Head of Finance and Control Unit

Location:
Brussels
Duration of appointment:
Fixed term three years (renewable once if in the interest of the FMO)
Job Reference:
VA 21/2025
Closing Date:
31 August 2025

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). The EEA Grants are financed by the three Donor States whereas Norway Grants are financed solely by Norway.

We have entered the new funding period of the EEA and Norway Grants 2021-2028 with a budget of 3.2 billion euros. At the same time, we are closing the previous funding period 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.

Nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway as well as nationals of the Member States of the European Union are eligible for this position.

Details job ad

Scope

The Head of Finance and Control Unit is part of the management team of the FMO. He/she reports to the Deputy Managing Director, Director of Compliance and Administration Department.

He/she oversees the financial management and control of the EEA and Norway Grants and administrative budget of the FMO. He/she manages the development and maintenance of appropriate finance systems and the implementation of relevant procedures and controls at the FMO. As part of the management team, he/she contributes to the overall strategy, organisational development and governance of the organisation.

The Head of Finance and Control Unit is responsible for the management, supervision and coaching of the staff of the Unit. Currently, the team is composed of six Officers and the Head of Unit.

Tasks

  • Directly responsible for the development and monitoring of the annual and multi annual budgets of the FMO;
  • Oversee the financial management and control of the EEA and Norway Grants;
  • Establishment of annual financial statements;
  • Contribute to the annual FMO workplan and long-term strategy;
  • Oversee the maintenance, updates and monitoring of the overall internal control framework and anti-fraud strategy;
  • Oversee the implementation of the FMO audit strategy;
  • Maintain the shared service agreement with the EFTA Secretariat on finance matters;
  • Coordinate the work plans of the Unit and manage performance of staff members;
  • Maintain and develop systems, policies and procedures for:
    • Cash and liquidity management
    • Forecasts of payments, replenishments and disbursements
    • Financial reporting to internal and external stakeholders
    • Provision of financial expertise to internal and external stakeholders
    • Guidance documents and manuals to beneficiary countries and other partners
  • Oversee the Unit’s participation in the implementation of the FMO’s risk management strategy;
  • Manage the contacts with the EFTA Board of Auditors and the Norwegian Auditor General;
  • Manage the contacts with the relevant Beneficiary State authorities;
  • Beyond the listed tasks, you will handle any other duties as required, adapting to the dynamic needs of the organisation.

Qualifications

A Master’s-level university degree in a relevant field.

Experience

  • Minimum of nine years of relevant work experience, including experience in leading teams;
  • Experience in financial management, accounting, grant management, and audit, preferably in an international organisation;
  • Understanding of the risk and control environment of publicly funded programmes;
  • Experience in developing and maintaining financial systems, policies and standard operating procedures;
  • Experience in working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and accounting software.

Skills

  • Solid background in financial management and accounting;
  • Knowledge of the financial management and generic regulatory frameworks of publicly funded programmes;
  • Knowledge of EU and other relevant funding programmes;
  • Analytical skills and ability to make sound decisions;
  • Ability to draft reports and analytical papers, and to present complex financial issues clearly and convincingly;
  • Proven organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff from diverse cultural backgrounds;
  • Result-oriented approach, and a proactive and cooperative outlook;
  • Diplomatic and negotiation skills;
  • Good interpersonal skills, including a dynamic and flexible attitude, and cultural sensitivity;
  • Self-reliance and autonomy, but also the skills needed for team work;
  • Excellent command of MS Office tools, such as Excel and SharePoint;
  • Ability to multitask and to work with tight deadlines.

Languages

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (the working language of the FMO).

Employment Terms

Grade: A5
Annual starting salary: EUR 130,620

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 an 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 and for questions related to the recruitment process please contact us by email at fmorecruitment@efta.int.

Please note that only applications received via our web tool (https://jobs.efta.int/home.html) will be considered.

Deadline for submission of applications: 31 August 2025.

APPLY HERE.