Grants Adviser

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is seeking for a Grants Adviser, for a fixed-term employment to support the management of MFA frame (Finland) and funding growth from institutional donors (especially Finnish Institutional donors) and to ensure donor compliance in grant management.  Grants Adviser is a member of Grants unit at the Service and Accountability Center.  The unit focuses on supporting FCA programme countries in institutional fundraising, proposal development and grant management ensuring donor compliance. 

The position is located in Helsinki (remote work from another location, in Europe, may be considered, subject to a valid work permit in that country). Terms of employment for locally hired employees in Finland will be applied. In this position capacity to write and speak in Finnish is preferred.

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 donor policies, funding opportunities and requirements throughout the project cycle for institutional donors, special focus on MFA frame (Finnish gov), other Finnish institutional donors, as well as other governmental 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
• Support development of donor relations, networking and following donor policies and trends.
• Advocacy towards priority institutions and representation in networks and donor forums related to donor portfolio (MFA Finland).

Competence and Personal Requirements:

• Strong knowledge of institutional donor’s interests, priorities and compliance mechanisms, especially MFA Finland.
• Experience in institutional donor procedures and managing grants
• Experience in working with development programmes and donors
• Extensive experience in leading project development including facilitating complex proposal processes, project design, log frames and budgeting 
• Good writing skills and extensive experience in developing proposals and reports 
• Good attention to detail and highly numerate
• Experience in facilitating trainings and workshops for programme, financial and partner staff to develop funding applications and manage grants focusing on donor compliance 
• Master’s degree or equivalent qualification/experience in development studies, humanitarian aid or relevant discipline
• Strong knowledge and experience of the humanitarian and development sector, experience in education, livelihoods and peace and reconciliation is an asset.
• Strong coordination, strategic planning, analytical, negotiation and communication skills
• Strong team working skills 
• Ability to meet deadlines under pressure
• Fluency in English, both written and oral.
• Capacity to write and speak in Finnish is preferred.
• Fluency in French an asset.

The position will be filled as soon as possible and it is a fixed-term employment until 31st August 2023, with six-month probation period. The compensation is based on FCA salary scale and the candidate’s level of experience. 

For more information please contact Ms Hanna Lauha: hanna.lauha (at) kua.fi.

Please apply by using the link no later than on 30th September 2022. 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).