Junior Professional - EFTA Secretariat in Geneva
Do you want to be a part of an ambitious international organisation working for the promotion of free trade and economic integration? The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) offers the opportunity for two motivated and highly skilled junior professionals to join the EFTA Secretariat in Geneva.
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 Luxemburg. The Headquarters in Geneva services the EFTA Council and provides services for policy development, negotiations and implementation of free trade and cooperation agreements with countries outside the European Union.
The Junior Professional programme at the EFTA Secretariat is open to nationals of the EFTA Member States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).
Role Description
The two Junior Professional (JP) positions in Geneva offer the opportunity to learn about EFTA’s third country and intra member states activities. The JPs work for the Secretariat’s governing body and on activities related to third country trade relations outside the European Union (EU).
The Secretary-General’s Office in Geneva supports EFTA’s governing body, the EFTA Council. The SGO is also responsible for horizontal matters such as internal legal, institutional, and budgetary matters. The Trade Relations Division is responsible for the exploration, negotiation, and implementation of preferential trade arrangements with non-EU partner countries.
The JPs in Geneva participate in the meetings of the EFTA Council and related bodies, and assist in the preparation and follow-ups of meetings, contributing to meeting documents and reports, background notes, and press releases. They prepare economic notes and exchanges of information with partner countries. They work on EFTA internal regulations and other legal issues.
The JPs perform tasks related to free trade agreements such as analyses on current trade topics (trade and sustainable development, digital trade, economic and/or legal analyses), preparatory work and assistance for free trade negotiations, work on implementation of agreements and monitoring tasks.
The JPs also assist in updating the EFTA website.
Essential Skills
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University degree in a relevant discipline (Law, Economics, Political or Social Science, International Relations, etc.) or degree due prior to 1 September 2023.
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Excellent drafting skills in English.
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Good understanding of and interest in international trade relations.
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Analytical mind and attention to detail.
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Flexibility, team player spirit and ability to take on a wide variety of tasks, both complex and more basic.
Ideal Skills
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Work experience of 1-2 years in a governmental service and knowledge of EFTA free trade agreements.
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Statistical skills (with basic macroeconomic terms).
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Sound knowledge of international law, hereunder international trade law (candidates with complementary skills may be selected for the two positions).
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:
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International career and learning opportunities.
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An inclusive environment with high regard for cultural differences.
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Competitive benefit package:
- a monthly stipend of CHF 2,575.
- accommodation in individual furnished flats will be provided.
- health, life and invalidity and travel insurance cover.
- reimbursement of travel costs upon taking up and leaving the programme.
- opportunity to join language classes.
Note: The stipend and benefits received by Junior Professionals do not fall under the same privileges applying to EFTA officials. The relationship with the respective tax authorities is the Junior Professionals' own responsibility and the taxation decision lies with the competent tax authority.
Application procedure
Only applications submitted via the EFTA online recruitment tool will be considered.
Applications submitted by e-mail will not be taken into consideration.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by phone and interviews are normally conducted online via Teams in the weeks following the deadline.
The Junior Professional programme at the EFTA Secretariat is open to nationals of the EFTA Member States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).
In the interest of offering this valuable experience to the broadest pool of individuals possible, former ESA, EFTA Court and EFTA Secretariat Junior Professional and trainees will not be eligible to apply for this programme.
For any further information, please contact EFTA Human Resources:
Ms Zhasmin Kuneva, zku@efta.int, tel. +32 (0)2 286 17 09.
Deadline for applications: 16 April 2023