The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) administers the EEA Grants and Norway Grants on behalf of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The funding schemes aim at reducing economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area (EEA) and strengthening of bilateral relations with the 15 EU countries benefiting from the funding.
Key areas of support include environment and climate change, civil society, human and social development, cultural heritage and cultural exchange, research and scholarships, decent work and justice and home affairs.
The FMO is affiliated to the EFTA Secretariat in Brussels, and reports to the ministries of foreign affairs of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It serves as a contact point for the donor states, beneficiary states and other stakeholders. The FMO has 50 employees.
Division:Financial Mechanism OfficeLocation:BrusselsCategory/Level:A4Type/Duration of Appointment:Fixed-term three years (renewable once if in the interest of the FMO)Start Date:As soon as possibleJob Reference:VA 21/2012
Scope
Country Officers (CO) serve as the primary contact point between the FMO, the Focal Points (FP) in his/her beneficiary state(s), and the EEA-EFTA states in respect of the implementation of the EEA and Norway Grants. In particular, the COs provide guidance to the FP(s) on policy questions related to the EEA and Norway Grants, ensure coordination of the work with beneficiary state(s) in the programming of the financial contribution, guide the preparation and follow-up of annual meetings, and handle the annual strategic reports from the beneficiary states. The COs furthermore keep an overview of the programmes in their countries, and follow-up of the implementation of approved programmes for which they have been appointed Task Managers throughout the programme cycle. Furthermore, the COs will assist in the process of establishing the Financial Mechanisms 2009-2014 in their respective countries. The COs consult issues with other relevant FMO staff. The COs report to the Head of the Country Unit, maintains oversight and assess political and economic developments in his/her country/ies.
Tasks
• Maintain oversight of the implementation of the EEA and Norway Grants in his/her country/ies;
• Follow-up and assess reporting in his/her country/ies;
• Report to the donors and other stakeholders on results whithin her/his countries, based on reporting from Focal Points and Programme Operators;
• Contribute to the implementation of the FMO’s risk management strategy within her/his portfolio;
• Establish and develop working level contacts with the FP(s);
• Guidance to the Focal Point in the Beneficiary States on policy questions related to these Grants;
• Guidance in respect of the preparation of annual meetings; follow-up on annual meetings, annual strategic reports and other reports;
• Participate in programming of any new financial contributions under the EEA and Norway Grants 2009-2014 for his/her country/ies;
• Provide guidance to FMO on issues related to the implementation of projects and programmes in his/her country/ies;
• Review programme reports and disbursement claims in cooperation with the financial officers, and administer programme modification requests.
Qualifications
Relevant University degree, minimum Master’s level.
Experience
At least 5 years of relevant work experience in public administration, international organisation or NGO in relevant programme/project management.
Skills
• Knowledge of EU programmes, e.g. Structural Funds;
• Knowledge of grant management and project/programme assessment work;
• Experience in Central Europe, in particular in respect of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, would be an advantage;
• Analytical skills in respect of monitoring of project progress and programming;
• Result-oriented approach, and a proactive and cooperative outlook;
• Strong interpersonal abilities, including a dynamic and flexible attitude, and cultural sensitivity;
• Self-reliance and autonomy, but also facility for team work;
• Ability to multitask and work to tight deadlines; and
• Experience with standard office software.
Languages
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
• Knowledge of another EFTA/EU language is an asset.
Employment Terms
Grade: A4
Annual Salary: EUR 83,386
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 member states.
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. In addition, depending on the candidate’s family status, attractive benefits and allowances may apply.
For further information about this position, please contact Mr Pawel Krzeczunowicz, Acting Head of Country Unit, pkr@efta.int or tel.
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Please note that only applications received via our web tool will be considered. Apply now on-line
Deadline for submission of application: 5 October 2012.