International Partner Organisations (IPO) Coordinator – VA 28/2024

International Partner Organisations (IPO) Coordinator – VA 28/2024

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 IPO Coordinator 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. 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 are 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 position is 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 28/2024

Scope

As the IPO Coordinator you will oversee relations with International Partner Organisations for the EEA and Norway Grants. In particular, you will coordinate the implementation of a new fund for cooperation with international organisations in areas such as governance, democracy, and human rights. Additionally, you will manage framework agreements with these institutions, ensuring their effective execution and compliance. The EEA and Norway Grants have existing framework agreements with the Council of Europe, the EU Fundamental Rights Agency, and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

You will directly report to the Head of Funds and Horizontal Concerns Unit. As part of your role, you will also engage in travel to fulfil your responsibilities.

Tasks

As the IPO Coordinator for the EEA and Norway Grants, your role will involve:

• Coordinating cooperation with International Partner Organisations (IPOs): you will working closely with IPOs, including the Council of Europe, the EU Fundamental Rights Agency, and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development as well as other relevant international organisations and non-governmental organisations, coordinating their involvement in the Fund’s work;
• Agreement development and oversight: you will manage development of framework cooperation agreements and work plans and oversee their implementation;
• Stakeholder coordination and communication: you will be facilitating communication between Donor states and the International Partner Organisations; further coordinating a inputs from various units in the FMO and other internal and external stakeholders; review draft reports and proposals;
• Annual meetings preparation: you will be preparing for annual meetings between Donor States and International Partner Organizations coordinating all necessary work for efficient and impactful organisation;
• Assessing new partnerships: you will participate in evaluating potential new international partner organisations and making recommendations for further collaboration;
• Promoting cooperation: you will be facilitating collaboration among relevant institutions across Donor States, Beneficiary States, and European/international networks and stakeholders;
• 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:

• Minimum of six years of relevant work experience, including collaboration with international partners and stakeholders;
• Experience in grant management and/or programme management;
• Experience working with programmes and policies related to fundamental rights, rule of law, and strengthening civil society.

Desired Experience:

• A proven track record in inter-institutional cooperation;
• Previous work experience in Beneficiary States.

Skills

As an ideal candidate, you should have:

• In-depth knowledge of international partner organisations (such as the Council of Europe, the EU Fundamental Rights Agency, and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development);
• Familiarity with relevant EU policies and programmes;
• Knowledge of Donor and Beneficiary States policies and the thematic priorities of the EEA and Norway Grants;
• Strong integrative and analytical skills to effectively collaborate with international partners and synthesise diverse perspectives and information;
• Strong skills in diplomacy, negotiation, drafting, and communication;
• Interpersonal abilities, including adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and a proactive approach;
• The ability to meet tight deadlines and balance self-reliance with effective teamwork.

Languages

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, the working language of the FMO, is a requirement. Knowledge of a language spoken in a Donor or Beneficiary State is an asset.

Employment terms

Grade: A4
Annual starting salary: EUR 106,704

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.

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 further information on this position, please contact Head of Funds and Horizontal Concerns Unit, Mr Hjörtur Sverrisson, tel. +32 2 2111 821, email hjortur.sverrisson@efta.int. Contact Ms Vera Medinskaya, Head of Administration and HR Unit, email vera.medinskaya@efta.int, tel. +32 2 2111 860, for questions related to the recruitment process.

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

Deadline for submission of applications: 1 September 2024

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