As Head of Legal Affairs, you will supervise a team of four legal officers. This is an exciting and challenging role which will involve handling all the legal aspects around the preparation and revision of programme agreements with the beneficiary states and the implementation of programmes.
Specific tasks will include advising on the preparation and follow-up of programmes, reviewing programme proposals to ensure that these are in line with the established legal framework, and preparing programme agreements.
Additional tasks will include advising on and revising the regulatory framework of the grant schemes and ensuring contracting of services procured by the FMO.
You must have a minimum of 10-15 years of relevant work experience and knowledge of legal aspects of programme management, excellent analytical skills and strong interpersonal abilities. We offer a highly competitive salary and favourable tax conditions and the opportunity to work in a dynamic and multinational working environment.
Full announcement:
The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) administers the EEA Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism on behalf of the three donor states Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The funding scheme for 2009-2014 of €1.79 billion aims to reduce economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area (EEA). Project support will be granted to applicants over the next years through programmes managed at country level in 15 Central and Southern European beneficiary states.
The FMO is affiliated to the EFTA Secretariat in Brussels, and reports to the Financial Mechanism Committee (FMC) and to the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NMFA). The FMO serves as a contact point for the donor states, beneficiary states and other stakeholders. The FMO cooperates with a co-ordinating authority (Focal Point) in each of the beneficiary states. The FMO consists of 50 employees.
Scope
The successful applicant will be part of FMO’s team and work in a fast paced and changing environment. She/he will be in charge of maintaining the legal framework for the Financial Mechanisms and provide legal advice and support to preparation and implementation of programmes. This includes support to colleagues at the FMO, to the donor states and to stakeholders in the beneficiary states. The tasks include guidance and supervision of a team of 4 legal officers.
Specific tasks will be to provide inputs and advice in the preparation and follow up of programmes in the beneficiary states, prepare programme agreements for approved programmes and recommending appropriate action, and reviewing programme proposals to ensure that proposals are in line with the established regulatory framework for the mechanisms. Tasks further include explaining, elaborating on and revising the regulatory framework for the mechanisms, as well as ensuring contracting of services procured by the FMO. The successful applicant must be willing to take on other tasks as needed. She/he will report to the Director and Deputy Director of the FMO.
Qualifications
- University degree in law.
- Advanced degree in law, particularly EU law, would be an advantage.
Experience
- A minimum of 10-15 years of relevant work experience, in particular related to EU funding, international finance programmes, project finance, trans-national contracts and EU-relevant legislation.
- Experience in programming.
- Work experience within any of the EU funds or a sound knowledge of and experience from the new EU member states would be a distinct advantage.
- Experience in programme monitoring and/or implementation is desirable.
Skills
- Excellent analytical skills. Good eye for creative solutions to legal or policy challenges.
- Ability to draft and review legal texts and opinions concisely and swiftly in the English language.
- Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, including a dynamic and flexible attitude, cultural sensitivity, and presentation skills.
- Excellent diplomatic skills and ability to work effectively with people with diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Self-reliance and autonomy, good organisational skills, and facility for teamwork in a task-oriented environment.
- Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle several diverse tasks at the same time.
- Experience in working with Office XP applications.
Languages
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
- Knowledge of other EFTA/EU languages would be an asset.
Employment Terms
- Grade: A5
- Annual salary: EUR 94,493
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.
Open to nationals of all EFTA and EU member states.
Duration of appointment is 3 years, with the possibility of renewal for another 3 year period.
Start date: As soon as possible after signing of contract.
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. We also offer favourable tax conditions and attractive social benefits.
For further information about this post, please contact the Director of FMO, Ms Stine Andresen at +32 2 211 18 80, e-mail stine.andresen@efta.int.
Deadline for submission of application: 31 October 2011.