Information about our Junior Professional Programme

Are you a passionate, driven individual looking to kickstart 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.

Why should you choose our Junior Professional Programme? 

  1. Onboarding and mentorship: You won't be alone on this journey. Together with your fellow Junior Professionals, you will be provided with an in-depth onboarding programme and a mentor providing guidance and support to help you navigate through your first weeks away from home.  
  2. Hands-on learning: Get ready to dive into real-world projects (EEA Agreement or grants management) and gain practical experience in your chosen field.  
  3. Secretariat of the European Free Trade Association: Experience being part of an organisation with highly specialised and skilled staff, whose aim is to promote free trade and economic cooperation between its Member States, within Europe and globally.  
  4. Living abroad: Experience living in one of our cosmopolitan duty stations (Brussels, Geneva or Luxembourg). We provide all of our Junior Professionals with furnished accommodation to make sure that you enjoy your stay to the fullest.  
  5. Development: We believe in your unique potential. Throughout the programme, we will provide you with several opportunities to receive the training and exposure you need to excel in your career. Our training ranges from soft to technical and language skills.  
  6. Networking opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of professionals, both within our organisation and beyond. We organise several visits to the European institutions (e.g. Council of the EU and European Parliament). Build lasting relationships that can open doors to exciting opportunities in the future!
  7. Career advancement: Many of our former Junior Professionals often continue to pursue their careers in international organisations, national administrations, think tanks, law firms, NGOs and more. With the right skills and dedication, you can also grow with us!
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Who are we looking for?

Our Junior Professional Programme is open to recent graduates, career changers and anyone looking to gain valuable work experience within the Secretariat. We welcome diversity and believe that a variety of perspectives enrich our workplace.

Given the nature of our organisation, unless otherwise stipulated only EFTA nationals (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland) are eligible to apply.

Recruitment process

Ready to take the first step towards an exceptional career? As of 1 February 2024, the list of vacancies for our next Junior Professional Programme will be live. Once ready, submit your resume and tell us why you are passionate about your chosen field and how you can contribute to our organisation. 

What does our recruitment process look like?
February: 
1.    Submit your application 
Between March and April
2.    If shortlisted, submit a Modern Hire video 
3.    If shortlisted, proceed to an online interview and assignment
Early April
4.    Receive final feedback

For any questions or inquiries regarding the recruitment process for our Junior Professional Programme, please contact: hr.support [at] efta.int (hr[dot]support[at]efta[dot]int)

What’s on offer?

Besides the opportunity to kickstart your career in an intergovernmental organisation, we also offer the following monetary benefits to all Junior Professionals: 

  • A furnished studio located in the city centre for you (and your partner) for the duration of the programme
  • A monthly salary to cover part of the cost of living in your respective duty station:
    • CHF 2 575 in Geneva
    • EUR 1 815 in Brussels and Luxembourg
  • A Belgian/Swiss/Luxembourg mobile phone subscription with unlimited text messages and call minutes, and up to 300 GB
  • Arrival and departure allowance to cover your means of transportation to and from the duty station
  • Health, travel and death & disability insurance
  • And many more!