Open position at the International Barents Secretariat (17.2.2010)

Adviser on Project Funding and Environmental Issues

Please note that the time limit for applications has been extended to 15 April 2010

The International Barents Secretariat (IBS) in Kirkenes , Norway , is recruiting an adviser to promote project funding for the multilateral cooperation in the Barents region. The Advisor will also assist in maintaining a key data base on environmental "hot spots" in the Region.

Financed by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden for a period of one year with possibility of extension, the adviser will be an addition to the capacity of the Barents Cooperation.

The International Barents Secretariat supports the intergovernmental and regional Barents Cooperation. The Secretariat was established in January, 2008, according to an Agreement between Finland , Norway , Russia and Sweden . The IBS shares premises with the Norwegian Barents Secretariat and the Barents Institute in Kirkenes.

The Adviser on Financial and Environmental Issues will:

• initiate, assist and coordinate project applications by regional actors, in particular at county level, to relevant EU funding programmes and International Financial Institutions
• support partners in project implementation in line with instructions of the source of funding
• compile, analyze and disseminate information on funding sources available for financing of projects in the Barents Region, including advise on how to successfully apply for and use such sources
• contribute to the communication activities of the Secretariat, particularly in the field of project funding
• promote relations between the Barents Euro-Arctic Council, Barents Regional Council, relevant experts and working groups, the EU institutions and International Financial Institutions
• assist in maintaining the data base on environmental "hot spots" in the Barents Region, in cooperation with the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO) and the BEAC Working Group on Environment.

The Adviser will need to:

• have documented experience from, and good knowledge of, project funding of small to medium-sized projects in the public domain from relevant EU funding programmes and International Financial Institutions, in particular at county level
• have strong coordination, creative, analytical and social skills
• appreciate problem-solving assignments
• have experience and talent for public presentations
• enjoy being part of a small team with many partners in an international environment.

Other qualifications:

• Preferably a university degree or equivalent education
• Good command of English
• Fluency in a North European language
• Preferably basic command of Russian

A position at the International Barents Secretariat provides excellent opportunities for personal development, interesting contacts and challenging tasks in a dynamic and developing region.

Salary according to agreement.

For more information, please contact the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Per Wallén, +46 8 405 32 59) or The International Barents Secretariat: Alexander Ignatiev, Head of the Secretariat, alexander.ignatiev@beac.st, + 47 90 02 01 42 Anna Lund, Executive Officer, anna.lund@beac.st, + 47 95 97 71 73

Applications in English, including personal cover letter, CV and at least two references should be sent to ibs@beac.st and kerstin.rosen@foreign.ministry.se no later than 15 April 2010.

For more information on the Barents Cooperation, please visit www.beac.st