Director of Administration

Do you want to be a part of an ambitious international organisation working for the promotion of free trade and economic integration? The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) offers the opportunity for a motivated and highly skilled professional to lead the Administration Division in Brussels.

EFTA is an intergovernmental organisation working to promote free trade and economic integration to benefit its four Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The EFTA Secretariat provides services to the EFTA States and has offices in Geneva, Brussels and Luxemburg. The Headquarters in Geneva services the EFTA Council and provides services for policy development, negotiations and implementation of free trade and cooperation agreements with countries outside the European Union. The Brussels office supports the management of the EEA Agreement. EFTA's Luxembourg office contributes to the development of the European Statistical System.

This position is open to nationals of one of the EFTA Member States (Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein).

Division
Administration

Location
Brussels

Category/Level
A6

Type/Duration of Appointment
Fixed term 3 years. If considered desirable and in the Organisation’s interest, an additional three-year contract may be offered.

Start Date
Autumn/Winter 2024

Job Reference
VA 11/2024

Scope

The Administration Division is based in Brussels and provides internal services and support to the entire organisation. As the Director of Administration, you will be responsible forthe services related to Finance, Human Resources, IT and Logistics, in alignment with EFTA’s strategic objectives.

The Director of Administration reports to the Secretary-General and works in close collaboration with all divisions of the EFTA Secretariat, the Financial Mechanism Office and national administrations in the Member States. You will lead a team of 15 staff members, ensuring reliable and high-quality internal services. You will have a transversal role providing support to the five operational Divisions located in Geneva, Brussels, and Luxembourg, as well as to the Financial Mechanism Office of the EEA EFTA States in Brussels. Your role will involve regular travel to all duty stations.

The function of Director of Administration at EFTA involves:

• Leadership and support of the different heads of teams (Finance, HR, IT and Logistics) and co-ordination of all services;
• Motivating continuous improvement throughout the Secretariat;
• Overall responsibility for delivery of the annual budget proposal, ensuring appropriate internal controls and reporting to EFTA Management and Member States;
• Ensuring the correct implementation and application of EFTA´s Financial and Staff Regulations and Rules, Administrative Guidelines, and other relevant policies;
• Assisting EFTA Management in their decisions regarding personnel policies, staffing, IT strategy and financial planning and other strategic decisions;
• Maintaining close contact and good cooperation with the Staff Committee;
• Extensive contacts with the Member States, relevant authorities, and host countries;
• Representing EFTA regarding administrative matters towards the other EFTA organisations, including joint services.

Essential Skills

• Master's degree or equivalent in Business or Public Administration, Finance, Human Resources, Management, or similar fields;
• Extensive experience from a similar role, preferably in an international or public organisation;
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate an international team;
• A systematic approach, patiently driving things forward and keeping excellent service top of mind;
• Outstanding communication skills;
• Ability to create and maintain good working relations;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, an open mind and a pragmatic, solution oriented approach;
• Excellent oral and written command of English, and the ability to draft and coordinate analytical reports and papers concisely;
• Knowledge of at least one of the EFTA languages.

Ideal Skills

• Experience leading a team of professionals in an international work environment;
• Successful record with project management;
• Knowledge of French or Dutch would be an asset.

Recruitment Process:

Please note that this vacancy is managed via our external recruitment partner, Nigel Wright. Initial contact will be handled via them.

• Application deadline: 4 August 2024
• Initial screening by Nigel Wright: ongoing
• First interview with EFTA: early September 2024
• Online leadership assessment: mid-September 2024
• Second interview on-site in Brussels: end of September 2024
• Job offer: end of September 2024
• Start date: Autumn/Winter 2024

Employment Terms

EFTA has a dynamic and diverse work environment with the opportunity to work in a team of highly qualified people. Here you will be part of an organisation based on professionalism, cooperation, trust, responsibility and respect. Through its recruitment policy, the EFTA Secretariat wants to ensure diversity in terms of gender, age and culture.

EFTA also offers: 

• An inclusive working environment with high regard for cultural differences
• International career and learning opportunities 
• Competitive benefit package (favourable tax conditions may apply) 
• Generous holiday scheme including a Christmas closure period
• Medical, life and disability and travel insurances 
• Savings fund to assist with retirement planning 
• Flexible working arrangements 
• Language training expenses 

Subject to eligibility, benefits and allowances for the following are also offered: 

• Dependents and school fees 
• Rent, installation and resettlement allowance (calculation of these allowances are based upon your family setup) 
• Travel expenses on arrival and departure 
• Removal expenses 
• Home leave 

Grade: A6/1
Annual salary: Starting from EUR 146,047.32

Appointments are made at the first step of the grade. The Secretary-General reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level different from that advertised. Through its recruitment policy, the EFTA Secretariat wants to ensure diversity in terms of gender, age and culture.

Applicants must be nationals of one of the EFTA Member States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).

For further information on this post, please contact: E-Mail schreiben

Deadline for applications: 4 August 2024