The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) is the secretariat of the EEA Grants and Norway Grants, and is affiliated to the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in Brussels. The overall objectives of the grants are to reduce economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area (EEA) and to strengthen bilateral relations between the Donor States and the 15 Beneficiary States.
The Grants are worth €1.8 billion in the financing period 2009-2014, funding 148 programmes and ca. 7200 projects. The programmes and projects under this financing period are now drawing to a close. The allocation for the financing period 2014-2021 totals €2.8 billion. The priority sectors in the financing period 2014-2021 are:
- Innovation, Research, Education and Competitiveness;
- Social Inclusion, Youth Employment and Poverty Reduction;
- Environment, Energy, Climate Change and Low Carbon Economy;
- Culture, Civil Society, Good Governance and Fundamental Rights and Freedoms;
- Justice and Home Affairs.
The FMO offers an international, stimulating and diverse workplace, with a current staff of over 60 employees comprising 18 nationalities.
This position is open to nationals of the EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway).
We are looking for a highly motivated and qualified candidate who is willing to take on the challenging post of the Head of Programmes Department at the FMO.
Division
Financial Mechanism Office
Location
Brussels
Category/Level
A6
Type/Duration of Appointment
Fixed-term three years (renewable once if in the interest of the FMO)
Start Date
As soon as possible
Job Reference
VA 16 /2017
Aðrar upplýsingar
The Head of the Programmes Department leads a department consisting of Priority Sectors Unit, Funds and Horizontal Concerns Unit, Results and Evaluation Unit and Programme Closure Group. The Department has 33 staff members. S/he has the overall responsibility for the FMO’s work on the programmes and funds, including the management of the results and evaluation. S/he provides policy advice and expertise related to programming during the whole programme cycle. Through her/his work, the Head of Department contributes to the achievement of the overall objectives of reducing social and economic disparities and strengthening of bilateral cooperation.
The Head of Programmes Department reports to the Director and is a member of the FMO’s senior management team. S/he is line manager for the Heads of the three Units and the Programme Closure Coordinator.
Tasks
- Manage the work of the Department;
- Provide advice to the Donors;
- Maintain close dialogue with the Donor States and the Beneficiary States regarding the Grants’ priorities and programming requirements;
- Oversee and support the work related to the priority sectors;
- Facilitate strengthening of bilateral relations between the Donor States and the Beneficiary States
- Oversee and support the FMO’s work in relation to result based management, risk management, reporting, evaluation and monitoring;
- Manage the FMO’s contacts with Donor Programme Partners, International Partner Organisations and with relevant institutions in the Donor States and the Beneficiary States;
- Oversee the management and coaching of the Department staff.
Qualifications
- Relevant University degree, Master’s level
Experience
- Extensive work experience in project finance and programme management;
- Work experience with the Governments of the EEA EFTA States ;
- Familiarity with the Beneficiary States and the European Commission;
- Knowledge of EU and other programmes providing support to the Beneficiary States and /or development aid; and
- At least 10 years of relevant experience, preferably in an international context, of which at least 5 years should be at management level.
Skills
- Strong track-record and proven management skills, including leadership, organisational awareness and change management;
- Excellent analytical skills and ability to make sound decisions;
- Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently, both in writing and orally;
- Diplomatic and negotiation skills, and ability to work effectively with staff from diverse cultural backgrounds;
- Ability to motivate highly skilled staff members;
- Knowledge of the Donors’ policies and priorities within the relevant support areas;
- Good overview of EU policies and programmes in the Grants’ priority sectors;
- Result-oriented approach, and a proactive and cooperative outlook;
- Ability to multitask and work to tight deadlines.
Languages
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (the working language of the FMO).
Employment Terms
Grade: A6
Annual starting salary: EUR 123,520
Appointments are normally made at step 1 of the grade. The Director of the FMO reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level different from that advertised. Through its recruitment policy, the FMO wants to ensure diversity in terms of gender, age and culture.
We offer a very interesting and challenging position in a dynamic and diverse environment and the opportunity to work in a team of highly qualified people. Salaries and related payments are exempt from taxation by the EFTA Member States, and as regulated in headquarters agreements, in the EFTA host states. Depending on the candidate’s family status, benefits and allowances may apply.
Interested applicants should apply online via the EFTA e-recruitment tool: http://jobs.efta.int/
Please note that only applications received via our web tool will be considered.
Deadline for submission of application: 14 January 2018.