Sector Officer – Civil Society – VA 27/2024

Sector Officer – Civil Society – VA 27/2024

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 Sector Officer – Civil Society 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), the15 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 27/2024

Scope

As a Sector Officer for Civil Society, you will actively contribute to the work of the FMO Civil Society team shaping the EEA Civil Society Fund, ensuring its effectiveness and sustainability. You will manage the fund in some Beneficiary States, overseeing programme implementation and collaborating closely with Fund Operators. Providing guidance, monitoring civil society developments, facilitating cooperation, and enhancing visibility will be also an important part of your work. You will be reporting 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 Sector Officer for Civil Society, your role will involve:

• Setting up the EEA Civil Society Fund: You will actively contribute to shaping the fund’s structure and future development; and collaborate closely with the FMO Civil Society team;
• Programme management for the EEA Civil Society Fund: You will lead the selection process of Fund Operators and work closely with them to oversee programme implementation; you will lead the FMO programme team, actively track and report on programme progress and results;
• Transnational component development: You will contribute to developing and operating a transnational component of the EEA Civil Society Fund;
• Guidance and training: You will be providing guidance and training to Fund Operators and other relevant stakeholders;
• Monitoring and networking: You will be maintaining awareness of civil society developments in Donor States, Beneficiary States, and at the EU level. You will facilitate contacts and cooperation between Donor States and Beneficiary States and enhance visibility of the EEA Civil Society Fund and the Donor States’ contribution through engagement with relevant institutions, 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:

• At least six years of relevant work experience, including in or with civil society organisations;
• Previous work experience in an international environment;
• Experience in developing and managing programmes, projects and/or grants;
• Prior work experience with issues and policies related to democracy, rule of law, human rights, and social inclusion.

Desired experience:

• Experience working in or with civil society in the Beneficiary States;
• Capacity development experience aimed at strengthening the sustainability of the civil society sector;
• Prior working in/or with public administration or international organisations;
• Experience working with the EEA and Norway Grants.

Skills

As an ideal candidate, you should have:

• Good knowledge of issues and policies related to democracy, rule of law, human rights, and social inclusion;
• Very good knowledge of the needs and challenges of the civil society sector in Beneficiary States;
• Understanding of results-based principles in programmes/projects and grant management and ability to work with risk management approach;
• Ability to organise and drive stakeholders consultations, provide guidance and trainings;
• Excellent analytical, drafting, presentation and communication skills;
• Strong diplomatic and negotiating skills;
• Strong interpersonal abilities with pragmatic and result-oriented attitude and cultural sensitivity;
• 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, 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 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 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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