Bewerbungsservices
The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO)
Are you a dynamic and highly motivated professional looking to make a positive impact in Europe?
Join our team as the Sector Officer for Culture at the Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) in Brussels.
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, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia). EEA Grants are financed by the 3 donor countries whereas Norway Grants are financed solely by Norway.
We have entered the new funding period of the Financial Mechanisms 2021-2028 with a budget of 3.2 billion euros. At the same time, we are closing the old funding period of the Financial Mechanisms 2014-2021 with a budget of 2.8 billion euros.
The programmes in the new 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 meaningful results that make a difference.
Learn more:
If you're ready to take on a rewarding challenge and be part of a dedicated team working towards improving economic and social progress 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.
Nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway and nationals of the Member States of the European Union are eligible for this position.
Division: Financial Mechanism Office
Location: Brussels
Category/Level: A4
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed-term three years (renewable once if in the interest of the FMO)
Start Date: As soon as possible
Job Reference: VA 19/2025
Sector Officer - Culture - FMO VA 19/2025
Scope:
The EEA and Norway Grants operates through multi-year funding cycles, with Beneficiary States responsible for implementing the programmes. The FMO oversees and supports their implementation based on risk assessment and a results-based management approach.
As a Sector Officer, you will ensure progress in the development and implementation of programmes and provide expert advice to the Donors and the Beneficiary States. You will manage a portfolio of programmes, leading programme teams within the FMO covering results, legal, financial, communication and country-specific issues. Building relations with stakeholders based on trust is fundamental to the role of the Sector Officers.
The new Officer for the Culture portfolio will support the Beneficiary States in the development of programmes under the new funding period. Additionally, the new Officer will assist in closing
programmes in the previous funding period and assessing their results, including providing sector analysis.
The Culture programme area covers support to:
- cultural and artistic creation, outreach and exchange strengthening cultural participation and safeguarding the freedom of artistic expression, cultural diversity and information integrity,
- sustainable revitalisation and management of cultural heritage supporting local development.
Focus on gender equality and digitalisation is relevant across the thematic areas and in some of the Beneficiary States, Roma inclusion and empowerment is especially relevant. You may also work with
other programme areas, such as Local Development, Good Governance and Inclusion.
As part of your role, you will also engage in travel. You will be reporting to the Head of Unit.
Tasks:
As the Sector Officer for Cultural Affairs, your role will involve:
- Monitoring sector developments and providing strategic advice: you will keep abreast of developments within the culture sector and offer advice to Donors and Beneficiary States to ensure that the programmes align with the priorities set by the Grants.
- Programme development and implementation: you will oversee and manage a portfolio of programmes, supporting their development and implementation; further, you will lead programme teams within the FMO.
- Primary liaison with Programme Operators: you will maintain regular communication with Programme Operators in the Beneficiary States. Clear and effective communication, along with strong collaboration are crucial in this role.
- Assessing and supporting strategic cooperation: you will contribute to the strategic relevance of cooperation between institutions in both the Donor States and the Beneficiary States, aiming to optimise the overall impact.
- Engaging with Donors: you will drive the dialogue with the Donors, providing updates on programme development, implementation and sharing results.
- Additional responsibilities: you will manage any other duties as required, adapting to the dynamic needs of the role and the organisation.
Qualifications:
A Master’s-level university degree in a relevant field is required.
Experience:
Required experience:
At least six years of relevant experience in the field of cultural affairs in the public and/or non-governmental sectors, and/or with an international organisation.
Desired experience:
- Experience with programme and/or grant management;
- Work experience in cultural affairs in one of the Donor States;
- Work experience in cultural affairs in one of the Beneficiary States or at EU level;
- Experience with the cultural and creative sectors supporting democracy, social inclusion, local development, resilience and the green transition;
- Experience with leading teams or coordinated processes.
Skills:
- Excellent understanding of challenges and opportunities related to the cultural and creative sectors; including the role culture and heritage plays in a democratic and resilient society.
- Excellent analytical and communication skills.
- Strong diplomatic and negotiating skills.
- Strong interpersonal abilities, including flexible, pragmatic and result-oriented attitude, and cultural sensitivity.
- Ability to work proactively and efficiently under pressure and meeting tight deadlines.
- Good understanding of results-based management is an asset.
Languages:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (the working language of the FMO). Fluency in any of the Beneficiary State languages is an advantage.
Employment Terms:
Grade: A4
Annual starting salary: EUR 112,786
Appointments are normally made at step 1 of the grade. The 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.
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 agreements, in the EFTA host states. Depending on the candidate’s family status, benefits and allowances may apply.
Deadline for submission of applications: 9 June 2025
Arbeitsort: Brüssel
For questions related to the recruitment process, please contact us by writing to fmorecruitment@efta.int.
Please note that only applications received via our web tool (https://jobs.efta.int/home.html) will be
considered.