third countries, and related procedures.
• Deep understanding of the political context of the EEA Agreement and the relations between the Union and the EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway).
• Proven experience in working across a large number of policy areas or on cross­cutting issues.
• Experience in inter-institutional relations.
• Experience in the management and drafting of briefings.
• Solid experience in legal analysis and drafting.

HOW TO EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST?

With a view to guaranteeing equal access to all, the Commission recruits from an open database of spontaneous applications. The present call for interests aims at helping the recruiters to identify potentially interested candidates within this database.

In practice, to express your interest, please follow the subsequent two steps:

1. If you are not registered yet in the open EPSO database, please do so at the following address: CAST Permanent. Please select under selection procedures for contract agent the CAST permanent profile that best suits your education and experience.

2. You should send your documents in a single pdf in the following order:
3. your CV 2. completed application form.

Please send these documents by the publication deadline to [email protected] indicating the call for interest reference EC-2025-SG-497100 in the subject.

No applications will be accepted after the publication deadline.