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, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway's contribution to reducing economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area and strengthening bilateral relations with 15 Beneficiary States. The current funding period has a total budget of 3.2 billion euros, focusing on European green transition; democracy, rule of law and human rights; and social inclusion and resilience.
Scope: The Civil Society Fund supports an independent, vibrant and resilient civil society as a cornerstone of democracy, rule of law and human rights, representing 10% of the total allocation of the EEA and Norway Grants. Through grant-making, capacity building, advocacy and civic participation initiatives, the Fund strengthens civic space, promotes citizen engagement, supports marginalised groups and enhances the capacity and sustainability of civil society organisations. For the Financial Mechanisms 2021-2028, the FMO acts as Programme Operator, with national allocations implemented by independent Fund Operators.
You will manage a portfolio of Civil Society Fund programmes in selected Beneficiary States, serving as primary point of contact for Fund Operators and leading interdisciplinary programme teams within the FMO (legal, financial, results, communication and country matters). You will contribute to the FMO's strategic and policy work on civil society, including engagement with European and international stakeholders and monitoring developments affecting civil society across Europe. You will also manage the Fund for Social Dialogue and Decent Work, which supports cooperation between employers, employees and public authorities to promote decent work, inclusive labour markets, gender equality, lifelong learning and fair working conditions. Responsibilities include programme management, liaison with Fund Operators and social partners, communication of results, policy development, risk management, compliance, evaluations and knowledge-sharing. The position involves travel and reports to the Head of the Funds and Horizontal Concerns Unit.
Qualifications: A Master's-level university degree in a relevant field. Essential experience: minimum six years of relevant professional experience, including at least five years in grant, programme and/or project management; demonstrated experience working with implementing organisations, including oversight, monitoring and capacity building; knowledge of European policies relevant to the civil society sector; strong interpersonal, organisational and analytical skills; knowledge of the Nordic tripartite cooperation model.
Desirable: knowledge of Donor/Beneficiary States' civil society priorities, governance and multi-stakeholder engagement models, and understanding of the EEA and Norway Grants framework. Excellent English is essential; a language of the EEA EFTA States is an added value.
Terms: Fixed-term contract for three years, renewable once. Grade A4, annual starting salary EUR 117,072, full-time, duty station Brussels with a hybrid working model (up to 40% remote). Start date as soon as possible.
Closing date: 23 September, 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
Only applications received via FMO's recruitment tool will be considered. Deadline for submission of applications: Wednesday 23 September 2026 (midnight CEST). Job reference: VA 28/2026.
The position is open to nationals of EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway).