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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 a highly motivated and qualified candidate to fill one Bilateral Officer vacancy in the Department of Country and Bilateral Cooperation.

We expect candidates who are eager to work with the EEA and Norway Grants objective 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. A few programmes, notably regarding Civil Society, Regional Cooperation and Decent Work, are operated by the FMO.

The allocation for the new funding period (2014-2021) totals €2.8 billion. The priority sectors 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 over 60 employees comprising approximately 20 nationalities. Our values are:

• Professionalism;
• Cooperation; and
• 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.

Division: Financial Mechanism Office
Category/Level: A4
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed-term three years (renewable once if in the interest of the FMO)
Start Date: Subject to agreement.
Job Reference: VA 27/2019

Scope

The Bilateral Officer in the Country and Bilateral Department of the FMO serves as the main coordinator of the bilateral activities between the Donor and Beneficiary States at national level, mainly through the use of the Bilateral Funds. S/he maintains oversight of the implementation of the Bilateral Funds in all 15 Beneficiary States, the functioning of the Joint Committees for the Bilateral Fund and provides advice and guidance to both Donor and Beneficiary State institutions as well as Donor State embassies to the Beneficiary States. S/he is also expected to have analytical abilities and be able to contribute to strategic discussions for strengthening bilateral relations between the Donor and Beneficiary States. S/he works closely with the Bilateral Team in the FMO, which has the overall responsibility to coordinate efforts at all levels (national, programme, project) with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations between the Donor and Beneficiary States. The work also includes administrative tasks related to these responsibilities. The position involves frequent travel.

The Bilateral Officer will report to the Head of the Country and Bilateral Cooperation Department.

Tasks

• Maintain oversight of the implementation of the Bilateral Funds in all 15 Beneficiary States;
• Follow, together with the respective Country Officers, the work of the Joint Committees for the Bilateral Fund in all 15 Beneficiary States;
• Provide expertise both internally in the FMO and externally to the Donor States;
• Work with Beneficiary State and Donor State actors to enhance bilateral relations;
• Provide information and guidance to both Donor and Beneficiary State entities on the relevant procedures, rules etc. concerning the use of the Bilateral Fund;
• Provide regular reporting to the FMO management and the Donors on the use of the Bilateral Funds and more broadly about the achievement of the bilateral objectives;
• As necessary, provide input and expertise to the FMO Country Teams, e.g. on assessment of Strategic Reports, preparation of background documents and annotated agendas.

Qualifications

Relevant University degree, Master’s level.

Experience

6 years of relevant work experience in public administration, diplomacy or international organisations is required. A combination of work experience in these sectors and relevant work experience in or with one or several of the beneficiary states would be an asset. We are looking for an individual with good knowledge and strong ties to the Donor States, preferably with relevant work experience from Donor State public institutions.

Skills

• Knowledge of the public sector in the Donor States and Donors’ policies and priorities;
• Good knowledge of the Beneficiary States is desirable;
• Ability to draft reports and analytical papers and ability to present complex issues clearly and convincingly;
• Result-oriented approach, and a proactive and cooperative outlook;
• Excellent diplomatic and negotiation skills;
• Strong interpersonal abilities, including a dynamic and flexible attitude, and cultural sensitivity;
• Self-reliance and autonomy, but also skills needed for team work;
• Ability to multitask and work to tight deadlines.

Languages

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (the working language of the FMO) and in Norwegian (both written and oral);
• Additional knowledge of language(s) spoken in the Beneficiary States, is an asset.

Employment Terms

Grade: A4
Annual starting salary: EUR 95,300.69

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.

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.

Interested applicants should apply online via the EFTA e-recruitment tool: http://jobs.efta.int/.

We reserve the right to consider well qualified candidates, who will not be selected for this position, for future relevant vacancies.

Deadline for submission of application: 19 January 2020.

this job offer is not open for applications