Program Manager with focus on Large Grants and Business Development

Barnfonden is a non-partisan child rights organisation based in Malmö, Sweden. We have worked to improve the lives of children around the world through rights-based, climate-aware, and community-driven development since 1991. As a member of the ChildFund Alliance, we support programs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, working alongside local partners to help children thrive at every life stage. A core program funded through the generous support of over 20,000 Swedish sponsors and donors is supplemented by grants from major institutions such as Forum Civ/Sida, Radiohjälpen and the EU.

Barnfonden is in an inspiring phase where we have the opportunity to widen our Program Team. We are currently developing the strategy for 2026-2030 in an NGO landscape that is swiftly changing and putting new demands on the sector. In this rapidly changing world, Barnfonden is seeking to further explore partnerships for large scale innovations, as well as new partnership and funding models.

We are looking for a dynamic and strategic Programme Manager to lead the coordination of our Sida-funded multi-country development programme and drive growth through new business development. In this role, you will ensure high-quality planning, budgeting, monitoring, and reporting in close collaboration with partners and country offices, while strengthening transparent, locally led partnerships. You will also play a key role in diversifying Barnfonden’s funding base, developing innovative private sector and institutional partnerships, and advancing our child rights and climate initiative Grow the Future. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional with strong programme management experience, proven fundraising skills, and a passion for child rights, climate action, and sustainable development.

Key Responsibilities

Program Management and Coordination (Sida-funded Programme Focus)

• Lead the coordination and oversight of a Sida-funded multi-country development programme.


• Ensure quality planning, budgeting, monitoring, and donor reporting in collaboration with programme managers and local partners.


• Project management including reporting, MEL deliverables, budgeting, financial tracking, and compliance.


• Develop and maintain transparent, supportive relationships with country offices, promoting power-aware, locally led partnerships.


• Ensure compliance with Sida and Barnfonden’s internal guidelines and reporting frameworks.

Business Development and Innovation

• Develop and implement strategies to diversify Barnfonden’s funding base, with a focus on institutional and corporate partnerships (including applications and project management).


• Manage and grow relationships with corporate donors and innovation-focused partners.


• Support alignment of private sector partnerships with Barnfonden’s Theory of Change, Climate-Prepared approach, and the goals of existing institutional programmes.


• Further develop and secure partners to Barnfonden’s child rights and climate change initiative Grow the Future


• Work with internal teams to strengthen organisational learning, capacity building, and documentation.


• Contribute to strategic planning and innovation initiatives across the organisation.


• Represent Barnfonden in key donor forums, ChildFund Alliance initiatives, and coordination platforms.


• Work closely with Barnfonden’s Secretary General and other teams and workstreams in Barnfonden to support them in achieving the goals as outlined in the Strategy and annual work plans.

Essential Requirements:

• Minimum 5–7 years of professional experience in international development or humanitarian programming.


• Ability to innovate and identify new funding opportunities, particularly with corporate and private sector actors.


• Proven experience in coordinating and managing large institutional grants, ideally with donors such as Sida, EU, or bigger foundations.


• Proven track record in business development and fundraising from institutional donors, corporate partnerships, and/or innovative finance mechanisms.


• Strong proposal writing skills and successful track record in securing funding.


• Sound understanding of programme cycle management, MEL, and compliance standards.


• Excellent financial literacy, including budgeting, forecasting, and grant financial reporting.


• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and ability to meet donor deadlines.


• Proactive and solutions-oriented, able to balance strategic priorities with operational delivery.


• Strong intercultural communication and facilitation skills.


• Fluent in speaking and writing in Swedish and English. Any other language is an asset.

Preferred:

• Thematic expertise in child rights, climate change and sustainable development (aligned with Barnfonden’s Theory of Change).


• Experience in managing corporate partnerships or development innovation projects is a strong advantage.


• Relevant academic degree


• Experience working in an alliance-based organisation.

What We Offer

• A meaningful role in a purpose-driven, child-focused international NGO.


• A supportive, respectful and flexible work culture.


• The opportunity to help shape impactful programmes and strategic partnerships.


• Travel opportunities (up to 6–8 weeks/year, both internationally and within Sweden).


• Office location: Malmö (with hybrid work arrangements negotiable).

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your motivation and relevant experience by September 12th at the latest. Interviews will be held on a continuous basis, so early applications are encouraged.

If you want to help shape a better world for children and bring both expertise and passion to the table – we would love to hear from you.

At Barnfonden, we strive for diversity and for our workplace to reflect the society we live in. We therefore welcome applicants who can contribute to diversity and further to Barnfonden's goal of being a workplace where everyone feels included. Please note that you must have the right to live and work in Sweden to apply for this role.