FMO - Sector Officer - Research and Innovation

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.

Experience and Skills

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.

Desirable skills:

• 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.

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 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.

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)

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.