Country Officers

Tasks

As a Country Officer at the FMO your role will involve:

• Monitoring developments in the respective country or region and providing strategic advice: you will follow political, social, and economic developments in Beneficiary States and you will contribute to the FMO’s risk management strategy by providing advice both internally and to the Donor States on programme development and/or implementation issues; furthermore, you will maintain an overview of the implementation of the EEA and Norway Grants in the Beneficiary States and report on progress.
• Cooperation, coordination, information sharing and guidance with key stakeholders: you will coordinate FMO’s work related to any Beneficiary State(s) under your responsibility,  cooperate with the Donor States’ embassies in these country(ies), as well as relevant EU institutions and partner organisations; you will coordinate the preparation and follow-up of Annual Meetings between the Donor States and the Beneficiary State(s) under your responsibility; furthermore, you will guide the National Focal Point in respective Beneficiary State(s) on all questions related to the Grants.
• Bilateral relations: you will work with the Beneficiary State(s) and Donor State actors to enhance bilateral relations, in particular supporting the work of the Joint Committee for the Bilateral Fund in your Beneficiary State(s).
• Programme management: you will participate actively in relevant FMO programme teams with your country expertise. You may also manage some programmes assigned under your responsibility.
• MoU negotiations: you will assist all key stakeholders and parties in negotiations and the follow up of the MoU with the Beneficiary State(s) under your responsibility.
• Additional responsibilities: Beyond the listed tasks, you will handle any other duties as required, adapting to the dynamic needs of the role and the needs of FMO.

Qualifications

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

Experience

Required:

• At least six years of relevant work experience;
• Experience from working with or in one of the Beneficiary States;
• Previous work experience in an international environment.

Desired:

• A combination of work experience in e.g., public administration, diplomacy or international organisations, and programme management;
• Good knowledge of respective Beneficiary State(s) (countries listed above) gained either from working directly in the country or dealing with the respective Beneficiary States in a work context;
• Experience working with the justice sector, rule of law or human rights or other sectors relevant for the grants;
• Experience working with European Union funds in one or several Beneficiary States is an advantage.

Skills

• Excellent analytical skills for monitoring the progress of programme implementation, as well as tracking political, social, and economic developments in the assigned Beneficiary State(s);
• Excellent ability to draft concise reports and analytical papers, presenting complex issues clearly and effectively;
• Ability to navigate effectively between various stakeholders and coordinate their input and work towards a common goal;
• Good understanding of the current geopolitical situation and the political developments in Europe;
• Good understanding of results-based management and ability to work with risk assessments;
• Strong diplomatic, negotiating, presentation and communication skills; 
• Strong interpersonal abilities with pragmatic and result-oriented attitude and cultural sensitivity;
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and meeting 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, and/or good knowledge of any of Donor State languages is an asset.