Sector Officers – Green portfolio

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

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 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:
The EEA and Norway Grants operate through multi-year funding cycles, with Beneficiary States
responsible for implementing the programmes. In some cases, you might be responsible for directly
managing programmes through contracted fund operators in the Beneficiary States. The FMO oversees and supports the implementation based on risk assessment and a results-based management approach.

As a Sector Officer in the FMO, you will support progress in the development and implementation of programmes, providing expert advice to Donors and Beneficiary States. You will manage a portfolio of programmes in several Beneficiary States and lead interdisciplinary programme teams within the FMO working on results, legal, financial, communication, and country-specific issues. Building relationships with stakeholders in the Beneficiary and Donor States, based on trust, is fundamental to the role of the Sector Officer.

The two positions include the following programme areas in the EEA and Norway Grants’ Blue Book:

• Green transition
• Green business and innovation

Within the Green transition programme area, the Grants aim to strengthen all levels of governments
to enable the implementation of the European Green Deal, and support the application of naturebased solutions, low-carbon technologies and environmentally friendly practices.

Within the Green business and innovation programme area, the Grants contribute to harnessing the
growth potential deriving from the European Green Deal, promoting a green and blue economy and
fostering value creation through environmentally sustainable practices.

The two green portfolio Sector Officers will mainly ensure and support the development and implementation of programmes in the Beneficiary States.  

Gender equality and digitalisation are priorities across all sectors.

You may be required to work in other areas, according to the needs and priorities of the FMO.

As part of your role, you will also be expected to travel to fulfil your responsibilities.

You will report to the Head of Priority Sectors Unit.

Tasks:
As the Sector Officer and portfolio manager for Green Transition or Green Business and Innovation,
your role will generally include:

• Programme development and implementation: You will oversee and manage a portfolio of
  programmes, supporting their development and implementation. You will lead programme
  teams in the FMO.
• Primary liaison with Programme Operators/Fund Operators: You will maintain regular
  communication with Programme Operators/Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States. Clear
  and effective communication, along with strong collaboration, are crucial in this role.
• Monitoring sector developments and providing strategic advice: You will keep abreast of
  developments within the sectors and offer advice to Donors and Beneficiary States to ensure
  that the programmes align with the priorities of the Grants.
• Assessing and supporting strategic cooperation: You will contribute to strategic cooperation
  between institutions in the Donor and the Beneficiary States, aiming to optimise the overall
  impact of the Grants.
• Engaging with Donors: You will contribute to the dialogue with Donors, providing updates
  on programme development, implementation, and sharing results.
• Communication of sector support and results: You will be involved in compiling, analysing
  and communicating results, including cross-cutting results from multiple sectors and funding
  streams of the Grants, working closely with other sector officers and relevant FMO teams.

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

Essential skills for the Green Transition position:

• A minimum of six years of relevant professional experience after obtaining the qualifications
  above.
• Demonstrated experience in the climate and environment and/or energy sector within public
  administration.
• Proven experience with key components of grant or programme management or administration,
  such as monitoring progress, assessing risks, results-based management and preparing structured reports.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the European Green Deal.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills with a flexible, pragmatic and result-oriented attitude,
  and cultural sensitivity, including the ability to manage stakeholders, identify operational
  challenges and propose actionable solutions.

Essential skills for the Green Business and Innovation position:

• A minimum of six years of relevant professional experience after obtaining the qualifications
  above.
• Demonstrated experience from public and/or private sector in supporting environmentally
  sustainable industry initiatives and innovation.
• Proven experience with key components of grant or programme management or administration,
  such as monitoring progress, assessing risks, results-based management and preparing
  structured reports.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Clean Industrial Deal.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills with a flexible, pragmatic and result-oriented attitude,
  and cultural sensitivity, including the ability to manage stakeholders, identify operational
  challenges and propose actionable solutions.

Desirable skills for both positions:

• Strong strategic and analytical skills, including an ability to work across sectors to consolidate
  and communicate results.
• Knowledge of at least one Donors State’s policies and priorities related to the green transition.
• Strong organisational skills with an ability to work proactively and manage parallel processes and
  deadlines.

A great work environment and strong teamwork define the FMO, and we look for candidates who actively contribute to both.

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, is an advantage.

Employment terms:
Grade: A4
Annual starting salary: 117,072 EUR

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. The 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 headquarters agreement, in the EFTA
host states. Depending on the candidate’s family status, benefits and allowances may apply.