Head of IT

Head of IT

ESA - EFTA Surveillance Authority

Brussels, Belgium

The EFTA Surveillance Authority

The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) is an international organisation which monitors compliance with the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA Agreement) in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, enabling those States to participate in the Internal Market of the European Union.

ESA's work helps remove barriers to trade and open 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 21 different nationalities from across the EEA. Based in Brussels, ESA is collocated within the EFTA House with its sister organisations the EFTA Secretariat and the EEA and Norway Grants (FMO).

Job Reference 14/2025

ESA is recruiting Head of IT who combines a strategic mind with a hands-on and operational approach. The right candidate will have a strong IT background and a proven capacity to communicate efficiently clients at all levels across the organisation.

The Administration Department is a strategic internal partner that offers vital support across multiple areas, including Finance, Human Resources (HR), and Information and Communication Technology. By delivering robust administrative management and services, the department enhances the working environment, promoting efficiency and collaboration, and acts as the enabling partner in the organisation. The services provided are designed to align with the organization's goals, ensuring that all operational facets are managed proficiently and securely.

Within the Administration Department the IT team is responsible for the strategy, planning, procurement, implementation, and maintenance of the complete IT infrastructure of the Authority. They manage day-to-day operations of ESA’s Document Management System (GoPro) and other IT systems, ensuring smooth operation and maintenance of IT infrastructure. Additionally, the IT team supports all departments by monitoring associated working routines and assisting in inspections in the field of competition, involving forensic IT.

The Head of IT plays a pivotal role in ESA in leading the IT team within the Administration Department, ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of IT infrastructure with a particular attention to GoPro. This role involves strategic planning, procurement, implementation, and day-to-day management of IT services to enhance efficiency and collaboration across the organization. Additionally, the Head of IT will spearhead the digitalisation process and initiate digital tools to improve working methods and communication, identifies areas for IT improvement, and manages the daily activities and projects of the IT team. The Head of IT also ensures robust IT security, particularly in the area of cyber.

Main responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the IT strategy in alignment with the organisation's overall objectives;
• Lead and manage the IT team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation;
• Manage the organisation’s IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, networks, cloud environments (Azure) and data centres;
• Ensure high levels of availability, functionality, and security of IT systems;
• Oversee IT projects from conception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality standards;
• Coordinate with other departments to ensure IT projects align with organisational needs;
• Manage relationships with key suppliers and service providers;
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand and address their IT needs;
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends to drive innovation and digitalisation within the organisation;
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement in IT services and processes;
• Perform any other related duty as assigned.

Essential requirements:

• University degree in field of Information Technology, computer sciences, information science, or a related field;
• Minimum 8 years’ relevant professional experience, including proven management experience, in the private or the public sector;
• Experience working with networking hardware, switches, access points or similar;
• Experience working with server hardware;
• Working knowledge with infrastructure based on standard Microsoft 365 products, including Azure, Active Directory, Windows 11, Exchange Server, Microsoft Intune and Apple Business Manager MDM, SQL Server, PaloAlto, Cohesity and Crowdstrike;
• Excellent organisational, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills;
• Initiative and the ability to work both independently and in a team in an international environment;
• Certifications in relevant Microsoft Solutions;
• Certification in relevant project management tools;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (ESA’s working language) and the ability to draft documents in a clear and concise manner.

Desirable requirements:

• Experience in an international organisation or national administration;
• Experience in IT project management;
• Experience in IT forensic analysis;
• Good understanding of Norwegian, Icelandic or German (the EEA EFTA languages), ad/or good understanding of French and/or Dutch (the host country languages);
• Knowledge and experience working with Aruba solutions, Nutanix and Acropolis.

Reporting and collaboration:

The incumbent reports to Director, Administration and works closely with the Deputy Director, Administration and Head of Finance and Head of HR. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent works closely with the leadership of ESA, including College.

• Direct reports: 2;
• Indirect reports: N/a.

Conditions:

ESA has a dynamic and diverse work environment with the opportunity to work in a team of highly qualified people. We offer:

• International experience and professional development;
• An inclusive and supportive environment;
• Competitive 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.

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 A5 of ESA’s salary scale, with a likely starting salary of between €130 000 and €137 000 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 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: 1 June 2025 midnight CET;
• Interviews: June 2025;
• Start date: As soon as possible.

Questions regarding the post and the recruitment process may be addressed to Sabina Vella, Head of HR on +32 (0)2 286 1832/sve[at]eftasurv[dot]int or Catherine Vandeput, HR Officer on +32 (0)2 286 1870/cva[at]eftasurv[dot]int.

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