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Nefco is the Nordic Green Bank – the financial institution that provides only green financing.


Our purpose is to accelerate the green transition by financing environmentally sustainable projects that have the potential to be scaled up on global markets and have a substantial positive environmental impact. Nefco invests its own funds and manages several trust funds on behalf of the Nordic governments, the EU and international organisations. We serve the interests of our owners, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, and work with concrete actions to accelerate the green transition.


We are looking for a Programme Manager to join Nefco’s Special Funds Department for a two-year fixed-term role. The department supports sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa with two main facilities working with private sector companies.


  • The Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa (BGFA) is bringing clean and affordable off-grid, solar based energy solutions to millions in Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • The Modern Cooking Facility for Africa (MCFA) utilises green financing with the aim of scaling access to modern energy cooking solutions for up to 4 million people.


These programmes operate at the intersection of development cooperation and impact investing, supporting the green transition and advancing sustainable development across Sub-Saharan Africa.


The investee companies receive results-based payments, serving as a form of transitional finance designed for businesses operating in high-risk sectors and geographies. These payments are non-repayable but are disbursed only when the companies provide proof of selling solar energy systems or clean cooking stoves and delivering the associated services to their customers.

The department also works with other facilities working with the marine environment in the Baltic Sea, climate change and carbon financing.


Position overview:


The Programme Manager will play a key role in serving as the primary focal point between Nefco, as the Fund Manager, and individual companies receiving funding from the two programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa.


The Programme Manager may also have responsibility for working with data management and integration of projects into digital reporting tools, as well as other tasks, as deemed necessary, including potential needs in new strategy projects such as carbon financing activities.


This is a hands-on role ideal for someone interested, and experienced with project management. The Programme Manager will work under the guidance of, and in close collaboration with, Nefco's Fund Managers for the BGFA and MCFA programmes.


The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful, sustainable development initiatives through finance, while directly engaging with companies running grassroots businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa.


Key responsibilities:

  • Key focal point between Nefco, companies receiving funding from the BGFA and MCFA programmes, and sub-contractors responsible for various tasks.
  • Review and approve disbursement requests, progress reports and data submitted by companies, as well as process contract amendments.
  • Manage project-, and fund-level monitoring processes, including data collection, analysis, and reporting against Key Performance Indicators.
  • Contribute to other programmes and activities as needed.


Qualifications and skills:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field.
  • A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, for example in programme- or project management or private- and public sector funding.
  • Strong project management skills, and the ability to manage multiple processes simultaneously.
  • Experience with digital data management platforms and reporting tools is an advantage.
  • Fluent in English with excellent communication skills. Other languages are considered a plus.
  • Strong interpersonal skills. High level of integrity and comfort working in a multicultural environment and in different project teams.
  • Interest in sustainable development and environmental finance.
  • Willingness to travel in Sub-Saharan Africa 1-2 times / year.
  • No prior experience in the off-grid electricity, or clean cooking sector is required.


We offer you the following:

  • An opportunity to contribute to the Nordic countries' efforts related to climate change and green transition.
  • A new perspective on financing based on Nefco's unique position as an International Financial Institution that provides only green financing.
  • A multicultural working environment in an international organisation in the heart of Helsinki.
  • An opportunity to grow and develop as a professional while maintaining a valuable work-life balance.
  • Competitive remuneration and benefits, including relocation and accommodation assistance for employees moving to Helsinki to join our team.


We are looking for motivated mid‑career professionals who enjoy taking ownership and managing complex workflows independently.


We follow hybrid working model. This position requires re-location to Helsinki.

We warmly welcome expatriate employees and their families by supporting their relocation and integration.


Contract terms: This is a full-time position with a contract term of two years, which is when the two programmes are scheduled to be finalised.


Additional information can be obtained from Dennis Hamro-Drotz, Acting Head of the Special Funds Department, tel. +358 10 618 0607, on Friday 17 April from 13:00 to 14:00 or on Wednesday 29 April from 09:30 to 10:30.


How to apply:

To apply for this position, please submit your application through our careers page on the Nefco website: nefco.int/jobs. The deadline for applications is 3 May 2026, but we will review applications as they are received, so early submission is encouraged.