EFTA Secretariat - Financial Mechanism Office (FMO), Brussels
(Senior) Sector Officer - Roma inclusion
Deadline for applications: 9 December 2012

 The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) administers the EEA Grants and Norway Grants on behalf of the governments of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The grant schemes aim at reducing economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area (EEA) and strengthening bilateral relations with the 15 EU countries benefiting from the funding. Key areas of support by the Grants include environment and climate, civil society, human and social development, cultural heritage and cultural exchange, research, scholarships, decent work and justice and home affairs.

The FMO is affiliated to the EFTA Secretariat in Brussels and reports to the ministries of foreign affairs of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It serves as a contact point for the donor states, beneficiary states and other stakeholders. The FMO has about 50 employees.

The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) is recruiting a (Senior) Sector Officer who will provide expertise and guidance to the Donor States on Roma issues in relation to the EEA and Norway Grants during the programme period. S/he will also advise on the inclusion of horizontal concerns including equality, social inclusion, anti-discrimination, and fundamental rights under the EEA and Norway Grants’ Programmes. The Sector Officer will join the FMO Sector Team and report to the Head of Sector. The position will mainly be based in Brussels, with approximately 25% of the time spent at the Roma Initiatives Office of the Open Society Foundations (OSF) in Budapest to ensure the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the OSF and the EEA and Norway Grants.

Tasks
• Provide policy advice to the Donors on Roma issues and maintain close dialogue with the Donor States and the Beneficiary States regarding the Financial Mechanism’s priorities in this field;
• Facilitate and support the inclusion of Roma issues and horizontal concerns including equality, social inclusion, anti-discrimination, and fundamental rights in the EEA and Norway Grants’ Programmes;
• Liaise with and maintain close contact with relevant institutions, including the European Commission, the Council of Europe, the Roma Decade and non-governmental organisations in the Donor States and Beneficiary States;
• Keep overview and assess relevant research and developments on Roma issues in Donor States, the Beneficiary States, and the EU and further develop his/her expertise in this area Network with other organisations working on Roma issues, in particular with the Open Society Foundations, its partners and its beneficiaries, in view of exchanging experience and identifying possibilities for future cooperation;
• Report to the Donors, the Open Society Foundations and other stakeholders on results  of supported programmes within her/his field based on reporting from the Programme’s National Focal Points and Programme Operators;
• Facilitate contacts and cooperation between relevant institutions in the Donor and Beneficiary States;
• Provide expertise and support to the FMO’s Sector Team on issues related to Roma and horizontal concerns under the EEA and Norway Grants;
• Follow-up on programme reporting from the Beneficiary States and Donor Programme Partners on Roma issues;
• Contribute to the implementation of the FMO’s risk management strategy within her/his field;
• Facilitate workshops, conferences, reviews and evaluations of programmes within her/his field; and
• Organise joint field visits with the Open Society Foundation staff regarding Roma issues.

Qualifications
Relevant University degree, minimum Master's level.
Experience
At least 3 years (at least 7 years for being considered for the senior position) of relevant work experience in public administration, international organisation, and/or non-governmental organisation.

Skills
• Extensive knowledge of and experience from working on Roma issues in EU/EEA countries;
• Knowledge of and work experience related to equality, social inclusion, anti-discrimination, and/or fundamental rights in EU/EEA countries;
• Excellent knowledge regarding policies and priorities within the field of Roma inclusion, including Donor States’ policies;
• Good knowledge of EU policies and programmes on Roma issues;
• Result-oriented approach, and a proactive and cooperative outlook;
• Strong interpersonal abilities, including a dynamic and flexible attitude, and cultural sensitivity;
• Self-reliance and autonomy, but also facility for team work;
• Ability to multitask and work to tight deadlines;
• Experience with standard office software.

Languages
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
• Knowledge of the Romani language would be preferable;
• Knowledge of another EFTA/EU language is an asset.

Employment terms
Grade: A4 / A5
Annual Salary: EUR 83,386 / EUR 96,571

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. Through its recruitment policy, the FMO wants to ensure diversity in terms of gender, age and culture.

Open to nationals of EU and EFTA member states.

We offer a very interesting and challenging position in a dynamic and diverse environment and the opportunity to work in a team of highly qualified people. We also offer favourable tax conditions. In addition, depending on the candidate’s family status, attractive benefits and allowances may apply.

For further information on this position, please contact Mr Rune Vistad, Head of Sector, or tel. +32 (0)2 211 18 31.

Please note that only applications received via the EFTA e-recruitment tool will be considered.
Deadline for submission of application: 9 December 2012.

The original job description can be found here.