The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) is the secretariat of the EEA and Norway Grants, and is affiliated with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in Brussels.
We are looking for a highly motivated and qualified candidate to fill a vacancy for a (Senior) Bilateral Officer in the FMO’s Funds and Horizontal Concerns Unit within the Programmes Department.
We expect candidates who are eager to work with the EEA and Norway Grants objective 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 allocation for the funding period (2014-2021) totals €2.8 billion. The priority sectors in the period of 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 over 60 employees comprising approximately 18 nationalities. Our values are:
• Professionalism
• Cooperation
• Trust, responsibility and respect.
For more information please check our website at: www.eeagrants.org.
The position is open to nationals of the EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway).
Aðrar upplýsingar
The (Senior) Bilateral Officer is expected to work closely with all teams in the FMO and reports to the Head of Funds and Horizontal Concerns Unit.
She/he will in particular:
• Oversee that programmes contribute to achieving the EEA and Norway Grants’ objective of strengthening the bilateral relations between the three donor states and the fifteen beneficiary states;
• Facilitate bilateral partnerships in programmes and projects;
• Liaise with Donor State Ministries of Foreign Affairs;
• Coordinate administration of framework agreements with more than 20 public entities acting as Donor Programme Partners, including follow-up of work plans, budgeting and reporting;
• Maintain contacts with and provide guidance to relevant institutions and organisations in the Donor and Beneficiary States;
• Provide guidance and support to colleagues internally in the FMO related to the Grants’ objective of strengthening bilateral relations;
• Use FMO information management systems for tracking and reporting on programme progress and results of the bilateral cooperation to the Donors and other stakeholders;
• Further develop reporting on bilateral results;
• Improve and further develop the bilateral work in the EEA and Norway Grants;
• Plan and carry out internal and external trainings;
• Identity relevant platforms and events to represent the Grants, communicate opportunities and exchange results, best practices and lessons learned;
• Fulfil administrative tasks;
The (Senior) Bilateral Officer will also coordinate the Grants’ Good Governance programme portfolio and may take on the responsibility as programme manager for a limited number of programmes.
The position involves travel.
Qualifications
Relevant University degree, Master’s level
Experience
Required experience
• At least 6 years of relevant work experience is required for an Officer position, whereas at least 9 years of relevant experience is required in order to be considered for a Senior position.
Desired experience
• Experience from Donor State public administration and/or international organisations;
• Experience in working with the Beneficiary States;
• Experience with programme management or grant management;
• Experience with results-based management;
• Experience with programmes or policies related to good governance and promoting integrity and accountability of public administration is an asset.
Skills
• Knowledge of the Donors’ policies and priorities for the Grants;
• Knowledge of the Beneficiary States;
• Familiarity with the priority sectors of the Grants;
• Excellent ability to draft reports and analytical papers;
• Strong presentation and communication skills;
• Result-oriented approach;
• Excellent diplomatic and negotiation skills;
• Strong interpersonal abilities, including a dynamic and flexible attitude, and cultural sensitivity;
• Self-reliance and autonomy, but also facility 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) and at least one Donor State language.
Employment Terms
Grade: A4/A5
Annual starting salary: A4: 93,799.92 EUR ; A5: 108,631.56 EUR
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: 25 August 2019.