Senior Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a humanitarian organization that has been operational for over 90 years, founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein. The IRC is headquartered in New York and operates in nearly 40 countries worldwide, providing emergency relief and support to refugees and displaced communities. The organization is dedicated to a culture of bold leadership, innovation, and accountability, focusing on the needs of the most vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls who are disproportionately affected by crises. The IRC's mission is to help uprooted communities rebuild their lives and regain control over their futures.

Job Overview:
The Senior Advisor position is a pivotal role within the IRC's Crisis Response, Recovery and Development Department (CRRD), specifically within the Awards Management Unit (AMU). This role is primarily focused on managing and enhancing IRC's engagement with the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida). The Senior Advisor will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to foster proactive relationships with Sida, ensuring effective communication and collaboration across various departments within the IRC. The position requires a strong understanding of donor relations, business development, and compliance with donor requirements. The Senior Advisor will oversee the lifecycle of projects funded by Sida, from donor engagement to implementation and reporting, ensuring that IRC meets its contractual obligations and maintains high standards of accountability and transparency.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Advisor will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Managing the IRC's strategic relationship with Sida, including oversight of the Sida Humanitarian Framework Agreement (HFA).
• Building and maintaining strong working relationships with key individuals within Sida and relevant embassies.
• Leading contract negotiations with Sida for new agreements or amendments.
• Coordinating the annual funding allocation process, analyzing donor priorities, and advising on strategic development of partnerships.
• Preparing and consolidating budgets, ensuring internal reviews and approvals are completed before submission.
• Monitoring the performance and expenditure of the HFA portfolio, providing support to country programs as needed.
• Ensuring timely and compliant delivery of all contractual requirements, including reports and audits.
• Developing internal guidance documents for managing HFA awards and providing advice on donor compliance.
• Engaging in strategic donor engagement initiatives, representing IRC at donor meetings and conferences. 1
• Contributing to IRC Sweden’s market strategy and facilitating cross-department collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Advisor position should possess a strong background in donor engagement and management, with specific qualifications including:

• Previous experience working with Sida or the Swedish government.
• Demonstrated ability to drive coordinated advocacy and fundraising programs.
• Strong understanding of programmatic and financial contractual arrangements with donors.
• Experience in negotiating with donors and submitting high-quality proposals and reports.
• Familiarity with the operational context of NGOs and international organizations in developing countries.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this role, typically requiring a degree in international relations, development studies, public administration, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred, particularly for candidates with extensive experience in donor engagement and management.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have significant experience in donor relations, particularly with Sida or similar entities. A minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience in humanitarian or development sectors is expected, with a proven track record of managing donor-funded projects and engaging with government agencies.

Languages:
Fluency in Swedish is a mandatory requirement for this position, as well as fluency in English. Additional language skills, particularly in French or Spanish, are considered advantageous and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Sweden. The role involves significant interaction with various stakeholders, including senior colleagues across the IRC and external partners. The Senior Advisor will be expected to travel as necessary to support project implementation and donor engagement activities. The application deadline for this position is May 12th, 2026, at midnight CET.