Bilateral Officer – FMO – VA 35/2024

Bilateral Officer – FMO – VA 35/2024

EFTA – European Free Trade Association

Brussels, Belgium

Are you a dynamic and highly motivated professional looking to make a positive impact in Europe? Join our team as the new Bilateral 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). EEA Grants are financed by the 3 donor countries whereas Norway Grants are financed solely by Norway.

We are now entering a new funding period with a budget of 3.2 billion euros. 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.

Only nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway are eligible for this position.

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 35/2024

Scope and tasks:

As the Bilateral Officer you will be working closely with all teams in the FMO, however, you will be assigned to the Country and Bilateral Unit reporting directly to the Head of Unit. You will be required to travel to successfully fulfil your duties. Your tasks will include in particular:

Key Responsibilities:

• Strengthen Bilateral Relations: Ensure programmes contribute to the EEA and Norway Grants’ objective of strengthening bilateral relations between donor and beneficiary states; facilitate bilateral partnerships in programmes and projects;
• Communication and Coordination: Liaising with Donor State Ministries of Foreign Affairs, maintain contacts and provide guidance externally to institutions and organisations in both Donor and Beneficiary States, and internally to support FMO colleagues; Identify relevant platforms and events to represent the Grants, communicate opportunities and exchange results, best practices and lessons learned;
• Manage Information and Reporting: Manage FMO online documentation and reporting systems as well other tools to track and report on programme progress and bilateral cooperation results. Enhance reporting on bilateral results and improve bilateral work within the EEA and Norway Grants;
• Training and Representation: Plan and conduct internal and external training sessions;
• Administrative and Team Tasks: Administer agreements with over 15 public entities, including work plans, budgeting, and reporting. Work within the bilateral team to maintain day-to-day contacts with Donor and Beneficiary States, oversee Joint Committees for the Bilateral Fund and DPPs, and report to FMO management and Donors;
• Other Tasks: Perform additional tasks as required based on evolving FMO needs, incl. e.g. taking on programme management.

Qualifications:

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

Experience:

Required experience:

• At least 6 years of relevant work experience;
• Experience from Donor State public administration and/or international organisations;
• Experience with programme and project level management or grant management.

Desired experience:

• Experience in working with at least one or several of the Beneficiary States;
• Experience working with one of the EEA and Norway Grants DPPs (Donor Programme Partners);
• Experience with results-based management.

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). Further language knowledge, relevant for use in the Beneficiary States, is an asset.

Employment Terms:

Grade: A4
Annual starting salary: EUR 106,704.24

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

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.

We offer very interesting and challenging positions 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.

For questions related to the recruitment process or information about this position please contact us by email [email protected].

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

Deadline for submission of applications: 12 January 2025.

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