Bewerbungsservices
The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO)
Möchten Sie die EWR-Länder bei deren Arbeiten zur Verringerung sozialer und wirtschaftlicher Ungleichheiten in Europa unterstützen?
Wir suchen eine/n neue/n Länderbeauftragte/n für Rumänien im Financial Mechanism Office (FMO), dem Sekretariat der EWRGrants in Brüssel. Als Länderbeauftragte/r koordinieren Sie die Arbeit des FMO in Rumänien und gegebenenfalls in weiteren Empfängerländern, behalten den Überblick und verfolgen die Umsetzung von geförderten Programmen und Projekten. Wir sind ausserdem an Länderexpertise zu Kroatien, Slowenien und Tschechien sowie ggf. weiteren Empfängerländern interessiert. Bewerber/innen werden gebeten anzugeben, für welche Empfängerländer sie sich besonders interessieren und in welchen
sie über entsprechende Expertise verfügen.
Die/der Länderbeauftragte ist die zentrale Ansprechperson zwischen dem FMO in Brüssel, dem nationalen Kontaktpunkt im jeweiligen Land sowie den Geberstaaten Island, Liechtenstein und Norwegen. Die Person leitet das Länderteam, koordiniert das Länderportfolio, überwacht die Umsetzung und Verwendung der Gelder im Empfängerland, bereitet die jährlichen Sitzungen vor, berät die nationale Kontaktstelle bei Fragen im Zusammenhang mit den EWRGrants, trägt zur Erreichung des bilateralen Ziels der Mittel bei und verfolgt die politische, soziale und wirtschaftliche Entwicklung des Landes. Darüber hinaus führt die Person Risikoanalysen durch und analysiert Entwicklungen im Land.
Durch das EWRAbkommen sind Island, Liechtenstein und Norwegen Teil des europäischen Binnenmarktes. Das Abkommen verfolgt das gemeinsame Ziel, soziale und wirtschaftliche Ungleichheiten in Europa zu verringern und die Zusammenarbeit zwischen den Ländern zu stärken. Die EWRGrants stellen die Mittel hierzu. Wir stehen am Beginn einer neuen Finanzierungsperiode mit einem Budget von insgesamt 3,2 Milliarden Euro, 1.8 Milliarden davon in den EWRGrants und verteilt auf 15 Empfängerländer. Der Rest wird durch die Norway-Grants zur Verfügung gestellt.
COUNTRY OFFICER – ROMANIA
Are you a dynamic and highly motivated professional looking to make a positive impact in Europe? We are looking for a new Country Officer for Romania to join the Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) in Brussels.
The position is open to nationals of EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) and to the nationals of EU Member States.
You will find guidance for applicants at the end of this vacancy announcement. Please read the guidance carefully before starting your application.
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, Czechia, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia). The EEA Grants are financed by the three donor countries whereas Norway Grants are financed solely by Norway. The current funding period of 2021-2028 has a total budget of 3.2 billion euros.
The programmes in this funding period will focus on these overall priorities:
- European green transition
- Democracy, rule of law and human rights
- Social inclusion and resilience
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 60 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), the 15 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 European cohesion.
Learn more:
If you are ready to take on a rewarding challenge and be part of a dedicated team working
towards improving economic and social equality 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.
Division: Financial Mechanism Office
Location: Brussels
Category/Level: Grade A4
Type/Duration of Appointment: This is a fixed-term contract for three years. The contract is renewable once, subject to the renewal being in the interest of the FMO and to a decision on the new funding period following the Financial Mechanisms 2021 - 2028.
Start date: As soon as possible
Scope:
As a Country Officer, you serve as the principal liaison between the Donor States, the National Focal Points in the Beneficiary States, and the FMO. You coordinate the FMO`s activities in the Beneficiary States, ensuring effective implementation and maintaining a comprehensive overview of progress. You play a central role in preparing annual meetings and in providing substantive support to the Donor States.
You deliver policy guidance on matters related to the Grants and contribute to advancing their bilateral objectives. The role requires continuous monitoring and analysis of political, social, and economic developments in your assigned Beneficiary State(s). You advise the Donor States on all issues affecting the Grants and carry out risk assessments as well as cross‑cutting analyses of emerging trends.
The FMO is looking for a new Country Officer for Romania. In addition to Romania, you will probably also assume responsibility for one additional Beneficiary State. The country portfolios will be defined based on the overall needs of the Unit and by the expertise and preferences of the successful candidate. Please specify in the application which other
Beneficiary State(s) would be of interest and your area of expertise. We are particularly interested in competence regarding Croatia, Czechia and Slovenia.
Please note that candidates from a Beneficiary State are generally not considered for Country Officer positions for their country of origin, unless they bring exceptionally strong qualifications and substantial international experience.
Tasks:
You will be responsible for the following areas of work in relation to the Beneficiary States assigned to you:
Political, social and economic analysis, guidance and strategic advice
- Assess political, social and economic developments and how they may affect the Grants.
- Provide strategic advice to support FMO’s risk management strategy, provide advice within the FMO and to the Donor States and stakeholders.
- Maintain an overview of implementation of the EEA and Norway Grants and report on progress, opportunities and challenges.
- Lead the country team for assigned country(ies) and coordinate the FMO’s work related to the assigned country(ies), ensure effective cooperation with the Donor States and their embassies, relevant institutional partners and other stakeholders.
- Coordinate the preparation and follow‑up of annual meetings between the Donor States and the Beneficiary State(s) under your responsibility.
- Ensure dialogue and collaboration with the National Focal Point(s).
- Have a good overview over how horizontal priorities and values are being implemented in the assigned country(ies).
- Build and maintain professional networks to support cooperation, information flow and strategic engagement.
- Actively participate in and share your Beneficiary State expertise with programme teams and manage programmes if required.
- Contribute to the enhancement of bilateral relations between the Donor State and the Beneficiary State Actors.
- Support the work of the Joint Committee for the Bilateral Fund(s).
As part of your role, you will also be expected to travel to fulfil your responsibilities.
You will report to the Head of Country and Bilateral Cooperation Unit.
Qualifications:
A Master’s-level university degree in a relevant field.
- Minimum of six years of relevant experience gained after obtaining the qualification above. For the Romania Country Officer role, we are seeking someone with in-depth knowledge and relevant work experience that has resulted in substantial exposure to Romania. Work experience that has resulted in exposure to other Beneficiary States is an advantage. This experience may have been gained either within the country or through relevant work conducted elsewhere.
- Proven strong political, social or economic analysis capabilities. Solid understanding
of the current geopolitical situation and political developments in Europe. - Good understanding of programme management principles.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and proven track record of effective
communication in an international environment, including proven strong presentation
skills. - Proven ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable recommendations.
- Demonstrated excellent coordination, stakeholder‑management and stakeholderengagement capabilities.
- Strong networking skills and ability to build constructive relationships across cultures and institutions.
- Strategic thinking and sound judgement.
- High degree of autonomy, reliability and accountability.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Demonstrated diplomacy skills, tact and cultural sensitivity.
- Demonstrated initiative and the ability to work both independently and in a team.
- Experience working with international organisations, government institutions or
multi‑stakeholder environments. - Experience with risk assessment.
- Experience working with sectors relevant for the Grants.
- Experience working with EU funds in one or several Beneficiary States.
- Solid knowledge of international cooperation, development or governance processes.
- Excellent facilitation skills and ability to handle differences constructively.
- Ability to anticipate issues and propose proactive solutions.
Language:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, the working language of the FMO, is an essential requirement. Fluency in one of the Donor States’ languages; Icelandic, German and Norwegian, and good command of one or more Beneficiary State languages is an advantage.
Employment terms:
Grade: A4
Annual starting salary: EUR 117,072
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. FMO offers hybrid working model for its staff. Subject to the requirements of the role, operational needs and in agreement with their line manager, staff may work up to 40% of their weekly working hours from a location other than the office. The duty station for all FMO staff is Brussels, Belgium.
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 the headquarters agreement, in the EFTA host states. Depending on the candidate’s family status, benefits and allowances may apply.
Guidance for applicants, please read this carefully before starting your application:
Please note that only applications received via our web tool (https://jobs.efta.int/home.html) will be considered. The application form and the CV must be in English.
Deadline for submission of applications: Sunday 12 April 2026 (midnight CET)
Nationality requirements
The position is open to nationals of EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) and to the nationals of EU Member States. Please note that applications received from nationals of other countries are not considered.
Use of AI
Applicants may use AI tools to support the preparation of their application - for example, to improve clarity, structure, or grammar. However, AI must not be used to generate full responses or invent experiences. All examples, statements, and reflections must truthfully represent your own work and real professional background. Submissions must be based on genuine personal experience, as fully AI‑generated content is not permitted.
Evidencing the fulfilment of the selection criteria
To support the assessment of your suitability for the role, please ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet the selection criteria. This is best done by using specific and concrete examples from your previous work experience. You may include these in both the motivation section and throughout the work experience section. Please note that the text boxes in the application form are limited in size. Please use relevant, well‑supported and concise examples. These will strengthen your application.
Country portfolio
Please specify in your application which Beneficiary State(s) in addition to Romania would be of interest and your area of expertise. We are particularly interested in competence regarding Croatia, Czechia, Romania and Slovenia.
Please note that candidates from a Beneficiary State are generally not considered for Country Officer positions for their country of origin, unless they bring exceptionally strong qualifications and substantial international experience.
Arbeitsort: 1000Brüssel
For further information regarding this position, please and details about the recruitment process, please contact us by email fmorecruitment@efta.int.