FMO - Sector Officers - Green Portfolio
Are you a dynamic and highly motivated professional looking to make a positive impact in Europe? Would you like to contribute to an acceleration of the green transition and increase green value creation and competitiveness in Central and Southern Europe? Join our team as a Sector Officer at the Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) in Brussels.
The two positions related to Green transition and Green business and innovation are open to nationals of EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) and to the 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 state in your application for which position you are applying.
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
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 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.
Scope
The EEA and Norway Grants operate through multi-year funding cycles, with Beneficiary States responsible for implementing the programmes. In some cases, you might be responsible for directly managing programmes through contracted fund operators in the Beneficiary States. The FMO oversees and supports the implementation based on risk assessment 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 programmes in several Beneficiary States and lead interdisciplinary programme teams within the FMO working on results, legal, financial, communication, and country-specific issues. Building relationships with stakeholders in the Beneficiary and Donor States, based on trust, is fundamental to the role of the Sector Officer.
The two positions include the following programme areas in the EEA and Norway Grants’ Blue Book:
- Green transition
- Green business and innovation
Within the Green transition programme area, the Grants aim to strengthen all levels of governments to enable the implementation of the European Green Deal, and support the application of nature-based solutions, low-carbon technologies and environmentally friendly practices.
Within the Green business and innovation programme area, the Grants contribute to harnessing the growth potential deriving from the European Green Deal, promoting a green and blue economy and fostering value creation through environmentally sustainable practices.
The two green portfolio Sector Officers will mainly ensure and support the development and implementation of programmes in the Beneficiary States.
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 Green Transition or Green Business and Innovation, your role will generally include:
- Programme development and implementation: You will oversee and manage a portfolio of programmes, supporting their development and implementation. You will lead programme teams in the FMO.
- Primary liaison with Programme Operators/Fund Operators: You will maintain regular communication with Programme Operators/Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States. Clear and effective communication, along with strong collaboration, are 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 Donors, providing updates on programme development, implementation, and sharing results.
- Communication of sector support 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.
Experience and Skills
Essential experience and skills for the Green Transition position:
- A minimum of six years of relevant professional experience after obtaining the qualifications above.
- Demonstrated experience in the climate and environment and/or energy sector within public administration.
- 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 the European Green Deal.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills with a flexible, pragmatic and result-oriented attitude, and cultural sensitivity, including the ability to manage stakeholders, identify operational challenges and propose actionable solutions.
Essential experience and skills for the Green Business and Innovation position:
- A minimum of six years of relevant professional experience after obtaining the qualifications above.
- Demonstrated experience from public and/or private sector in supporting environmentally sustainable industry initiatives and innovation.
- 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 the Clean Industrial Deal.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills with a flexible, pragmatic and result-oriented attitude, and cultural sensitivity, including the ability to manage stakeholders, identify operational challenges and propose actionable solutions.
Desirable skills for both positions:
- 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 related to the green transition.
- Strong organisational skills with an ability to work proactively and manage parallel processes and deadlines.
A great work environment and strong teamwork define the FMO, and we look for candidates who actively contribute to both.
Languages
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 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.
For further information regarding this position, please and details about the recruitment process, please contact us by email fmorecruitment@efta.int.
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)
Through this recruitment process we aim at filling two positions: one Green transition Sector Officer role and one Green business and innovation Sector Officer role. Please state in the application for which position you are applying.
Nationality requirements
The two positions are open to nationals of EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) and to the 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.