European Free Trade Association
Brussels, Belgium
Job Reference VA 23/2013
The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) administers the EEA Grants and Norway Grants on behalf of the governments of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The grant schemes aim at reducing economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area (EEA) and strengthening bilateral relations with the 15 EU countries benefiting from the funding. Key areas of support by the Grants include environment and climate, civil society, human and social development, cultural heritage and cultural exchange, research, scholarships, decent work and justice and home affairs.
The FMO is affiliated to the EFTA Secretariat in Brussels and reports to the ministries of foreign affairs of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It serves as a contact point for the donor states, beneficiary states and other stakeholders. The FMO has about 50 employees.
Category/Level: A5
Division: Financial Mechanism Office
Start Date: As soon as possible
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed-term three years (renewable once if in the interest of the FMO)
Scope
The Senior Advisor for Communication coordinates the external and internal communication work in the FMO, provides communication activities and handles the day-to-day media relations in close cooperation with the FMO Director and the Donor states.
Tasks
- Coordinate and quality assure communication and information deliverables in close cooperation with the Director and the Donors states;
- Develop and maintain information and communication strategies and plans; including the review of the communication strategies from the National Focal Points and Programme Operators;
- Perform day-to-day media relations in cooperation with the donor states, and handle requests for public access to documents;
- Assess reputation and communication risks and advise on how to handle such issues;
- Develop and supervise production of publications and information material;
- Develop and supervise updating and maintenance of the eeagrants website, the FMO intranet and the social media;
- Follow public/political debate and media coverage on the eeagrants in the Donor States;
- Answer enquiries, draft speeches and speaking notes and give presentations about the FMs;
- Coordinate events in Brussels, as well as in Donor/Beneficiary States when required;
- Follow information activities in the Beneficiary States and provide guidance on information and publicity issues to the Beneficiary States.
Qualifications
- Relevant university degree.
Experience
- At least 7 years of relevant experience in communication and/or journalism.
Skills
- Excellent understanding of the donor states and their relevant policies in public administration and their information and communications strategies and reporting requirements;
- Extensive experience from public administration, media relations and/or journalism;
- Excellent understanding of the strategic role of communication and information;
- Strong analytical and organisational abilities, including leading complex projects;
- Ability to multitask and work to tight deadlines;
- Result-oriented approach, and a proactive and cooperative outlook;
- Strong interpersonal abilities, including a dynamic and flexible attitude, and cultural sensitivity;
- Self-reliance and autonomy, but also facility for team work; and
- Comprehensive IT-skills, including experience with web management tools.
Languages
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
- Knowledge of another EFTA/EU language is an asset.
Employment Terms
Grade: A5
Annual Salary: EUR 97,730
Appointments are normally made at step 1 of the grade. The Director of the FMO reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level different from that advertised. Through its recruitment policy, the FMO wants to ensure diversity in terms of gender, age and culture.
Applicants must be nationals of one of the EFTA member states.
We offer a very interesting and challenging position in a dynamic and diverse environment and the opportunity to work in a team of highly qualified people. We also offer favourable tax conditions. In addition, depending on the candidate’s family status, attractive benefits and allowances may apply.
Interested applicants should apply online via the EFTA e-recruitment tool: http://jobs.efta.int/.
Please note that only applications received via our web tool will be considered.
Deadline for submission of application: 10 March 2013.
Annual Salary: EUR 97,730
Appointments are normally made at step 1 of the grade. The Director of the FMO reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level different from that advertised. Through its recruitment policy, the FMO wants to ensure diversity in terms of gender, age and culture.
Applicants must be nationals of one of the EFTA member states.
We offer a very interesting and challenging position in a dynamic and diverse environment and the opportunity to work in a team of highly qualified people. We also offer favourable tax conditions. In addition, depending on the candidate’s family status, attractive benefits and allowances may apply.
Interested applicants should apply online via the EFTA e-recruitment tool: http://jobs.efta.int/.
Please note that only applications received via our web tool will be considered.
Deadline for submission of application: 10 March 2013.
