Programme Manager
Nefco - the Nordic Green Bank · Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
- On site
- Full-time
- €85,000 / year
- Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
This role may have been filled. Drop your résumé and we'll check if it's still open — or find you similar roles.
Job highlights
- Manage green financing programs in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Liaise between fund and funded companies.
- Oversee project reporting and data management.
- Contribute to global green transition initiatives.
- Join a multicultural international organization.
About the role
About Nefco - the Nordic Green Bank
Nefco is the Nordic Green Bank, a financial institution dedicated to providing green financing. Our mission is to accelerate the green transition by funding sustainable projects with global scaling potential and significant environmental impact. We utilize our own funds and manage trust funds for Nordic governments, the EU, and international organizations, serving our owners: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. We are seeking a Programme Manager for a two-year fixed-term role within the Special Funds Department. This department focuses on supporting sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa through two primary facilities targeting private sector companies: * **Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa (BGFA):** Aims to bring clean, affordable off-grid solar energy solutions to millions. * **Modern Cooking Facility for Africa (MCFA):** Uses green financing to scale access to modern cooking solutions for up to 4 million people. These programs operate at the intersection of development cooperation and impact investing, promoting the green transition and sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Investee companies receive results-based payments, a form of transitional finance for high-risk sectors, disbursed upon proof of sales and service delivery. The department also engages in other initiatives related to the Baltic Sea marine environment, climate change, and carbon financing.Position Overview
The Programme Manager will be the main liaison between Nefco (Fund Manager) and the companies receiving funding from the BGFA and MCFA programs in Sub-Saharan Africa. This role may also involve data management, integration into digital reporting tools, and supporting new strategy projects, including carbon financing. This is a hands-on project management role, ideal for an experienced individual. You will work closely with Nefco's Fund Managers for the BGFA and MCFA programs. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful sustainable development initiatives through finance, directly engaging with grassroots businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa.Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary focal point between Nefco, BGFA and MCFA funded companies, and sub-contractors.
- Review and approve disbursement requests, progress reports, and submitted data.
- Process contract amendments for funded companies.
- Manage project and fund-level monitoring processes, including data collection, analysis, and KPI reporting.
- Contribute to other departmental programs and activities as required.
Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience (e.g., programme/project management, private/public sector funding).
- Strong project management skills; ability to manage multiple processes concurrently.
- Experience with digital data management platforms and reporting tools is advantageous.
- Fluent in English with excellent communication skills; other languages are a plus.
- Strong interpersonal skills and high integrity.
- Comfortable working in a multicultural environment and diverse project teams.
- Interest in sustainable development and environmental finance.
- Willingness to travel to Sub-Saharan Africa 1-2 times per year.
- Prior experience in off-grid electricity or clean cooking sectors is not required.
What We Offer
- An opportunity to contribute to the Nordic countries' climate change and green transition efforts.
- A unique perspective on financing through Nefco's position as an International Financial Institution focused solely on green finance.
- A multicultural working environment within an international organization in Helsinki.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development with a focus on work-life balance.
- Competitive remuneration and benefits, including relocation and accommodation assistance for those moving to Helsinki.
Contract Terms
This is a full-time, two-year fixed-term position, aligning with the scheduled finalization of the BGFA and MCFA programs.Contact Information
For additional details, please contact Dennis Hamro-Drotz, Acting Head of the Special Funds Department, at +358 10 618 0607 on Friday, April 17th (13:00-14:00) or Wednesday, April 29th (09:30-10:30).How to Apply
Submit your application via the Nefco careers page: nefco.int/jobs. The application deadline is May 3, 2026. Early submissions are encouraged as applications will be reviewed upon receipt.Key skills/competency
Programme Management, Project Management, Sustainable Development, Environmental Finance, Financial Institution, Sub-Saharan Africa, Green Financing, Data Management, Reporting Tools, International OrganizationSkills & topics
- Programme Manager
- Project Management
- Sustainable Development
- Environmental Finance
- Green Financing
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Development Cooperation
- Impact Investing
- Financial Institution
- International Organization
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 5+ years of programme or project management experience, emphasizing results and data-driven achievements relevant to green finance and international development.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Clearly articulate your interest in sustainable development and environmental finance, and how your skills align with Nefco's mission and the specific responsibilities of the Programme Manager role.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience managing complex projects, working with diverse stakeholders, and your understanding of results-based financing models. Showcase your interpersonal and communication skills.
- Understand Nefco's mission: Research Nefco's role as a Nordic Green Bank, their focus on green financing, and their impact in Sub-Saharan Africa. Align your answers with their values and objectives.
Technical preparation
Review project management software and tools.,Study results-based financing models.,Familiarize with data reporting platforms.,Understand environmental impact metrics.
Behavioral questions
Describe managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders.,How do you ensure accountability in funded projects?,Discuss your approach to cross-cultural collaboration.,How do you maintain work-life balance in demanding roles?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary focus of the Programme Manager role at Nefco?
- The Programme Manager at Nefco serves as the key liaison between Nefco and companies receiving funding from the Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa (BGFA) and the Modern Cooking Facility for Africa (MCFA) programs. The role involves managing project oversight, reviewing progress, and ensuring compliance with funding requirements to support sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- What are the key programs managed by this Programme Manager position?
- This Programme Manager role directly supports two key initiatives: the Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa (BGFA), which focuses on off-grid solar energy solutions, and the Modern Cooking Facility for Africa (MCFA), which aims to increase access to modern cooking solutions. Both programs are aimed at accelerating the green transition in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- What qualifications are essential for the Programme Manager role at Nefco?
- Essential qualifications include a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field, at least 5 years of relevant work experience in programme or project management, strong project management skills, fluency in English, and a strong interest in sustainable development and environmental finance. Experience with digital data management is advantageous.
- Is relocation required for this Programme Manager position?
- Yes, this Programme Manager position requires relocation to Helsinki, Finland. Nefco offers support for expatriate employees and their families, including assistance with relocation and accommodation.
- What is the contract duration for this Programme Manager role?
- The Programme Manager position is a full-time, fixed-term role with a contract duration of two years. This term is aligned with the scheduled finalization of the two primary programs, BGFA and MCFA.
- Does Nefco require prior experience in the off-grid or clean cooking sectors for this role?
- No, prior specific experience in the off-grid electricity or clean cooking sectors is not required for this Programme Manager position. Nefco values strong project management skills and an interest in sustainable development and environmental finance.
- What is the working model for this Programme Manager role?
- This Programme Manager position follows a hybrid working model, allowing for a balance between working from home and in the office, within the context of relocation to Helsinki.