Junior Professional Programme

Are you a passionate, driven individual looking to kick-start your career in an intergovernmental organisation? Or do you already bring a first work experience with you and want to know more about the EEA Agreement? Then welcome to our Junior Professional Programme, where we offer you a unique opportunity to embark on an exciting journey of professional growth and development.The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is an intergovernmental organisation set up for the promotion of free trade and economic integration between its four Member States : Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.Junior Professional ProgrammeWe are looking for highly motivated and qualified Junior Professionals to fill 1 position as of 1 Septemberfor a duration of 11 months. Deadline for application : 15 FebruaryDivision :  All UnitsDuration of Appointment :  11 monthsStart Date :  1 SeptemberClosing Date :  Job Reference :  VA 01 / 2026ScopeThe aim of the programme is to provide junior civil servants and other qualified applicants with opportunities for training and familiarisation with the work and functions of the EFTA Secretariat.Field of workThe Junior Professionals will be assigned to a specific Division of the EFTA Secretariat according to the academic field of specialisation, personal preferences and career objectives.Posts are offered within the following field of work : Trade relations (Geneva)A short overview of the activities of each Division and the related Junior Professional position can be found here . Please read the page carefully before applying, you can consult the EFTA Secretariat website for more information.Note that candidates must specify their preferred field of work in the online application tool.Essential SkillsNational of an EFTA Member State (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland)Master’s degree completed, or final-year student expected to complete the degree prior to the start of the Junior Professional Programmeo Note : For the HR position only, a completed bachelor’s degree is sufficientLimited professional experience post-graduation (maximum of 2 years)Fluency in EnglishIdeal SkillsInternships or short-term placements in governmental, international, or policy-related organisationsFamiliarity with the EEA Agreement, EFTA Free Trade Agreements, or related policy frameworksEmployment TermsWhat we offerJunior Professionals receive a monthly stipend of EUR(if stationed in Brussels or Luxembourg) or CHF(if stationed in Geneva)Accommodation in spacious individual furnished flats will be providedHealth, life and invalidity and travel insurance coverReimbursement of travel costs upon taking up and leaving the programmeThe opportunity to join language classesNote : 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 procedureOnly applications submitted via the EFTA online recruitment tool will be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by phone and interviews are normally conducted online via Teams in the weeks following the deadline.Please be aware of the following : Your application will only be considered if you are a national of one of the EFTA Member StatesAll requested information on education, work experience, motivation, etc., should be filled in on the application formApplications submitted by e-mail will not be taken into considerationMore information regarding the recruitment process for the Junior Professional Programme can be found here .In the interest of offering this valuable experience to the broadest pool of individuals possible, former ESA, EFTA Court and EFTA Secretariat Junior Professionals / trainees will not be eligible to apply for this Junior Professional Programme.For any further information, please contact EFTA Human Resources : Write an email jida4924f8a jit0207a jiy26a