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The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO)
Möchten Sie zur Förderung von Forschung, Innovation und Gesellschaftsentwicklung in Europa beitragen und gleichzeitig die EWR/EFTA-Staaten in ihrem Beitrag zur Verringerung sozialer und wirtschaftlicher Ungleichheiten unterstützen? Dann bewerben Sie sich als auf die Stelle als Sector Officer für Forschung und Innovation beim Financial Mechanism Office (FMO), das Sekretariat für die EWR und Norway Grants in
Brüssel.
Als Sector Officer Forschung und Innovation werden Sie für Programme verantwortlich sein, die die Forschungsqualität stärken und forschungsbasierte Innovationen in den Empfängerstaaten fördern. Sie werden Ihre fachliche Expertise nutzen, um eine gute Planung, Entwicklung und Umsetzung der Programme sicherzustellen. In dieser Funktion werden Sie außerdem für die Leitung interdisziplinärer Programmteams im FMO, den Aufbau und die Pflege guter Beziehungen zu wichtigen Partnern sowie die fachliche Beratung von Geber- und Empfängerstaaten innerhalb Ihres Verantwortungsbereichs zuständig sein.
Durch das EWR-Abkommen ist Liechtenstein Teil des EU-Binnenmarktes. Über die EWR- Grants unterstützen Liechtenstein, Norwegen und Island die wirtschaftlich schwächeren EU-Mitgliedstaaten um die Ungleichheiten innerhalb des EWR zu reduzieren. Mit den EWR-Grants sollen zudem die bilateralen Beziehungen mit den Empfängerstaaten gestärkt werden. Derzeit werden Programme für den Finanzierungszeitraum 2021–2028 entwickelt, die ein Gesamtbudget von 1,8 Milliarden Euro haben, verteilt auf die 15 EU Empfängerstaaten.
Sector Officer - Research and Innovation
Are you a dynamic and highly motivated professional looking to make a positive impact in Europe? Join our team as the new Sector Officer for Research and Innovation at the Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) in Brussels.
The position is open to nationals of EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) and to nationals of the Beneficiary States of EEA and Norway Grants (Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia).
You will find guidance for applicants at the end of this vacancy announcement. Please read the guidance carefully before starting your application.
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
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. The FMO oversees and supports the
implementation based on risk assessments 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 mainly Research and Innovation programmes in several Beneficiary States and lead interdisciplinary programme teams within the FMO working on results, legal, financial, communication, and country-specific matters. Building relationships with stakeholders in the Beneficiary and Donor States, based on trust, is fundamental to the role of the Sector Officer.
Within the Research and Innovation programme area, the Grants promote enhanced excellence in research and research-based innovation, strengthening the foundations for the green and digital transitions, democracy, rule of law, human rights, social inclusion and resilience.
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 Research and Innovation, your role will
generally include:
- Programme development and implementation: You will oversee and manage a portfolio of programmes in the Beneficiary States, supporting their development and implementation. You will lead programme teams in 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, is 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 the Donors, providing
updates on programme development, implementation, and sharing results. - Communication of sector priorities 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 experience and skills:
- A minimum of six years of relevant professional experience after obtaining the qualifications above.
- Demonstrated experience in the research and innovation sector, such as research and innovation policy, public administration or research management.
- 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 European research and innovation frameworks and policies (e.g. Horizon Europe and the European Research Area (ERA)).
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills with a flexible, pragmatic and result-oriented
attitude, and cultural sensitivity, including the ability to identify operational challenges
and propose actionable solutions.
- 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 in the research and innovation sector.
- Good understanding of knowledge valorisation, especially in relation to the green transition.
- Strong organisational skills with an ability to work proactively and manage parallel processes and deadlines.
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 a 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.
Guidance for applicants, please read this carefully before starting your application:
Please note that only applications received via our web tool (https://jobs.efta.int/home.html)
will be considered. The application form and the CV must be in English.
Deadline for submission of applications: Wednesday 8 April 2026 (midnight CET)
Nationality requirements
The position is open to nationals of EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) and to nationals of the Beneficiary States of EEA and Norway Grants (Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia). Please note that applications received from nationals of other countries will not be considered.
Use of AI
Applicants may use AI tools to support the preparation of their application - for example, to improve clarity, structure, or grammar. However, AI must not be used to generate full responses or invent experiences. All examples, statements, and reflections must truthfully represent your own work and real professional background. Submissions must be based on genuine personal experience, as fully AI‑generated content is not permitted.
Evidencing the fulfilment of the selection criteria
To support the assessment of your suitability for the role, please ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet the selection criteria. This is best done by using specific and concrete examples from your previous work experience. You may include these in both the motivation section and throughout the work experience section. Please note that the text boxes in the application form are limited in size. Please use relevant, well‑supported and concise examples. These will strengthen your application.
Arbeitsort: 1000Brüssel
For further information regarding this position, please and details about the recruitment process, please contact us by email fmorecruitment@efta.int.