Food and Veterinary Auditor

ESA's work helps remove barriers to trade and opens up new opportunities to over 450 million Europeans, creating jobs and growth and adding to the international competitiveness of the States.

ESA currently employs staff members of 24 different nationalities from across the EEA. Based in Brussels, ESA is collocated with in the EFTA House with its sister organisations the EFTA Secretariat and the EEA and Norway Grants (FMO).

ESA is led by a College of three members, appointed by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It is divided into the following departments: Administration, Internal Market Affairs Directorate, Competition and State Aid Directorate and Legal and Executive Affairs Department.

Job Reference: 14/2026

Role Description

ESA is recruiting an officer in the Food and Veterinary Unit (FVU), in the Internal Market Affairs (IMA) Directorate, to work as a veterinary auditor and desk officer in the field of food and feed safety, animal health and welfare. The successful candidate will be assigned responsibilities related to the application of the relevant EEA legislation in Iceland and Norway. The incumbent may also be asked to assist with additional tasks within the unit as needed.

The vacant position is situated in IMA, which is responsible for monitoring the implementation and application of EEA rules relating to the internal market. This includes the free movement of goods, workers, services and capital, as well as horizontal policies such as public procurement, energy, environment, transport and food and veterinary law. In addition, IMA has some management tasks and direct enforcement within the internal market.

ESA is seeking a dynamic, well-qualified, and highly motivated professional with in-depth knowledge of food and/or veterinary matters within the scope of EEA law and sectoral expertise in the required fields. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work independently. The successful applicant should possess the aptitude to guide and support team members in audits.

The successful candidate will:

• Plan, conduct and lead audits in the fields of food and feed safety, animal health and welfare, and prepare high‑quality audit reports with clear recommendations;
• Act as desk officer in the food and veterinary field, assessing compliance issues, preparing documentation and following up on actions with national authorities;
• Apply and interpret relevant EEA legislation, providing well‑reasoned proposals for action and supporting consistent implementation across the EEA EFTA States;
• Cooperate with team members during audits, contributing to a collaborative, professional and learning‑oriented environment;
• Engage effectively with Icelandic and Norwegian authorities and other stakeholders, promoting constructive cooperation and timely follow‑up;
• Contribute to the wider work of the IMA Directorate, coordinating with colleagues and supporting delivery of shared objectives in an international setting.

Additional qualified candidates may also be considered for vacancies foreseen in the Directorate over the next 12-18 months.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Veterinary degree or a master's degree in veterinary science;
• Minimum 3 years' relevant professional experience;
• Experience in preparing and conducting audits, drafting of audit reports and follow-up of the results of such audits;
• Experience of leading audit teams and/or other coordination role;
• Knowledge of EEA legislation related to food and feed safety, animal health and welfare;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (the working language of the Authority);
• Excellent organisational, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills;
• Initiative and the ability to work both independently and in a team in an international environment;
• Ability to travel, primarily to the EEA EFTA States, depending on the tasks assigned.

Ideal Skills

• Knowledge of and familiarity with the functioning of the EEA Agreement and the EEA EFTA States;
• Relevant professional experience involving the institutions of the EU, the EEA and/or the EEA EFTA States;
• Knowledge of the relevant industries within the EEA EFTA States (e.g. aquaculture and fisheries);
• Good understanding of Norwegian or Icelandic (the relevant EEA EFTA languages);
• Experience in leading audits in an international context;
• Holder of a valid driving licence and confident driving in winter conditions.

Conditions

ESA offers a dynamic and diverse work environment, providing the chance to collaborate with a team of highly skilled professionals. You will be part of an organisation that values professionalism, cooperation, trust, responsibility and respect.

We offer:

• International experience and professional development;
• An inclusive and supportive environment with high regard for cultural differences;
• Competitive salary and benefits package, and favourable tax conditions;
• Generous leave scheme;
• Medical, life and disability and travel insurances;
• Savings fund to assist with retirement planning;
• Flexible working arrangements;
• Language training expenses.

The position will be filled in accordance with ESA's policy on Recruitment available at: https://jobs.eftasurv.int. Former ESA staff members are eligible to apply provided the closing date is at least three years after their departure date. In exceptional circumstances, this requirement may be waived.

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 candidates, with a likely starting salary of between €117,072 and €123,167 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 (EEA EFTA States and the EU Member States) at the point of application and the time of any offer being 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 4 October 2026 (midnight Brussels time);
• Interviews: November 2026;
• Start date: As soon as possible.

Applications submitted in response to this vacancy notice may also be taken into account for the purpose of filling other vacancies arising for similar positions within ESA.

Questions regarding the post may be addressed to Janne Britt Krakhellen, Deputy Director IMA on +32 (0)2 286 1881/jbk@eftasurv.int.

Questions regarding the recruitment process may be addressed to Catherine Vandeput, HR Officer, on +32 2 286 1870/cva@eftasurv.int.