Bewerbungsservices
The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO)
Are you a dynamic and highly motivated professional looking to make a positive impact in Europe? Join our team as a new Bilateral and Sector Officer at the Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) in Brussels.
About us:
The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) - affiliated with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) - carries out the day-to-day management of the EEA and Norway Grants. The Grants are Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway’s contribution to reducing economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area (EEA) and strengthen bilateral relations and partnerships between the Donor States and the 15 Beneficiary States (Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia). The EEA Grants are financed by the 3 donor countries whereas Norway Grants are financed solely by Norway.
We have entered the new funding period of the Financial Mechanisms 2021-2028 with a budget of 3.2 billion euros. At the same time, we are closing the old funding period of the Financial Mechanisms 2014-2021 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 a collaborative and respectful environment where you can advance your career and contribute to a meaningful European cohesion.
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. Nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway as well as nationals of the member
states of EU are eligible for this position. As Liechtenstein is the only Donor country that is currently not represented in the FMO, priority is given to candidates who are either nationals of Liechtenstein or Donor state/EU member state nationals with a permanent residence in Liechtenstein.
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 18/2025
Bilateral and Sector Officer – FMO VA 18/2025
Scope and tasks:
As a Bilateral and Sector Officer, you will be working closely with all units in the FMO; however, you will be assigned to the Country and Bilateral Cooperation Unit reporting directly to the Head of Unit. You will have a key role in strengthening bilateral relations between Liechtenstein and the Beneficiary states, while also fostering collaboration with other donor states. Additionally, your tasks will include coordinating Liechtenstein’s strategic and bilateral interests within the FMO. You will be required to travel to successfully fulfil your duties.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strengthen Bilateral Relations: Ensure programmes contribute to the EEA and Norway Grants’ objective of strengthening bilateral relations between donor and beneficiary states, with particular focus on Liechtenstein; facilitate bilateral partnerships in programmes and projects and in the bilateral funds.
- Horizontal role: Facilitate effective collaboration and integration across beneficiary countries, programmes and priorities and with a special emphasis on education, digitalisation and the earmarking of funds to address the consequences in the Beneficiary States of the invasion of Ukraine.
- Communication and Coordination: Liaise with Donor State Ministries of Foreign Affairs, in particular with Liechtenstein, maintain contacts and provide guidance externally to institutions and organisations in both Donor and Beneficiary States, aligning Liechtenstein’s strategic and bilateral interests in priority sectors and coordinate with FMO colleagues in this regard; Identify relevant platforms and events for the representation of 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 as 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: Contribute to planning and conducting internal and external training sessions.
- Administrative and Team Tasks: 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 Donor States.
- Other Tasks: Perform additional tasks as required based on evolving FMO needs, incl. e.g. taking on programme management, country responsibilities and contributing to administrative tasks.
Qualifications:
- A Master’s-level university degree in a relevant field.
Experience:
Required experience:
- At least 6 years of relevant work experience:
- Close relationship to and very good knowledge of Liechtenstein, e.g. through work experience from public administration in Liechtenstein and/or European Institutions or in international organisation or other environments dealing with matters important to Liechtenstein:
- Experience with programme and project level management or grant management.
Desired experience:
- 10 years of relevant work experience;
- Experience of working with at least one or several of the Beneficiary States;
- Experience of working with one of the EEA and Norway Grants DPPs (Donor Programme Partners);
- Experience with results-based management.
Skills:
- Knowledge of policies and priorities of Liechtenstein for the Grants;
- Knowledge of the Beneficiary States;
- Familiarity with the programme areas, funds and thematic priorities 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 teamwork; and
- Ability to multitask and work towards tight deadlines.
Languages:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (the working language of the FMO) and in German. 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.
Deadline for submission of applications: 4 May 2025.
Arbeitsort: Brüssel
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.