Senior Sector Officer – Civil Society Coordinator (FMO)

EFTA - European Free Trade Association

Brussels, Belgium

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 16 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 53 employees. 
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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) 
Job Reference VA 12/2014
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Scope

The FMO is recruiting a Senior Sector Officer to coordinate the EEA Grants work on civil society. S/he will provide expertise and join the FMO Civil Society team. S/he is responsible for giving advice during the implementation of programmes, as well as facilitating reviews and evaluations of programmes within Civil Society. The Senior Sector Officer reports to the Head of Sector Unit.

Tasks

• Provide policy advice to the Donors on the sector and maintain close dialogue with the Donor States and the Beneficiary States regarding the Grants’ priorities and programming requirements;
• Coordinate FMO’s work in the civil society sector;
• Coordinate implementation and evaluation of programmes;
• Programme management and monitoring, and follow up programme reporting from the beneficiary states where relevant within the sector;
• Report to the donors and other stakeholders on results of supported programmes;
• Contribute to the implementation of the FMO’s risk management strategy within the sector;
• Maintain overview and assess relevant developments within the civil society sector in donor states, the beneficiary states and at the EU level and further develop the sector expertise;
• Maintain close contact with relevant institutions in the donor states and beneficiary states; and
• Facilitate contacts and cooperation between donor and beneficiary states.

Qualifications

Relevant University degree, minimum Master’s level.

Experience

At least 7 years of relevant work experience in public administration, international organisations and NGOs are required.

Skills

• Excellent knowledge regarding policies and priorities within the civil society sector, in particular donor policies;
• Excellent knowledge regarding EEA Grants priorities within relevant thematic fields as equality, social inclusion, anti-discrimination, hate speech, tolerance and fundamental rights;
• Knowledge and understanding of the NGO sector and its needs, knowledge of the field of work in one or more of the beneficiary states will be given weight;
• Good knowledge of EU policies and programmes within the civil society sector;
• Excellent presentation and communication skills;
• Experience in coordinating external and internal processes;
• Programme/project management;
• 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;
• Experience with standard office software.

Languages

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

Employment Terms

Grade: A5 

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 EU and EFTA 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. In addition, depending on the candidate’s family status, attractive benefits and allowances may apply. 

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: 6 March 2014.