Sector Officers, Green Transition – VA 29/2024

Sector Officers, Green Transition – VA 29/2024

(Two Positions)

EFTA – European Free Trade Association

Brussels, Belgium

Are you a dynamic and motivated professional looking to make a positive impact in Europe? Would you like to contribute to an acceleration of the green transition and increase green value creation and competitiveness in Central and Southern Europe? Join our team as a Sector Officer at the Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) in Brussels.

About us

The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) – affiliated with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – carries out the day-to-day management of the EEA and Norway Grants. The Grants are Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein’s contribution to reducing economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area (EEA) and strengthen bilateral relations and partnerships between the Donor States and the 15 Beneficiary States (Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Malta, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia). Norway provides around 97% of the Grants and Iceland and Liechtenstein the rest.

We are now entering a new funding period with a budget of 3.2 billion euros. And at the same time, we are closing the current funding period with a budget of 2.8 billion euros.

The programmes in the new funding period will focus on these overall priorities:

• European green transition;
• Democracy, rule of law and human rights;
• Social inclusion and resilience.

Why join the FMO?

At the FMO, we offer more than just a job – we offer a stimulating and diverse international workplace with a trust-based culture. Our team of more than 50 employees coming from the EEA region, bring a rich blend of experiences and knowledge to our daily operations. We work closely with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Donor States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), the 15 Beneficiary States and various international partners. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and respectful environment where you can advance your career and contribute to meaningful results that make a difference.

Learn more

If you’re ready to take on a rewarding challenge and be part of a dedicated team working towards improving economic and social progress and strengthening cooperation and partnerships in Europe, we encourage you to apply. For more details about our work and the opportunities we offer, please visit our website at www.eeagrants.org.

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

Division: Financial Mechanism Office
Category/Level: A4
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 29/2024

Scope

As a Sector Officer in the FMO you will manage a portfolio of programmes, provide expertise advice, and ensure progress in planning, development, and implementation of programmes. In some cases, you might be responsible for directly managing programmes through contracted fund operators in the Beneficiary States. The Sector Officer is also expected to manage programme teams within the FMO.

The two professionals in the green portfolio will assist in closing current programmes and assessing their results and will assist the Beneficiary States in the development of new programmes under the upcoming funding period.

One of the sector officers will be responsible for a grant portfolio of programmes mainly targeting the private sector and the other mainly targeting the public sector.

The EEA and Norway Grants operates through a working model where the Beneficiary States are responsible for implementing the programmes. The FMO works in financial cycles navigated by risk assessments and results-based management. Building relations with stakeholders based on trust is at the core of how the Sector Officers operate.

As part of your role, you will also engage in travel to fulfil your responsibilities and will be reporting to the Head of Unit.

Tasks

As a Sector Officer your role will involve:

• Monitoring sector developments and providing strategic advice: you will keep abreast about developments within the sector of your responsibilities and offer advice to Donors and Beneficiary States to ensure that the programmes align with the priorities set by the Grants;
• Programme development and implementation: you will oversee and manage a portfolio of programmes, supporting their development and implementation; further, you will lead programme teams within the FMO;
• Main contact point for Programme Operators: you will keep regular contact with Programme Operators in the Beneficiary States, clear communication and collaboration based on trust are essential here;
• Strategic assessment of cooperation: you will be evaluating the strategic relevance of cooperation between institutions in both the Donor States and the Beneficiary States helping to optimise the impact;
• Engaging with Donors: you will drive the dialogue with the Donors, providing updates on programme development, implementation and sharing results;
• Additional responsibilities: Beyond the listed tasks, you will handle any other duties as required, adapting to the dynamic needs of the role and the needs of FMO.

Qualifications

• A Master’s-level university degree in a relevant field.

Experience

Required experience:

• At least six years of work experience related to the energy sector, environment, climate, or green business innovation in either public administration, international or non-profit organisations. A combination of work experience in these areas is considered an asset.

Desired experience:

• Work experience in one or more of the following areas, preferably in one of the Beneficiary States, in one of the Donor States, or at EU level:
  • climate actions and climate adaptation;
  • actions to combat environmental degradation;
  • clean energy transition;
  • green industry initiatives and innovations.
• Prior working with programme and/or grant management;
• Having led teams and coordinated processes.

Skills

• Understanding of challenges and solutions to accelerate the green transition;
• Knowledge of one or more of the following issues:
  • capacity development related to green governance;
  • competence in how to ensure a social and just transition;
  • blended finance, cluster cooperation or public-private partnerships;
  • EU policies and funding sources for the green transition.
• Understanding of results-based management and ability to work with risk assessments;
• Excellent analytical and communication skills;
• Strong diplomatic and negotiating skills;
• Strong interpersonal abilities, pragmatic and result-oriented attitude;
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and meeting tight deadlines.

Languages

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (the working language of the FMO). Fluency in any of the Donor State languages, especially Norwegian, and knowledge of any of the Beneficiary State languages is an asset.

Employment Terms

Grade: A4
Annual starting salary: EUR 106,704

Appointments are normally made at step 1 of the grade. The FMO reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level different from that advertised.

Salaries and related payments are normally exempt from taxation by the EFTA Member States and, as regulated in EFTA’s headquarters agreement in Belgium. Depending on the candidate’s family status, benefits and allowances may apply.

The FMO is an employer dedicated to the principles of diversity and equality. We are committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, with a healthy work-life balance.

For further information on this position please contact: Ms Camilla Langsholt, Sector Officer, [email protected] or +32 22 111 841, after 25 August.

Contact Ms Vera Medinskaya, Head of Administration and HR Unit, [email protected] or +32 (0)2 211 18 60, for information regarding recruitment process.

Please note that only applications received via our web tool will be considered.

Deadline for submission of application: 8 September 2024.

Apply Now