European Free Trade Association is looking for a Head of Human Resources

Are you a dynamic and highly motivated professional looking to make a positive impact in Europe? Join our team as the new Head of Human Resources at the Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) in Brussels.

About us:

The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) - affiliated with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) - carries out the day-to-day management of the EEA and Norway Grants. The Grants are Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein’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, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Malta, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia). EEA Grants are financed by the 3 donor countries whereas Norway Grants are financed solely by Norway.

We are now entering a new funding period with a budget of 3.2 billion euros. At the same time, we are closing the current funding period with a budget of 2.8 billion euros.

The programmes in the new 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?

At 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 50 employees coming from the EEA region, bring a rich blend of experiences and knowledge to our daily operations. 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. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and respectful environment where you can advance your career and contribute to meaningful results that make a difference.

Learn more: If you're ready to take on a rewarding challenge and be part of a dedicated team working towards improving economic and social progress 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.

Nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway as well as nationals of the member states of the European Union are eligible for this position.

Division: Financial Mechanism Office

Location: Brussels

Category/Level: A5

Duration of Appointment: Fixed term three years (renewable once if in the interest of the FMO)

Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 19-01-2025

Job Reference: VA 38/2024

Scope

You will act as a strategic HR partner to the senior leadership, line managers and staff of the FMO on all HR and organisational development matters, while at the same time handling a wide range of operational and practical day-to-day tasks. As a member of the FMO management team, you will partner with all Heads to ensure integrated and highly efficient service delivery as well as alignment of organisational culture and values.

You will be at the forefront of FMO’s human resources development, talent management and staff engagement, reporting directly to the Director of Compliance and Administration Department. The key focus of the FMO HR is in the four following areas:

Strategic contribution:

to organisation development, including change management and knowledge management.

Talent focus:

analysing skills and expertise needs, attracting and retaining talent, managing performance and staff engagement

People focus:

ensuring well-being and care, promoting diversity and inclusion, driving social dialogue and engagement

Effective communication:

regularly communicating within senior management, line managers, across the FMO and with partner EFTA organisations, building strong and lasting relationships and networks.

If you are a candidate who thrives on fostering a diverse, inclusive, engaged and productive working environment within a culturally diverse organisation, this position is for you.

In particular, as Head of HR at the FMO you will:

• Provide guidance and strategic advice in all HR matters to senior leadership, line managers and staff, playing an active role in change management and organisational development initiatives.

• Develop and implement FMO HR strategy and HR policies aligned with the FMO's objectives and EFTA Staff Rules and Regulations, establish and implement HR objectives in line with the FMO annual workplan.

• Lead talent acquisition processes ensuring high-quality recruitments.

• Oversee and manage a performance appraisal system that drives high performance.

• Develop and implement comprehensive learning and development programmes for the FMO staff, including leadership development.

• Manage resources by assessing, prioritising and managing financial and HR resources to support the FMO.

• Promote people management practices that engage effectively staff and sustain the FMO’ strategy, working as a team with peer line managers to contribute to the alignment of values and thriving culture of respect and trust at the FMO.

• Build partnerships in collaborating with EFTA organisation on HR matters, identifying synergies and common projects, and manage contacts with external service providers.

• Ensure compliance by overseeing the implementation of the regulatory framework.

• Coordinate the delivery of some processes related to HR, Finance, IT and Facilities services with the respective units in EFTA Secretariate.

• Drive social dialogue through regular meetings with the FMO Ombudsteam and EFTA Staff Committee.

• Beyond the listed tasks, you will handle any other duties as required, adapting to the dynamic needs of the role and the needs of FMO.

Qualifications

A Master’s-level university degree in a relevant field. If the degree is not in human resources management, business administration or organisational psychology, then an additional academic degree or training in those fields is required.

Experience

Required

• Minimum 9 years of relevant professional experience, including proven management experience, in the private or the public sector.

• Experience in designing and delivering HR strategies, policies and processes.

• Experience in all or at least several areas of HR management: (skills and expertise analysis, succession planning; planning and organisation of talent acquisition, onboarding and offboarding; employee engagement; well-being; diversity and inclusion; performance management and staff development, social dialogue).

• Leading HR change processes in the organisations.

Desired

• Experience working in an international organisation or national administration.

• Experience with interpretation and application of legal frameworks.

• Experience in knowledge management.

• Experience in mediating conflicts at work and handling disciplinary cases.

• Good understanding of French and/or Dutch (the host country languages).

Skills

• Competence in issues related to organisational development and policy development;

• Ability to provide organisational leadership and foster a positive work environment;

• Excellent active listening, influencing, and presentation skills.

• Ability to work independently and manage competing demands.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Sound knowledge of the use of HR systems and web-based recruitment tools.

• Excellent general IT skills, especially in Microsoft solutions.

• Excellent communication skills with ability to draft documents in a clear and concise manner as well as make presentations and conduct trainings.

• Confidentiality, strong ethics, diplomacy and sound judgement.

Languages

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (the working language of the FMO). Knowledge of another EFTA/EU language would be an asset.

Employment Terms

Grade: A5

Annual starting salary: EUR 123,576.60

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.

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.

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. Depending on the candidate’s family status, benefits and allowances may apply.

Please note that only applications received via our web tool (https://jobs.efta.int/home.html) will be considered.

Deadline for submission of applications: 19 January 2025.