Program Manager

NDF; Helsinki; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Job summary

Nordic Development Fund (NDF) is recruiting a Program Manager to join our Helsinki headquarters. The role centers on originating and managing a diverse portfolio of NDF-financed projects in close collaboration with project partners.

The successful candidate will bring a strong background in development/climate finance, excellent English, and proven ability to build partnerships with DFIs and knowledge institutions across the Nordic region. A four-year contract with hybrid work is offered.

Qualifications

• A genuine interest in the purpose and values of NDF.
• Understanding of development and climate issues in a global context.
• University degree as specified in qualifications.
• Eight years of relevant experience with at least five in international development or climate finance.
• Experience building partnerships with DFIs, private sector, and knowledge institutions in the Nordic countries.
• Expertise in climate topics such as biodiversity, forestry, land management, nature-based solutions, or blue economy.
• Experience integrating environmental & social safeguards, results management, gender equality and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Originate and manage a portfolio of NDF-financed projects in coordination with project partners.
• Prepare financing proposals following NDF’s internal process.
• Collaborate with all NDF functions to secure consultations throughout the process.
• Provide peer support to other Program Managers on origination and management matters.
• Lead project inception after Board approval on behalf of NDF.
• Maintain liaison with project partners on implementation and completion.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation

Presentation skills

Analytical skills

MS Office

Team player

Time management

Willingness to travel

English fluency

Education

University degree in economics/business development/climate science

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Nordic Development Fund (NDF) is a joint Nordic international finance institution (IFI), established in 1988 by the five Nordic countries - Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. NDF’s work focuses on the nexus between climate change and development in lower-income countries and countries in fragile situations. NDF provides concessionary financing with an active portfolio valued at around EUR 500 million. Together with our strategic partners, we develop, launch and scale high-impact projects to support developing countries and people vulnerable to climate change. NDF has a mission to advance Nordic climate leadership as part of the NDF Strategy 2030.

To strengthen our Portfolio Management (POM) department, we are now recruiting a Program Manager to join NDF Headquarters in Helsinki, Finland. Reporting to the Director of the Portfolio Management department, the Program Manager’s main responsibilities will be to originate and manage a portfolio of NDF-financed projects in close collaboration with project partners.

Key responsibilities

• Actively identify project/investment opportunities for possible financing by NDF in line with agreed NDF strategy and priorities
• Prepare financing proposals following NDF’s internal process
• Collaborate closely with all NDF functions to secure necessary consultations throughout the process
• Actively provide peer support to other Program Managers in project origination and management-related matters
• Following the approval of projects by the NDF Board, lead the project inception process on behalf of NDF
• Liaise with project partners in matters relating to project implementation and completion, including dialogue around NDF priorities
• Foster strategic partnerships within the climate finance space
• Monitor the implementation of a portfolio of NDF-financed projects
• Prepare and present updates, presentations and written materials on projects
• Contribute to the development of internal working processes and guidelines
• Any other duties as requested

Key Competencies, Experience and Personal Attributes

• A genuine interest in the purpose and values of NDF
• Understanding of development and climate issues in a global context
• A University degree in economics, business administration, development, climate and environmental science or similar relevant field
• A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant working experience and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in international development or climate finance, involving design and management of public and/or private sector climate change adaptation/mitigation focused projects
• Experience from successfully building and maintaining partnerships with DFIs, private sector, and knowledge institutions in the Nordic countries
• Expertise in climate change and related topics such as biodiversity, forestry, sustainable land management, nature-based solutions, or blue economy
• Experience of integrating cross-thematic areas, such as environmental and social safeguards, results management, gender equality and inclusion, in climate and development finance
• Experience from working in low-income countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, is highly desirable
• Excellent command of English, other languages are an advantage (in particular French or Spanish)
• Strong communication skills, including solid negotiation, interpersonal and presentation skills
• Strong analytical capacity and IT skills (MS Office)
• Can-do mentality, strong time and priority management and ability to meet tight deadlines
• A team player and a natural collaborator with high levels of self-motivation and a drive for excellence, used to working flexibly at fast pace
• Willingness and ability to travel as required

We offer you

• A possibility to work in an international organisation in the field of climate change and development financing
• Intellectually stimulating work in a multicultural and multilingual environment in a vibrant Nordic capital
• An opportunity for a hybrid working model and other attractive employee benefits
• A four-year contract with a possibility of extension

We warmly welcome expatriate employees and their families by supporting their relocation and integration. While we offer a hybrid working model, this position requires regular on-site presence at our Helsinki headquarters several days per week. Candidates not currently based in the Helsinki region should therefore be willing to relocate.

Additional information

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Malena Rosman, Director, Portfolio Management ([e-mail]).

NDF collaborates with the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) on HR and other administrative matters. Applications will go through NIB’s recruitment system and will then be processed by NDF. For more information about employment at NDF, see the People Policy .