Sector Officer - Civil Society – FMO – VA 28/2026

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 communicate programme results, lessons learned and emerging trends.
• Monitoring developments affecting civil society: Monitor trends, challenges and opportunities related to civil society, civic space, citizen participation, democracy, rule of law and human rights across Europe and provide strategic advice to the Donor States.
• Policy development and stakeholder engagement: Contribute to policy discussions and initiatives related to civil society at European level, including engagement with EU institutions, international organisations, donor state actors, bilateral relations and civil society networks.
• Supporting strategic cooperation and partnerships: Promote cooperation between civil society organisations, Donor State entities and international partners.
• Engaging with Donors: Contribute to dialogue with Donors on programme  development, implementation, results and strategic priorities related to civil society. 

As a Sector Officer in charge of the Fund for Social Dialogue and Decent Work, your role will
include:

• Monitoring Fund implementation, results, budgets, and reporting.
• Acting as the main liaison with the Fund Operator, social partners, and donor stakeholders
• Supporting governance meetings and stakeholder engagement.
• Contributing to risk management, compliance, evaluations, and visibility activities.
• Facilitating knowledge-sharing and the exchange of good practices across beneficiary states.

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

Experience and skills:
Essential experience and skills:

• A minimum of six years of relevant professional experience, including a minimum of five years of experience in grant, programme and/or project management.
• Demonstrated experience in working with organisations responsible for the implementation of programmes, including oversight, monitoring and capacity building.
• Proven experience with grant, programme and/or project management, such as monitoring progress, assessing risks, ensuring results-based management and preparing reports.
• Demonstrated knowledge of European policies, initiatives and developments relevant to the civil society sector.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills with cultural sensitivity and a flexible, pragmatic and result-oriented attitude, including the ability to identify operational challenges and propose actionable solutions.
• Strong organisational skills with an ability to work proactively and manage parallel processes and deadlines.
• Knowledge of the Nordic tripartite cooperation model (employers, employees and public authorities).

Desirable experience and skills:

• Strong strategic and analytical skills, including ability to work across programmes or projects to communicate results.
• Knowledge of the Donors States’ and/or Beneficiary States’ policies and priorities in civil society.
• Knowledge of governance models and multi-stakeholder engagement approaches in the Donor States, including cooperation between public authorities, social partners and civil society organisations.
• Understanding of the EEA and Norway Grants framework.

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

Languages:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, the working language of the FMO, is an essential requirement.
Good oral and written communication skills in one of the official languages of the EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) is an added value.

Employment Terms:
Job reference: VA 28/2026
Location: Brussels, Belgium
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 current Financial Mechanisms.
Start date: As soon as possible
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 according to the current policy. The duty station for all FMO staff is Brussels, Belgium.
We offer stimulating and meaningful work in a diverse international environment, with the opportunity to collaborate with highly skilled professionals from across Europe. Salaries and related emoluments are exempt from taxation in the EFTA Member States and EFTA host states. Depending on family status, and individual circumstances, additional benefits and allowances may apply.
Candidates should carefully consider their individual tax circumstances. This is particularly important where personal circumstances may give rise to tax obligations in countries other than the EFTA Member States or the EFTA host states.