Economist (m/f/d) in the Field of Competition, State Aid and eCom Regulation

  • Brussels, Belgium

    Arbeitsort

  • Full-time, > 5 years experience

    Job Level

  • Arbeitsbeginn : Ab sofort

    Arbeitsbeginn

  • Bewerbungsfrist : 18.06.2023

    Bewerbungsschluss

ESA is recruiting an

Economist to join its Competition and State Aid Directorate (CSA).

CSA is a multi-disciplinary team comprising both economists and lawyers. It enforces the competition and state aid rules of the EEA Agreement, as well as regulation in the electronic communications sector (eCom).

In the field of competition, CSA’s work is focused on abuse of dominance cases and anti-competitive agreements (articles 54 and 53 EEA, which mirror articles 102 and 101 TFEU). In state aid, CSA’s portfolio is diverse – covering all revenant sectors, guidelines and procedures. In relation to eCom, the regulatory framework (established by Directive 2002/21/EC, which will be replaced by the European Electronic Communications Code) requires the national regulatory authorities in the EEA EFTA States to notify – prior to adoption – certain draft measures to ESA. CSA may comment on such draft measures and, in relation to certain sections of them, CSA has a right of veto and may request the amendment or withdrawal of the draft national measures. This entails assessing the correct application of the eCom regulatory framework and EEA competition law principles.

In all areas of work, CSA co-operates closely with the European Commission to ensure the consistent application of legislation throughout the EEA.

We are looking for a well-qualified economist with experience in competition, state aid and/or eCom regulation. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of competition economics and/or the economics of electronic communications networks and services. Knowledge of corporate finance and the economics of state aid control, in particular market economy operator analysis is an advantage.

The successful candidate will be part of CSA’s Chief Economist Team and report to the Chief Economist. The work will be co-ordinated by the Deputy Director for Competition and Regulation and the Deputy Director of State Aid. The candidate will also report to the Director of CSA. Depending on workload and other developments, the concentration of responsibilities between the areas of work may vary throughout the year.

Main tasks of the position include:

  • Applying competition economics/financial economics to CSA’s competition, state aid and eCom casework. This will involve performing qualitative and quantitative economic analyses, as well as regular case-handling duties;
  • Coordinating and collaborating with the National Regulatory Authorities of the EEA EFTA States prior to notification, and review notified draft measures to ensure compatibility with the eCom regulatory framework;
  • Communicating technical economic concepts in a clear and accessible manner, both verbally and in writing to non-economists;
  • Monitoring and participating in international working groups and other fora with other competition and regulatory authorities, including the European Commission.

The following qualifications are essential

  • Master’s degree (or higher) in the field of economics or related fields;
  • Minimum five years of relevant professional experience in the private or the public sector;
  • Excellent command of written and spoken English (ESA’s working language);
  • Excellent organisational, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills;
  • Initiative and the ability to work both on an independent basis and as a solution-oriented team player in an international and multi-disciplinary environment;
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, in particular with Microsoft Excel.

The following qualifications are desirable

  • Knowledge of EEA competition law;
  • Knowledge of the EEA state aid rules;
  • Knowledge and competence in applied corporate finance;
  • Knowledge of the EEA EFTA States’ telecommunications markets;
  • Experience in handling Article 7 Framework Directive notifications within eCOM.

Conditions

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, the precise step being determined depending on the relevant experience of the successful candidate, with a likely starting salary of between €108,000 and €113,500 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 when any offer is 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 18 June 2023 (midnight CET);
  • Interviews: Late June/early July 2023;
  • Start date: Autumn 2023.

Applications submitted in response to this vacancy notice may also be considered for filling other vacancies arising for similar positions within ESA.

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

Questions regarding the recruitment process may be addressed to Emma Thomas, HR Officer on +32 (0)2 286 1870/eth@etasurv.int.

Economist (m/f/d) in the Field of Competition, State Aid and eCom Regulation

Veröffentlicht am: 31.05.2023