Sector Officer - Culture - FMO

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:

• 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 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.

For questions related to the recruitment process, please contact us by writing to fmorecruitment@efta.int.

Deadline for submission of applications: 9 June 2025