FMO - Country Officer - Romania

Scope

As a Country Officer, you serve as the principal liaison between the Donor States, the National Focal Points in the Beneficiary States, and the FMO. You coordinate the FMO's activities in the Beneficiary States, ensuring effective implementation and maintaining a comprehensive overview of progress. You play a central role in preparing annual meetings and in providing substantive support to the Donor States.

You deliver policy guidance on matters related to the Grants and contribute to advancing their bilateral objectives. The role requires continuous monitoring and analysis of political, social, and economic developments in your assigned Beneficiary State(s). You advise the Donor States on all issues affecting the Grants and carry out risk assessments as well as cross‑cutting analyses of emerging trends.

The FMO is looking for a new Country Officer for Romania. In addition to Romania, you will probably also assume responsibility for one additional Beneficiary State. The country portfolios will be defined based on the overall needs of the Unit and by the expertise and preferences of the successful candidate. Please specify in the application which other Beneficiary State(s) would be of interest and your area of expertise. We are particularly interested in competence regarding Croatia, Czechia and Slovenia.

Please note that candidates from a Beneficiary State are generally not considered for Country Officer positions for their country of origin, unless they bring exceptionally strong qualifications and substantial international experience.

Tasks:

You will be responsible for the following areas of work in relation to the Beneficiary States assigned to you:

Political, social and economic analysis, guidance and strategic advice

• Assess political, social and economic developments and how they may affect the Grants.
• Provide strategic advice to support FMO’s risk management strategy, provide advice within the FMO and to the Donor States and stakeholders.
• Maintain an overview of implementation of the EEA and Norway Grants and report on progress, opportunities and challenges.

Cooperation, coordination and networking

• Lead the country team for assigned country(ies) and coordinate the FMO’s work related to the assigned country(ies), ensure effective cooperation with the Donor States and their embassies, relevant institutional partners and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate the preparation and follow‑up of annual meetings between the Donor States and the Beneficiary State(s) under your responsibility.
• Ensure dialogue and collaboration with the National Focal Point(s).
• Have a good overview over how horizontal priorities and values are being implemented in the assigned country(ies).
• Build and maintain professional networks to support cooperation, information flow and strategic engagement.
• Actively participate in and share your Beneficiary State expertise with programme teams and manage programmes if required. 

Bilateral Relations Management

• Contribute to the enhancement of bilateral relations between the Donor State and the Beneficiary State Actors.
• Support the work of the Joint Committee for the Bilateral Fund(s).

You may be required to work on other country portfolios or areas of work, 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 Country and Bilateral Cooperation Unit.

Qualifications

A Master’s-level university degree in a relevant field.

Experience and Skills

Work experience:

• Minimum of six years of relevant experience gained after obtaining the qualification above. For the Romania Country Officer role, we are seeking someone with in-depth knowledge and relevant work experience that has resulted in substantial exposure to Romania.Work experience that has resulted in exposure to other Beneficiary States is an advantage.  This experience may have been gained either within the country or through relevant work conducted elsewhere. 

Essential skills:

• Proven strong political, social or economic analysis capabilities. Solid understanding of the current geopolitical situation and political developments in Europe.
• Good understanding of programme management principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and proven track record of effective communication in an international environment, including proven strong presentation skills.
• Demonstrated excellent coordination, stakeholder‑management and stakeholder-engagement capabilities.
• Strong networking skills and ability to build constructive relationships across cultures and institutions.
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement.
• High degree of autonomy, reliability and accountability.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated diplomacy skills, tact and cultural sensitivity.
• Demonstrated initiative and the ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Proven ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable recommendations.

Desirable skills:

• Experience working with international organisations, government institutions or multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Experience with risk assessment.
• Experience working with sectors relevant for the Grants.
• Experience working with EU funds in one or several Beneficiary States.
• Excellent facilitation skills and ability to handle differences constructively.
• Ability to anticipate issues and propose proactive solutions.
• Solid knowledge of international cooperation, development or governance processes.

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, and good command of one or more Beneficiary State languages is an advantage.

Employment Terms

Grade: A4
Annual starting salary: EUR 117,072

 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. 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 the 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: Sunday 12 April 2026 (midnight CET)

Nationality requirements

The position is open to nationals of EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) and to the nationals of EU Member States. Please note that applications received from nationals of other countries are not 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.

Country portfolio

Please specify in your application which Beneficiary State(s) in addition to Romania would be of interest and your area of expertise. We are particularly interested in competence regarding Croatia, Czechia, Romania and Slovenia.

Please note that candidates from a Beneficiary State are generally not considered for Country Officer positions for their country of origin, unless they bring exceptionally strong qualifications and substantial international experience.