Grants Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of individuals each year. The organization is dedicated to defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the support they need in times of crisis. NRC is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a work culture that empowers employees to share ideas and take responsibility for their roles.

Job Overview:
The Grants Specialist position at NRC is a critical role that involves providing expert guidance and oversight across a diverse portfolio of global, regional, and multi-country grants. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving excellence throughout the grant lifecycle, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, and strengthening grant management practices. This role requires collaboration with various cross-functional teams, including programme, finance, MEAL, partnerships, legal, risk, and compliance, to maximize donor compliance and enhance program quality. The Grants Specialist will also identify opportunities for continuous improvement and translate operational insights into stronger organizational practices, contributing to the overall impact of NRC's humanitarian programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Grants Specialist will manage an assigned portfolio and specialist area as determined by the Head of PCM and Grants Management. Responsibilities include leading internal prioritization and funding allocation processes, maintaining accurate grant information and documentation in NRC’s digital grants management platform, and supporting donor and partner engagement. The role also involves contributing to quality reviews and health checks of Grants Management practices, supporting the recruitment and professional development of Grants Management staff, and working with relevant functions to strengthen global funding arrangements. Additionally, the Grants Specialist will contribute to communities of practice and organizational learning, provide temporary support during peak workloads, and undertake other responsibilities as delegated by the line manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree or equivalent qualification, preferably at the master’s degree level. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in Grants Management, programme management, institutional funding, or donor administration within humanitarian or development work is required. Demonstrated experience in managing complex proposals and agreements, as well as strong knowledge of donor requirements and compliance, is essential. Candidates should also have strong planning, prioritization, and coordination skills, along with excellent interpersonal and facilitation abilities to build collaborative relationships across functions and cultures.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree or equivalent qualification, with a preference for candidates holding a master’s degree. This educational foundation should be complemented by relevant experience in the field of Grants Management or related areas within humanitarian or development contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in Grants Management, programme management, or related fields. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing complex proposals and agreements, as well as experience in donor administration and compliance. Familiarity with institutional and private donor requirements is crucial, along with the ability to provide practical technical advice and capacity strengthening to colleagues.

Languages:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory, while proficiency in French is also required. Knowledge of Spanish or Arabic is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and partners in various contexts.

Additional Notes:
The position is based at NRC's Head Office in Oslo, with potential assignments in any NRC Representative Office (excluding Geneva and Washington, D.C.) or Regional and Country Offices under hosted contracts. This is a permanent contract with a duty station that may involve travel up to 10%. The salary is classified as Grade 9 on NRC’s Resident salary scale, accompanied by terms and conditions that reflect the organization's commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.