The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) is the secretariat of the EEA Grants and Norway Grants, and is affiliated to the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in Brussels.
We are looking for highly motivated and qualified candidates to take on the post of Legal Officer (multiple positions) in the Legal Affairs Unit within the Compliance and Administration Department of the FMO.
The overall objectives of the Grants are to reduce economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area (EEA) and to strengthen bilateral relations between the Donor States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and the 15 Beneficiary States (Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Malta, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia).
The Grants are based on a programme model where the Beneficiary States are responsible for the programmes and for projects implemented under the programmes. Some programmes and funds, notably regarding civil society, regional cooperation and decent work and a small number of energy and innovation programmes, are under the responsibility of the FMO.
The allocation for the funding period (2014-2021) totals €2.8 billion. The priority sectors in the period 2014-2021 are:
• Innovation, Research, Education and Competitiveness;
• Social Inclusion, Youth Employment and Poverty Reduction;
• Environment, Energy, Climate Change and Low Carbon Economy;
• Culture, Civil Society, Good Governance and Fundamental Rights and Freedoms;
• Justice and Home Affairs.
The FMO offers an international, stimulating and diverse workplace, with a current staff of over 60 employees comprising about 20 nationalities. Our values are:
• Professionalism,
• Cooperation,
• Trust, responsibility and respect.
For more information please check 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
The Legal Officer provides legal advice and expertise on all aspects of the EEA and Norway Grants’ regulatory framework and in all aspects of the programme management of the EEA and Norway Grants. Additionally, the Legal Officer provides legal advice and expertise in any other work of the FMO as needed.
The Legal Officer will work in a team of four Legal Officers. S/he reports to the Head of the Legal Affairs Unit.
Tasks
• Participate in the work on the FMO’s regulatory framework;
• Provide legal expertise in the handling and reporting of irregularity cases;
• Advise on matters relating to the protection of personal data;
• Provide legal expertise in programme assessment and implementation;
• Draft and review legal documents related to the programmes;
• Provide legal expertise in procurement;
• Provide legal expertise in any other issues, including administrative issues.
The position involves travel.
Qualifications
University degree in law, Master’s level.
Experience
• Minimum of 3 to 6 years of relevant work experience;
• Legal experience in grant management or programme management;
• Experience in handling of irregularity cases would be an advantage.
• Experience with programme/grant management administered by the Donor States, by an international organization or by a public sector investment bank or experience with EU funds would be an advantage;
Skills
• Ability to analyse complex legal issues and present them clearly;
• Ability to draft and review legal texts swiftly in English;
• Knowledge of rules governing the protection of personal data (GDPR);
• Knowledge of EU and other relevant funding programmes;
• Understanding of financial/irregularity issues;
• Knowledge of state aid and public procurement;
• Result-oriented approach, and a proactive and cooperative outlook;
• Diplomatic and negotiations 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; and
• Ability to multitask and to work with tight deadlines.
Languages
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (the working language of the FMO) are a requirement. Fluency in any of the Donor State languages would be an advantage.
Employment Terms
Grade: A3/A4*
Annual starting salary: EUR 86,076 for A3 level and EUR 100,026 for level A4
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.
FMO is an employer dedicated to the principles of diversity and equal opportunities. We select our staff without discrimination on the basis of age, gender, religion, colour, culture, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, pregnancy or family responsibilities.
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. 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: Mr Alexander Cassavetti, Head of Legal Affairs Unit, aca@efta.int, tel. +32 (0)2 211 18 11. For information regarding the recruitment process please contact Ms Vera Medinskaya, Head of Administration and HR Unit, vme@efta.int, tel. +32 2 211 18 60.
Please note that only applications received via our web tool will be considered.
Deadline for submission of application: 8 May 2022.
Please note that it is planned to have the interviews on-line in May 2022; the candidate should ideally start in September 2022.
*For level A3 the candidates will need to demonstrate at least between 3 to 6 years of relevant professional experience; for level A4 the relevant professional experience should be at least 6 years or more.