Civil Society Fund Transnational Officer, Uppbyggingarsjóður EES
Do you have ambition, initiative and a desire to contribute to real improvements in Europe? Then you could be the next Civil Society Fund Transnational Officer at the EFTA Financial Mechanism Office in Brussels.
We offer a diverse and international working environment characterised by trust, cooperation and professionalism. We employ over 60 experts from many EEA countries, and their diversity creates a dynamic and learning-rich working environment where different experiences, knowledge and perspectives can benefit.
Every day we work towards a common goal: to reduce economic and social inequalities in Europe and strengthen bilateral cooperation – by contributing to a greener and more democratic Europe with increased resilience, where everyone enjoys equal opportunities.
Do you want to have a job that has a real impact and work with a strong international team on projects that matter for the future of Europe?
Then this could be the right job for you.
Civil Society Fund Transnational Officer position
Are you a dynamic and highly motivated professional looking to make a positive impact in Europe? Join our team in the Civil Society Fund at the Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) in Brussels to work on strengthening a vibrant and resilient civil society protecting democracy, the rule of law and human rights.
You will be responsible for the new component called “Civil Society Fund -Transnational (CSF-TN)” working at European level.
The position is open to nationals of the EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) and to the nationals of the Beneficiary States of EEA and Norway Grants (Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia).
About us:
The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) - affiliated with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) - is the international secretariat carrying 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, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, 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 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?
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 from the EEA region brings a rich blend of experiences and knowledge to our daily operations.
We are committed to fostering a collaborative and respectful environment where you can advance your career. Every day, our work is driven by a shared goal: a green, democratic and resilient Europe where everyone can take a meaningful part in shaping their lives.
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.
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:
You will be part of the Civil Society Team within the Funds and Horizontal Concerns Unit, reporting to the Unit’s Head. The Civil Society Fund Transnational (CSF-TN) is a newly established instrument which aims at strengthening capacity, cooperation, and resilience of institutions and civil society to protect and promote democracy, the rule of law, and human rights at European level. The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) acts as the Fund Operator on behalf of the Donors.
The thematic focus of the CSF-TN is civic space and civil society engagement; information integrity and disinformation; and competence and knowledge development for democratic resilience.
The CSF-TN Officer is responsible for the overall day-to-day management of the fund. The position combines operational fund management responsibilities with coordination of policy and programme content expertise to ensure that CSF-TN initiatives are aligned with the objectives of the EEA and Norway Grants.
The position will involve external representation and engagement with relevant stakeholders; travel will be required.
You may be required to work in other areas, according to the needs and priorities of the FMO.
Administration and compliance:
As Fund Operator, the FMO is responsible for the technical, administrative and financial management of the CSF-TN. The CSF-TN Officer will:
- Manage the full grant lifecycle. Follow up grant agreements, work plans and reporting requirements, organise annual meetings and monitor implementation progress, risks, budgets and results across the portfolio.
- Coordinate closely with legal, finance and management colleagues to ensure sound financial management, and compliance with applicable regulations, Donor requirements and principles of accountability and transparency.
Coordination of the CSF-TN portfolio:
Responsibilities include:
- Oversee the CSF-TN portfolio, ensuring its effective implementation and alignment with EA and Norway Grants objectives, following Donor priorities and Senior Management guidance.
- Facilitate synergies between the CSF-TN, initiatives implemented by the International Partners Organisations, Civil Society Funds and other relevant EEA and Norway Grants initiatives.
- Analyse trends, risks and opportunities on the thematic focus of the CSF-TN.
- Assess the relevance and added value of proposed initiatives in cooperation with relevant FMO colleagues.
- Support Donor engagement through briefing notes and strategic analysis.
- Represent the FMO in meetings with European networks, civil society organisations, think tanks, foundations and international partners.
Qualifications:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field.
Required Experience:
- At least 6 years of relevant professional experience.
- Experience in grant management, programme or project management.
- Experience working with civil society organisations, international organisations, public bodies or European networks.
- Experience in managing complex stakeholder relationships.
Desired experience:
- Knowledge of European civil society ecosystems and networks.
- Experience working on democratic governance, civic space or information integrity.
Required skills:
- Strong project and portfolio management skills.
- Knowledge of grant management, compliance and financial oversight.
- Strong organisational skills.
- Strong analytical skills and drafting skills.
- Ability to work autonomously and proactively. -
- Strong interpersonal skills. -
- Presentation skills; ability to present complex matters clearly.
A great work environment and strong teamwork define the FMO, and we look for candidates who actively contribute to both.
Language:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (the working language of the FMO).
Fluency in any of the Donor or Beneficiary State languages would be an advantage.
Employment terms
Job reference: VA 29/2026
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Duration of appointment: This is a fixed-term contract for three years. The contract is renewable once, subject to the renewal being in the interest of the FMO and to a decision on the new funding period following the current Financial Mechanisms.
Start date: As soon as possible
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 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 according to the current policy. The duty station for all FMO staff is Brussels, Belgium.
We offer stimulating and meaningful work in a diverse international environment, with the opportunity to collaborate with highly skilled professionals from across Europe. Salaries and related payments are exempt from taxation in the EFTA Member States, and as regulated in headquarters agreements, in the EFTA host states. Depending on the candidate’s family status, and individual circumstances, additional benefits and allowances may apply.
Candidates should carefully consider their individual tax circumstances. This is particularly important where personal circumstances may give rise to tax obligations in countries other than the EFTA Member States of the EFTA host states.
For questions related to the recruitment process, please contact us by email: [email protected].
In case of technical issues with the recruitment tool, please contact: [email protected].
Please note that only applications received via FMO’s recruitment tool will be considered.
Deadline for submission of applications: Wednesday, 28 October 2026 (midnight, Brussels time).
Enska
