Officer - Trade Relations Division

This position is open to nationals of the EFTA Member States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).

The European Free Trade Association (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 Headquarter is in Geneva and services the EFTA Council, supplies services for policy development, negotiations, monitoring as well as implementation of free trade agreements and cooperation arrangements with countries outside the European Union. The Brussels office supports the management of the EEA Agreement and assists the Member States in the elaboration of input to EU decision making. EFTA’s Luxembourg office contributes to the development of the European Statistical system.

EFTA has established preferential trade relations – primarily in the form of free trade agreements and joint declarations on cooperation – with about 50 countries and territories outside the EU and is continuing to further develop and modernise this worldwide network. Regular travels, sometimes also at short notice and over weekends, are part of the role.

• Division: Trade Relations Division (TRD)

• Location: Geneva

• Category/Level: A4

• Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term 3 years. If in the organisation’s interest, an additional three-year contract may be offered.

• Start Date: 1 February 2027 or upon agreement

• Job Reference: VA 16/2026

Role Description

The advertised position is placed in the Trade Relations Division of the EFTA Secretariat in Geneva, consisting of a tightly knit team of 12 staff members, with specialist knowledge relevant to EFTA’s third-country trade relations. The Division provides comprehensive services to Member States related to the exploration, negotiation, administration, monitoring, analysis and modernisation of EFTA’s preferential trade relations.

The successful candidate will have substantive, analytical and organisational responsibilities in support of EFTA’s engagement with partner countries outside the European Union.

The officer’s main thematic responsibility will be in the areas of trade in services and investment as well as digital trade in the context of EFTA’s trade agreements and broader third-country trade relations. Practical experience and knowledge in these fields are indispensable. The position also extends to a range of other trade policy questions or other fields covered by EFTA’s comprehensive free trade agreements and includes responsibilities as desk officer for specific countries. In addition, and depending on the needs of the Division, the officer is expected to elaborate relevant documents and take on tasks pertaining to negotiation processes, monitoring of agreements and relevant trade policy analysis, all requiring excellent analytical and data skills. The position further requires willingness and flexibility to contribute to additional areas of the Trade Relations Division’s evolving work agenda, as well as to travel internationally.

Experience

• Relevant master’s university degree or equivalent, preferably with a specialisation in international legal, economic and/or political issues;

• Expertise in the field of international trade, with sound knowledge of relevant international legal frameworks, including the WTO, free trade agreements and, preferably, digital economy / digital trade agreements;

• Specific know-how and experience in relation to questions of digital trade, trade in services and / or investment;

• A deepened knowledge of, or experience in, other areas of trade agreements would be an asset;

• Experience in data-driven analysis;

• Relevant work experience in a national administration, international organisation, and/or related research or private sector activity, involving international economic relations.

Skills

• Excellent oral and written command of English, which is the EFTA working language;

• Service-mindedness and tact;

• Strong analytical skills;

• Very good communication and negotiation skills;

• Flexibility to work in various areas of EFTA’s evolving third-country trade relations;

• Strong affinity for new technologies, including in relation to artificial intelligence, and data-driven analysis;

• Good presentation skills and a sound awareness of diplomatic protocol, given regular interaction with partner countries;

• Ability to work independently, under time pressure and to meet deadlines;

• Strong organisational skills, proactivity and self-reliance;

• Readiness to cooperate closely and with a strong team-spirit mentality in an international team, as well as to interact with Member States.

Employment Terms

As an organization committed to diversity, we understand the transformative power of varied perspectives. We invite you to bring your unique insights and innovative ideas to the table, contributing to a more inclusive and progressive future.

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 benefits package (EFTA salaries are normally exempt from income taxation; additional benefits and allowances may apply).

Grade: A4
Annual salary: CHF 178,006.08

Appointments are made at the first step of the grade. The Secretary-General reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a step different from that advertised depending on the length of professional experience relevant to this position and demonstrated by the candidate.

EFTA is an international organisation, and the salaries and related payments are normally exempt from income taxation by the EFTA States and the host states of the EFTA duty stations. Depending on the candidate’s family status, benefits and allowances may apply.

Applicants must be nationals of one of the EFTA Member States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).

Applicants must apply online via the e-recruitment tool. Please note that only applications received via our web tool and fulfilling the nationality requirement will be considered.

For further information on this post, please contact:

• On job content: Mr Markus Schlagenhof, Deputy Secretary-General and Director TRD, [email protected], tel. +41 22 332 26 04;

• On process & technical issues: HR Support, [email protected]

Deadline for applications: 28 October 2026