Helvetas is an organization specialized in development cooperation and humanitarian response, anchored in Switzerland. Our vision is a just world in which all people determine the course of their lives in dignity and security, using environmental resources in a sustainable manner.

We welcome applications from motivated individuals for the following post in the Greening Private Enterprises in Kosovo (GPEK) project, in Pristina, Kosovo. The expected starting date is in December 2025 or upon agreement.

Project Description: The Greening Private Enterprises in Kosovo (GPEK) project, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, supports Kosovo’s private sector in transitioning toward greener and more sustainable business models. By promoting resource efficiency, renewable energy, circular-economy practices, and compliance with emerging environmental standards, GPEK contributes to building a more competitive, resilient, and environmentally responsible business ecosystem. The project is currently in its inception phase (1 May 2025 – 31 January 2026), with the main implementation phase expected to start on 1 February 2026 and end on 31 January 2031.

Challenge Fund Description: A Challenge Fund will be established within GPEK to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with funding for the implementation of innovative green solutions.

Position Description: The Challenge Fund Grants Manager will initially (during the GPEK inception phase) be responsible for working jointly with a team of international and local experts that will design the Challenge Fund. During the first phase of the GPEK project, which is expected to start in February 2026, the Challenge Fund Grants Manager is expected to continue working and will be responsible for ensuring effective operationalization and management of the Challenge Fund, ensuring transparent, efficient, and compliant implementation in line with Helvetas and donor standards.

MAIN TASKS

• Contribute to the design of the Challenge Fund (working jointly with a team of international and local experts) including the operational manual, governance arrangements and compliance procedures and other necessary preparatory materials for launching the Challenge Fund.
• Support the operationalization of the Challenge Fund, ensuring its effective rollout in alignment with the operational manual, governance arrangements, and compliance procedures.
• Manage day-to-day administrative and contracting processes related to calls for proposals, including application intake, eligibility screening, due diligence, grant contracting, and disbursement tracking.
• Maintain up-to-date records and documentation of all Challenge Fund-related activities, ensuring alignment with Helvetas financial procedures and donor requirements for transparency, accountability, and audit readiness.
• Coordinate with the Finance, Procurement, and MRM teams, ensuring accurate budgeting, financial reporting, procurement compliance, and integration of monitoring requirements into grant agreements.
• Provide logistical and technical support to the Investment Committee and steering functions, including organizing meetings, preparing documentation, and ensuring follow-up on decisions.
• Facilitate communications and helpdesk functions for applicants and grantees, including responding to inquiries, organizing info sessions, and supporting technical assistance delivery.
• Contribute to adaptive management and learning, by collecting implementation data, flagging operational challenges, and proposing improvements to Fund procedures and tools.
• Other tasks as needed for the effective management and implementation of the Challenge Fund.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, business administration, law, development studies, or other relevant disciplines with a strong analytical or developmental orientation.
• Minimum 5 years of general experience and minimum 3 years of relevant experience in project, fund, grant, or financial management within development cooperation, SME finance or related area.
• Proven ability and experience in planning, coordinating and overseeing grant funding operations with transparency, accountability, and compliance.
• Strong knowledge of grant funding management procedures, development and management of calls for proposals, due diligence, contracting, and disbursement.
• Proven track record of professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment in grant fund management and decision-making.
• Excellent coordination, analytical, communication, and reporting skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with partners and applicants effectively.
• Excellent English and Albanian language skills; Serbian language skills are an asset.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and digital collaboration tools.
• Valid driving license.

WE OFFER YOU

The Challenge Fund Grants Manager is planned as a full-time multi-year position. However, given that GPEK is currently still in its inception phase, the successful applicant will be offered an initial service contract until 31 January 2026. Subject to the expected start of the first phase of GPEK in February 2026 and subject to satisfactory performance, the successful applicant will be offered a full-time annual employment agreement, with the possibility of annual extensions. The position offers attractive working conditions in a professional and dynamic team environment.

Application instructions

We look forward to receiving your complete application, including (1) Motivation Letter and (2) CV, by 27 November 2025, 17:00 CET.

Please submit your application in English to [email protected] by including “GPEK – Challenge Fund Grants Manager Application” in the subject line of your email. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

HELVETAS provides equal employment opportunities for all candidates and encourages applications from female and non-majority communities in Kosovo.