LEGAL OFFICER - FMO - VA 34/2024

 Are you a dynamic and highly motivated professional looking to make a positive impact in Europe? Join our team as Legal Officer 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 Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein’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, Poland, Portugal, Malta, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia). Norway provides around 97% of the Grants and Iceland and Liechtenstein the rest.

We are now entering a new funding period with a budget of 3.2 billion euros. At the same time, we are closing the current funding period 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 50 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), the15 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.

The position is open to nationals of the EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and nationals of the member states of the European Union.

Division: Financial Mechanism Office  

Location: Brussels 

Category/Level: A3/A4 

Duration of Appointment: Fixed term three years. An additional three-year contract may be offered if in the interest of the organisation.   

Starting date: As soon as possible 

Job Reference: VA 34/2024 

 Scope

As the FMO Legal Officer you will provide legal advice and expertise on all aspects of the EEA and Norway Grants’ regulatory framework and in all aspects of the programme management of the EEA and Norway Grants. Additionally, you will provide legal advice and expertise in any other work of the FMO as needed.

You will work in a team of four Legal Officers and directly report to the Head of the Legal Affairs Unit. As part of your role, you may need to engage in travel to fulfil your responsibilities.

Tasks

As FMO Legal Officer your key tasks will be:

• Participate in the development and maintenance of the FMO’s regulatory framework;
• Provide legal expertise in the handling and reporting of irregularity cases;
• Provide legal expertise in programme assessment and implementation;
• Draft and review legal documents related to the programmes;
• Contribute to the implementation of the FMO’s risk strategy; and
• Provide legal expertise on any other issues, including administrative issues.

Qualifications

A Master’s-level university degree in law.

Experience

Required Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience is required to be classified for grade A3 and a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience is required to be classified for grade A4;
• Experience with programme/grant management administered by the Donor States, by an international organisation or experience with EU funds.

 Desired experience:

• Experience in handling of irregularity cases;
• Knowledge of EU and other relevant funding programmes;
• Knowledge of state aid and public procurement rules;

• Knowledge of rules governing the protection of personal data (GDPR).

Skills

As an ideal candidate you should have:

• Excellent ability to analyse complex legal issues and present them clearly;
• Ability to draft and review legal texts swiftly in English;
• Strong diplomatic and negotiating skills;
• The ability to meet tight deadlines and balance self-reliance with effective teamwork.

• Strong interpersonal abilities with pragmatic and result-oriented attitude and cultural sensitivity;

Languages

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (the working language of the FMO) are a requirement. Fluency in any of the Donor State languages would be an advantage.

Employment Terms

Grade: A3/A4
Annual starting salary: for A3 - EUR 91,822; for A4 – EUR 106,704.

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.

For further information on this position please contact: Mr Alexander Cassavetti, Head of Legal Affairs Unit, alexander.cassavetti@efta.int, tel. +32 (0)2 211 18 11.

For information regarding the recruitment process please contact Ms Vera Medinskaya, Head of Administration and HR Unit, vera.medinskaya@efta.int, tel. +32 2 211 18 60.

Please note that only applications received via our web tool will be considered.

Deadline for submission of application: 3 November 2024.