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.

We are looking for highly motivated and qualified candidates to fill one Country Officer vacancy.

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 (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and the 15 Beneficiary States (Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Malta, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia).

The Grants are based on a programme model where the Beneficiary States are responsible for the programmes and for projects implemented under the programmes. A few programmes, notably regarding Civil Society, Regional Cooperation and Decent Work, are operated by the FMO.

The FMO offers an international, stimulating and diverse workplace, with a current staff of over 60 employees comprising 18 nationalities. Our values are: professionalism; cooperation; and trust, responsibility and respect. For more information please check our website at: https://eeagrants.org/

The position is open to nationals of the EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and nationals of the member states of the European Union.

Scope

The Country Officer serves as the primary contact point between the FMO, the National Focal Points (NFP) in his/her Beneficiary State(s) and the Donor States.
S/he provides country coordination, maintains oversight of the implementation of the Grants and follows the Beneficiary States’ political and economic developments. The work also includes administrative tasks related to these responsibilities. The position involves extensive travel.

Tasks
• Maintain oversight of the implementation of the Grants
• Follows the Beneficiary States’ political and economic developments
• Provide country expertise both internally at the FMO and externally to the Donor States;
• Guide the NFPs on all questions related to the Grants;
• Participate in programming of financial contributions under the Grants;
• Assess Beneficiary State reporting and report to the Donor States and other stakeholders on results;
• Contribute to the implementation of the FMO’s risk management strategy;
• Prepare and follow-up on annual meetings between the Donor States and Beneficiary States;
• Act as Programme Manager; and
• Fulfil administrative tasks in relation to the work.

Qualifications
Relevant University degree, Master’s level.

Experience
Relevant work experience in public administration, international organisation or programme/project management. A combination of work experience in these sectors and relevant work experience in/with one or several of the Beneficiary States would be an asset.

Skills
• Good knowledge of the Beneficiary States,
• Knowledge of the public sector in the Donor States and Donors’ policies and priorities is an asset;
• Good knowledge of and experience in grant management; preferably of EU programmes;
• Analytical skills in respect of monitoring of progress of implementation, as well as in respect of monitoring of political, social and economic developments in the Beneficiary States; 
• Ability to draft reports and analytical papers, and ability to present complex issues clearly and convincingly;
• Result-oriented approach, and a proactive and cooperative outlook;
• Excellent diplomatic and negotiation skills;
• Strong interpersonal abilities, including a dynamic and flexible attitude, and cultural sensitivity;
• Self-reliance and autonomy, but also skills needed for team work; and
• Ability to multitask and work to tight deadlines.

Languages
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (the working language of the FMO). Knowledge of another EFTA/EU language, especially languages of the Beneficiary States, is an asset.

Employment Terms
Grade: A4
Annual starting salary: EUR 92,050.92

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.

Please note that only applications received via our web tool will be considered.
Deadline for submission of application: 15 April 2018.