Head of Finance Unit (FMO) EFTA Secretariat

Brussels, Belgium

Job Reference VA 13/2012

The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) administers the EEA Grants and Norway Grants on behalf of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The funding schemes aim at reducing economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area (EEA) and strengthening of bilateral relations with the 15 EU countries benefiting from the funding.

Key areas of support include environment and climate change, civil society, human and social development, cultural heritage and cultural exchange, research and scholarships, decent work and justice and home affairs.

The FMO is affiliated to the EFTA Secretariat in Brussels, reports to the ministries of foreign affairs of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It serves as a contact point for the donor states, beneficiary states and other stakeholders. The FMO has 50 employees.

Category/Level: A5
Division: Financial Mechanism Office
Location: Brussels
Start Date: As soon as possible
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed-term three years (renewable once if in the interest of the FMO)

Scope

The Head of Finance oversees the financial management of the EEA and Norway Grants. S/he is responsible for the development and maintenance of appropriate finance systems and for the implementation of relevant procedures and controls at the FMO. This requires understanding of all aspects of financial management, as well as knowledge of EU programmes, including Structural Funds and/or other relevant international financial programmes. Furthermore, it is required that s/he has the ability to take a hand-on role versus the tasks. The Head of Finance is responsible, together with the Deputy Director, for the management, supervision and coaching of the staff of the Finance Unit. S/he is part of the FMO’s management team and reports to the Director and Deputy Director.

Tasks

• Maintain relevant parts of the FMs regulatory framework and provide input in the revision of it;
• Responsible for cash and liquidity management, including payment forecasts, replenishments and disbursements;
• Responsible for timely and relevant financial reporting;
• Oversee Finance Unit’s participation in the implementation of the FMO’s risk management strategy;
• Ensure the financial expertise in programme assessment and follow-up in the FMO;
• Responsible for the review of audit and monitoring reports;
• Oversee fund management arrangements;
• Prepare FMO’s administrative budget and monitor the budget implementation and liaise with the EFTA Secretariat on finance matters;
• Responsible for providing the FMO with financial and control expertise as required;
• Responsible for providing the donors and beneficiary states support in the financial aspects of the FMs; and
• Coordinate the work of the Finance Unit and partner in the line management of the staff of the Unit with the Deputy Director.

Qualifications

• Relevant University degree, minimum Master’s level.

Experience

• At least 10 years of relevant work experience.

Skills

• Understanding of all aspects of financial management;
• Knowledge of EU programmes, including Structural Funds and/or other relevant international financing programmes;
• Excellent diplomatic and negotiation skills;
• Result-oriented approach, and a proactive and cooperative outlook;
• Strong interpersonal abilities, including a dynamic and flexible attitude, and cultural sensitivity;
• Self-reliance and autonomy, but also facility for team work;
• Ability to multitask and work to tight deadlines; and
• Comprehensive IT-skills, including very good knowledge of Excel and some knowledge about accounting systems.

Languages

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
• Knowledge of another EFTA/EU language is an asset.

Employment Terms

Grade: A5
Annual Salary: EUR 96,571

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.

Open to nationals of all EFTA and EU member states.

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. We also offer favourable tax conditions and attractive social benefits.

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

Please note that only applications received via our web tool will be considered.

Deadline for submission of application: 4 June 2012.