Rådgiver for bilateralt samarbeid, EØS-midlene

Vi søker rådgiver for bilateralt samarbeid ved Financial Mechanism Office (FMO), sekretariatet for EØS-midlene i Brussel. Som rådgiver for bilateralt samarbeid vil du bidra til EØS-midlenes mål om å styrke det bilaterale samarbeidet mellom giver- og mottakerlandene ved å legge til rette for bilateralt partnerskap i programmene og prosjektene, i nært samarbeid med våre giverland og alle enheter i FMO.  

Gjennom EØS-avtalen er Norge en del av det indre marked i Europa. Avtalen har en felles målsetting om å redusere sosiale og økonomiske ulikheter i Europa og styrke samarbeidet mellom landene. EØS-midlene er Norges bidrag til dette. Vi er nå på vei inn i en ny finansieringsperiode med et budsjett for EØS-midlene på 3,2 milliarder euro, fordelt på 15 mottakerland. Samtidig er vi i ferd med å avslutte den forrige finansieringsperioden som hadde et budsjett på 2,8 milliarder euro. Norge finansierer rundt 97 prosent av midlene, mens Island og Liechtenstein bidrar med resten.  

Bilateral Officer 

Are you a dynamic and highly motivated professional looking to make a positive impact in Europe? Join our team as the new Bilateral Officer at the Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) in Brussels.

We are now entering a new funding period with a budget of 3.2 billion euros. At the same time, we are closing the current funding period 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 50 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), the15 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 meaningful results that make a difference.

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. 

Only nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway are eligible for this position.  

Division: Financial Mechanism Office 

Location: Brussels 

Category/Level: A4

Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term three years (renewable once if in the interest of the FMO) 

Start Date: As soon as possible  

Job Reference: VA 35/2024 

Scope and tasks

As the Bilateral Officer you will be working closely with all teams in the FMO, however, you will be assigned to the Country and Bilateral Unit reporting directly to the Head of Unit. You will be required to travel to successfully fulfil your duties. Your tasks will include in particular:

Key Responsibilities:

• Strengthen Bilateral Relations: Ensure programmes contribute to the EEA and Norway Grants’ objective of strengthening bilateral relations between donor and beneficiary states; facilitate bilateral partnerships in programmes and projects.
• Communication and Coordination: Liaising with Donor State Ministries of Foreign Affairs, maintain contacts and provide guidance externally to institutions and organisations in both Donor and Beneficiary States, and internally to support FMO colleagues; Identify relevant platforms and events to represent the Grants, communicate opportunities and exchange results, best practices and lessons learned;
• Manage Information and Reporting: Manage FMO online documentation and reporting systems as well other tools to track and report on programme progress and bilateral cooperation results. Enhance reporting on bilateral results and improve bilateral work within the EEA and Norway Grants.
• Training and Representation: Plan and conduct internal and external training sessions.
• Administrative and Team Tasks: Administer agreements with over 15 public entities, including work plans, budgeting, and reporting. Work within the bilateral team to maintain day-to-day contacts with Donor and Beneficiary States, oversee Joint Committees for the Bilateral Fund and DPPs, and report to FMO management and Donors.
• Other Tasks: Perform additional tasks as required based on evolving FMO needs, incl. e.g. taking on programme management. 

Qualifications

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

Experience

Required experience

• At least 6 years of relevant work experience
• Experience from Donor State public administration and/or international organisations;
• Experience with programme and project level management or grant management; 

Desired experience

• Experience in working with at least one or several of the Beneficiary States;
• Experience working with one of the EEA and Norway Grants DPPs (Donor Programme Partners)
• Experience with results-based management; 

Skills

• Knowledge of the Donors’ policies and priorities for the Grants;
• Knowledge of the Beneficiary States;
• Familiarity with the priority sectors of the Grants;
• Excellent ability to draft reports and analytical papers;
• Strong presentation and communication skills;
• Result-oriented approach;
• Excellent diplomatic and negotiation skills;
• Strong interpersonal abilities, including a dynamic and flexible attitude, and cultural sensitivity;
• Self-reliance and autonomy, but also facility for team work; and
• Ability to multitask and work to 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, is an asset.  

Employment Terms

Grade: A4

Annual starting salary: EUR 106,704.24

Appointments are normally made at step 1 of the grade. The Managing 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 a diverse and 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 questions related to the recruitment process or information about this position please contact us by email 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: 12 January 2025.