Sector Officer

The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) - affiliated with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) - is the international secretariat carrying 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, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, 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 has a total budget of 3.2 billion euros.

The programmes in this funding period will focus on these overall priorities:

• Democracy, rule of law and human rights
• Social inclusion and resilience

Why join 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 from the EEA region brings a rich blend of experiences and knowledge to our daily operations.

We are committed to fostering a collaborative and respectful environment where you can advance your career. Every day, our work is driven by a shared goal: a green, democratic and resilient Europe where everyone can take meaningful part in shaping their lives.

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.

The position is open to nationals of EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway).

Scope:

The Civil Society Fund supports an independent, vibrant, and resilient civil society as a cornerstone of democracy, rule of law and human rights, representing 10% of the total allocation of the EEA and Norway Grants. Through grant-making, capacity building, advocacy and civic participation initiatives, the Civil Society Fund contributes to strengthening civic space, promoting citizen engagement, supporting groups marginalised by society, and enhancing the capacity and sustainability of civil society organisations.

For the Financial Mechanisms 2021-2028, the Civil Society Fund is managed by the Donor States, and the FMO acts as Programme Operator. Each of the national allocations of the Civil Society Fund are implemented by independent Fund Operators (a consortium of civil society organisations) selected through open calls.

You will manage a portfolio of Civil Society Fund programmes in selected Beneficiary States, supporting their development and implementation and serving as the primary point of contact for the Fund Operators in these countries. As programme manager, you will lead interdisciplinary programme teams within the FMO, working closely with colleagues responsible for legal, financial, results, communication and country-related matters.

You will also contribute to the FMO’s strategic and policy-related work on civil society, including engagement with European and international stakeholders, monitoring developments affecting civil society across Europe, and supporting the implementation of donor priorities related to democracy, rule of law, civic participation, civic space and human rights.

In addition, you will manage the Fund for Social Dialogue and Decent Work. This Fund is one of the instruments of the Norway Grants and supports stronger cooperation between employers, employees and public authorities to promote decent work, inclusive labour markets, gender equality, lifelong learning and fair working conditions, contributing to social inclusion and resilient societies. Key responsibilities will include contributing to the development and implementation of the Fund and acting as the primary contact point for the independent Fund Operator, with the support of a dedicated interdisciplinary team within the FMO.

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

The position involves travel.

You will report to the Head of the Funds and Horizontal Concerns Unit.

Responsibilities and tasks:

As a Sector Officer for Civil Society and programme manager for a selection of Civil Society Fund programmes, your role will generally include:

• Programme management: Oversee and manage a portfolio of Civil Society Fund programmes in the Beneficiary States, supporting their development and implementation and leading and coordinating programme teams within the FMO.
• Primary liaison with Fund Operators: Maintain regular communication with relevant Fund Operators and other programme stakeholders, ensuring effective cooperation and timely resolution of any issues.
• Communication of priorities and results: Compile, analyse and c