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 Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway’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, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia). EEA Grants are financed by the 3 donor countries whereas Norway Grants are financed solely by Norway.
We have entered the new funding period of the Financial Mechanisms 2021-2028 with a budget of 3.2 billion euros. At the same time, we are closing the old funding period of the Financial Mechanisms 2014-2021 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 60 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 a meaningful European Cohesion.
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.
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.
Scope
As a Country Officer at the FMO, you serve as the primary contact point between the FMO, the National Focal Point in the Beneficiary State(s) and the Donor States.
You coordinate the FMO’s work in Beneficiary State(s), maintaining an overview and following up on the implementation of the EEA and Norway Grants. During the negotiations of Memoranda of Understanding and Annual Meetings, you play a key role in preparing meetings and supporting the Donor States. You also provide guidance to the National Focal Point(s) on policy questions related to the Grants and contribute to the bilateral objectives of the Grants. To be successful in this position, you must continuously monitor and analyse political, social, and economic developments in the Beneficiary State(s) that is under your responsibility.
Furthermore, you advise the Donor States on any issues relevant to the Grants in the Beneficiary State(s) under your responsibility. You are also expected to conduct risk analysis and cross-cutting analysis of developments in Beneficiary States.
You will report to the Head of the Country and Bilateral Cooperation Unit. As part of your role, you will also engage in travel to fulfil your responsibilities.
With this recruitment process, the FMO will hire candidates to fill 3 positions, each focusing on several countries.
The portfolios will be defined based on the overall needs of the team and by the knowledge and preferences of the successful candidates. We ask you to specify which country or region would be your primary interest or work focus. We are particularly interested in competence on the following Beneficiary States or regions:
- Bulgaria
- Cyprus
- Estonia
- Hungary
- Latvia
- Malta
- Portugal
- Slovakia
The Country and Bilateral Unit works as a team and you are expected to be flexible and contribute to the team’s deliveries even though it is not a formal part of your portfolio. You may also be asked to take on other tasks such as the role of Country Officer for other Beneficiary States or programme management.
Tasks
As a Country Officer at the FMO your role will involve:
- Monitoring developments in the respective country or region and providing strategic advice: you will follow political, social, and economic developments in Beneficiary States and you will contribute to the FMO’s risk management strategy by providing advice both internally and to the Donor States on programme development and/or implementation issues; furthermore, you will maintain an overview of the implementation of the EEA and Norway Grants in the Beneficiary States and report on progress.
- Cooperation, coordination, information sharing and guidance with key stakeholders: you will coordinate FMO’s work related to any Beneficiary State(s) under your responsibility, cooperate with the Donor States’ embassies in these country(ies), as well as relevant EU institutions and partner organisations; you will coordinate the preparation and follow-up of Annual Meetings between the Donor States and the Beneficiary State(s) under your responsibility; furthermore, you will guide the National Focal Point in respective Beneficiary State(s) on all questions related to the Grants.
- Bilateral relations: you will work with the Beneficiary State(s) and Donor State actors to enhance bilateral relations, in particular supporting the work of the Joint Committee for the Bilateral Fund in your Beneficiary State(s).
- Programme management: you will participate actively in relevant FMO programme teams with your country expertise. You may also manage some programmes assigned under your responsibility.
- MoU negotiations: you will assist all key stakeholders and parties in negotiations and the follow up of the MoU with the Beneficiary State(s) under your responsibility.
- 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:
- At least six years of relevant work experience;
- Experience from working with or in one of the Beneficiary States;
- Previous work experience in an international environment.
Desired:
- A combination of work experience in e.g., public administration, diplomacy or international organisations, and programme management;
- Good knowledge of respective Beneficiary State(s) (countries listed above) gained either from working directly in the country or dealing with the respective Beneficiary States in a work context;
- Experience working with the justice sector, rule of law or human rights or other sectors relevant for the grants;
- Experience working with European Union funds in one or several Beneficiary States is an advantage.
Skills
- Excellent analytical skills for monitoring the progress of programme implementation, as well as tracking political, social, and economic developments in the assigned Beneficiary State(s);
- Excellent ability to draft concise reports and analytical papers, presenting complex issues clearly and effectively;
- Ability to navigate effectively between various stakeholders and coordinate their input and work towards a common goal;
- Good understanding of the current geopolitical situation and the political developments in Europe;
- Good understanding of results-based management and ability to work with risk assessments;
- Strong diplomatic, negotiating, presentation and communication 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). Further language knowledge relevant for use in the Beneficiary States, and/or good knowledge of any of Donor State languages is an asset.
Employment Terms
Grade: A4
Annual starting salary: EUR 112,786
Appointments are normally made at step 1 of the grade. 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 equal opportunities. We are committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, with a healthy work-life balance.
We offer a very interesting and challenging position in a dynamic and inclusive 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 more details about the position or recruitment process please contact us by writing to fmorecruitment@efta.int. Please note that only applications received via our web tool will be considered.
Deadline for submission of applications: 4 May 2025