Grants Adviser – Helsinki, Finland

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is seeking an experienced Grants Adviser, for permanent employment to support FCA programme in strategic fundraising from institutional donors.

We are looking for a grants specialist, who has experience in working with both humanitarian and development donors and has extensive expertise in several institutional donors being able to support and ensure donor compliance in proposal preparation and grant management.

Grants Adviser is a member of Grants unit with experienced and professional colleagues working in similar positions. The unit focuses on supporting FCA programme countries in institutional fundraising, proposal development and grant management ensuring donor compliance. We engage with the country programmes on a daily basis.

The position is located at our head office in Helsinki, Finland. 

Remote work is possible from FCA programme countries, and from Estonia, France, Spain and Austria, all subject to an existing valid work permit in that country. Remote work from another location in Europe can be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to valid work permit. This is not an expat position and terms of employment for locally hired employees in Finland will be applied.  

The responsibilities will be executed within the given mandate following FCA Policies, Guidelines and Processes. The Grants Adviser will report to Head of Grants Unit.

Areas of responsibility:

• Advice and guide FCA programme in institutional donor policies, funding opportunities and requirements throughout the project cycle for institutional donors,
• Support FCA programme in proposal development and grant management ensuring donor compliance,
• Support FCA country programmes in their strategic and programmatic planning from strategic and sustainable income planning and fundraising perspective with ability to link FCA added value with donor priorities,
• Support donor engagement, networking and following donor policies and trends,
• Advocacy towards priority institutions and representation in networks and donor forums related to donor portfolio.

Competence and Personal Requirements:

• Master’s degree or equivalent qualification/experience in development studies, humanitarian aid or relevant discipline
• Strong knowledge of various institutional donor’s interests, priorities and compliance mechanisms (specify donors in your application)
• Relevant experience in institutional donor procedures and managing grants
• Experience in working with both humanitarian and development programmes and donors
• Fundraising driven with good skills to link programmatic organisational added value to donor priorities
• Strong record in leading project development including: facilitating internal proposal processes, project design, log frames, budgeting, grant management and project reporting.
• Strong knowledge and experience of humanitarian and development sector, experience in education, livelihoods and peace and reconciliation is an asset..
• Experience in facilitating trainings and workshops.
• Proven problem solving and strategic planning capability with creative skills.
• Good attention to detail, accuracy and highly numerate.
• Strong coordination, strategic planning, analytical, negotiation  and communication skills
• Ability to meet deadlines under pressure
• Ability to work independently and have professional leadership to ones advisory role
• Interest in organizational development
• Strong team working skills and attitude 
• Flexibility
• Fluency in English, both written and oral.
• Capacity to write and speak in Finnish an asset.

The position will be filled as soon as possible and is permanent employment, with six-month probation period. The compensation is based on FCA salary scale and the candidate’s level of experience. Salary scale for this position is 3486,79 - 3885,28€ / month.

For more information please contact Head of Unit, Hanna Lauha: hanna.lauha (at) kua.fi.

Please apply by using the link no later than on 24^th June, 2024. Applicants will be short-listed and contacted for an interview on a progressive basis. 

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is Finland’s largest development co-operation organisation and the second biggest organisation in Finland working in humanitarian aid. FCA is a founding member of the international aid alliance of churches, ACT Alliance. We seek positive change by supporting the most vulnerable people in fragile contexts. We specialize in supporting local communities’ right to peace, livelihoods and quality education. Qualified and interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for the vacancy.

FCA practices zero tolerance against child abuse. FCA’s Child Safeguarding Policy applies to all FCA staff. FCA has zero tolerance concerning aid diversion and illegal actions and may screen applicants against international lists to ensure due diligence and compliance with Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism requirements.

FCA is certified against the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS).