Officer - Customs and Goods Trade Relations Division (TRD) - VA 13/2024

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 Headquarters in Geneva services the EFTA Council and supplies services for policy development, negotiations and implementation of free trade and cooperation agreements 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 more than 40 countries and territories outside the EU and is continuing to develop this worldwide network. Regular travels are part of the role.

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

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. The Division provides comprehensive services to Member States related to the exploration, negotiation, administration, 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 responsibility will be centred around trade in goods issues, with a particular focus on customs and origin matters. The position will also include responsibilities as country desk officer, the elaboration of relevant documents around monitoring and negotiation processes, as well as other tasks in areas covered by EFTAs free trade agreements. The position requires willingness and flexibility to travel internationally.

• Relevant master’s university degree or full customs training, possibly with further relevant educational qualifications;
• Expert knowledge in customs matters and international trade in goods, such as in particular rules of origin and the international harmonised system;
• Relevant work experience in a national administration, international organisation, and/or related research or private sector activity, preferably involving international relations;
• Excellent oral and written command of English, the EFTA working language;
• Service-mindedness and tact;
• Very good communication and negotiation skills;
• Ability to work under time pressure and to meet deadlines;
• Strong organisational skills, proactivity and self-reliance;
• Readiness to cooperate closely in an international team.

• Sound knowledge in the field of international trade policy and rules and the relevant international legal frameworks, in particular of the WTO and WCO;
• Knowledge of French, and possibly other work-related languages, would be an asset.

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

Grade: A4
Annual salary: CHF 170,085

Appointments are made at the first step of the grade. The Secretary-General reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level different from that advertised.

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 will be considered.

For further information on this post, please contact:

On job content:  Mr Frank Büchel, Deputy Secretary-General and Director TRD, frank.buechel@efta.int

tel. +41 22 332 26 04;
On process: Ms Zhasmin Kuneva, HR Coordinator, zhasmin.kuneva@efta.int,

tel. +32 2 286 17 09

Technical issues: HR Support, HR.support@efta.int

Deadline for applications: 18 August 2024