Rainforest Foundation Norway seeks a Grants Manager for the DRC program based in Kinshasa, DRC.

Job title: Grants Manager - DRC Programmes

Reports to: Head of finance and operations

Close collaboration: HQ Counterparts, Senior International Finance Controller, and Country

Office Finance Advisors.

Location: Kinshasa, DRC

Travel expectations: Availability to travel within the country and abroad is expected.

About Rainforest Foundation Norway

Rainforest Foundation Norway (RFN) is one of Europe’s leading organizations dedicated to protecting the world’s rainforests and strengthening the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities (IPs & LCs). For over three decades, we have built a vibrant network and strong engagement, partnering with national civil society organizations to drive impactful change.

Purpose:

The position is designed as a cross-functional grant coordination and compliance management function supporting the implementation of major donor-funded programmes within RFN DRC.

The role will strengthen coordination, consistency, compliance oversight, and donor engagement across the grant management cycle, while working closely with Programme, Finance, MEL, Operations, and HQ support functions.

The position is not intended to replace Programme Management, Finance, MEL, or Operations functions, but rather to strengthen alignment, coordination, and accountability across these interfaces.

Key responsibilities:

· Support and coordinate the grant management cycle, including proposal development.

· Support and coordinate the grant management cycle across assigned grants, including proposal development support, agreement compliance tracking, implementation follow-up, donor reporting coordination, and grant close-out process.

· Ensure coordination and follow-up of contractual obligations, donor requirements, reporting timelines, and compliance commitments related to assigned grants. ensuring compliance with RFN internal policies and the legal provisions of the assigned grant agreements.

· Serve as the primary focal point for donor coordination on grant-related communication in close collaboration with the Country Director and the relevant thematic team members. on strategic issues related to the grant, including budget and compliance considerations.

· Proactively coordinate cross-functional processes between the DRC Programme team, Finance, MEL, Operations, and HQ functions related to effective grant compliance and reporting.

· Contribute to the country team’s annual planning, reporting processes, task-forces and working groups related to the activities of the assigned grant agreement.

· Maintain frequent external communication with donors and stakeholders to advise, inform, and guide on grant management matters, and occasionally negotiate and influence decisions related to grant implementation

· Support the preparation of budget revisions and contractual amendments where necessary.

· Support the quality assurance of donor reports to ensure consistency between narrative results, indicators, and financial reporting.

Cooperation within the RFN organization

The position will operate as a coordination function under CAFI-FONAREDD agreements interfacing with:

· DRC Programme Teams: Support and coordination of grant implementation follow-up, partner reporting related to grant deliverables, and grant planning processes.

· DRC Finance Team: Ensure alignment between financial and narrative reporting, budget monitoring, and compliance

· DRC MEL Unit: Ensure coherence between results frameworks, indicators, and donor reporting, and alignment with RFN results framework and processes.

· HQ Units (Finance, P&C, Programme): Ensure alignment with RFN organisational standards, donor compliance, and strategic priorities in consultation with the Senior International Finance Controller and other relevant counterparts.

· Donors and external stakeholders: Act as central coordination and communication focal point on grant-related matters

HQ–Country Office Coordination and Oversight

The establishment of the role is intended to strengthen in-country grant coordination capacity while maintaining strong alignment and oversight between the DRC Country Office and HQ.

· The role will therefore operate through defined coordination and reporting interfaces with HQ functions, including:

· regular coordination with HQ Finance on grant compliance and financial follow-up.

· joint review processes for donor reporting and contractual compliance.

· participation in relevant internal coordination forums and task forces.

· escalation mechanisms for compliance, fiduciary, or operational risks where relevant.

The intention is not to duplicate grant management structures between HQ and the Country Office, but rather to strengthen alignment, visibility, collaboration, and responsiveness across functions.

Qualifications, skills and experience

1. Advanced knowledge in donor and aid schemes acquired through higher education (normally master) and/or relevant experience. Formal education can be compensated with documented and relevant experience.

2. Good cooperation skills and ability to negotiate with external stakeholders (donors and others).

3. In-depth understanding of results-based management systems and demonstrated ability to carry out project and program management. This includes excellent finance /budget management skills.

4. Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

5. Experience in multicultural and international working environment settings

6. Written and verbal fluency in French and English is mandatory.

7. Experience in managing complex donor-funded programmes (e.g., NORAD, CAFI).

8. High level of integrity, discretion, and commitment to safeguarding and ethical standards.

9. A conscientious and structured person with strong planning and administrative skills, including computer skills (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint)

Deadline for applications is: 24 July 2026

Contact person:

Vertu Kiossi – vertu.kiossi@rainforest.no