Arbetsbeskrivning

RFSL is seeking an International Program Manager to support partner organisations in the EaP region, with a strong focus on capacity strengthening and sustaining long-term partnerships. You will play a key role in ensuring quality, relevance, and results in advancing LGBTQI movements in a dynamic and sometimes restrictive regional context.

About RFSL and the International Unit

RFSL (the Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Rights), founded in 1950, is one of the world’s oldest non-profit organisations working to advance LGBTQI rights. RFSL’s mission is to ensure that LGBTQI individuals’ human rights are respected both nationally and internationally. Our international work focuses on supporting partner organisations in Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa through regranting and partnerships, capacity strengthening, and facilitating access to international advocacy platforms.

Your role with us

As International Program Manager, you will work with partner organisations across the EaP region, focusing on capacity strengthening. You will plan and implement activities such as trainings, workshops, scholarships, and international event participation, while monitoring and evaluating impact and ensuring responsible use of funds. Building long-term, trust-based relationships with partners is central to the role. The position is based in Stockholm within RFSL’s International Unit and reports to the Head of Program.

Key responsibilities

You will maintain close dialogue with partners to plan and implement capacity-strengthening activities, including scholarships, trainings, workshops, and international events. The role includes monitoring and evaluating impact, ensuring safe and effective use of funds, financial follow-up, reporting to donors, and contributing to program development. You will collaborate with internal teams and coordinate with external stakeholders to support partners in complex environments.

For a full description of responsibilities, please see our job ad on RFSL’s careers page.

Who are you?

We are looking for a solution-oriented, structured, and collaborative professional committed to strengthening LGBTQI movements in the EaP region. You are motivated by long-term capacity strengthening, supporting partners in building resilient, transparent, and accountable organisations. You can work effectively in complex and politically sensitive environments, providing safe and responsible support while building trust-based relationships and enabling partners to lead their own development.

You are a proactive and self-driven finance professional with strong self-leadership and high personal integrity. You thrive in an international environment and enjoy collaborating across cultures, languages, and teams. You communicate clearly, value accountability and transparency, and are motivated by purpose-driven work.

You share RFSL's values of anti-racism, feminism, accessibility, and intersectionality.

For a full description of the role and desired qualifications, please see our job ad on RFSL’s careers page.

To succeed in this role, you need:

• A strong commitment to strengthening LGBTQI movements and advancing human rights, justice, and equality through long-term, partner-led development.
• Demonstrated understanding of the lived realities of LGBTQI persons and LGBTQI activism in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus, through personal and/or professional experience.
• At least a Bachelor degree in social sciences, international development, human rights, public administration, or equivalent qualifications gained through relevant work experience.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience within national or international NGOs, development cooperation, civil society support, or grant management.
• Understanding of the security implications related to LGBTQI activism in different contexts across the Eastern Partnership.
• A proven track record in grant, project, and program management, including regranting.
• Strong analytical and administrative skills, including the ability to assess budgets, financial reports, organisational capacity, and funding risks.
• Solid IT skills, including good knowledge of Google Suite.
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written.
• Willingness and ability to travel within the EaP region.
• Ability to work from Stockholm, Sweden.

Desirable qualifications:

• Experience working with LGBTQI movement and organizations in the Eastern Partnership region, including grassroots organizations.
• Experience working in politically sensitive or shrinking civic spaces.
• Experience with civil society organisations, human rights work, or LGBTQI movements in the EaP region, or in a similar regional or socio-political context (e.g., Central Asia).
• Proficiency in Swedish and/or relevant regional languages spoken in the Eastern Partnership region (such as Ukrainian, Russian, or other regional languages).

Employment terms

• Employment type: Full-time, permanent position with an initial six-month probation period.
• Location: RFSL’s office in Stockholm, with some hybrid work possible. Occasional travel for program activities is expected.
• Start date: As agreed.
• Contract terms: Covered by the Collective Agreement for Nonprofit Organizations.

Our offer

RFSL offers a dynamic and inclusive workplace that values professionalism, growth, and social impact. We provide competitive conditions, including occupational pensions and parental benefits.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted by January 18th, 2026. We use anonymous, competency-based recruitment and require a background check and a work-related assignment as part of the process before employment. This recruitment process will be conducted in English.

For inquiries about the position, please contact the hiring manager Christian Hellqvist at [email protected]. For recruitment process questions, reach out to HR Partner Tobias Jensen at [email protected].

Please note: Due to public holidays and scheduled leave, response times may be longer than usual. We will not be monitoring email between 20 December and 11 January, and will respond to inquiries as soon as possible thereafter.

As a feminist and anti-racist organization, RFSL strives to be an inclusive workplace for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, sex characteristics, religion, race, ethnicity, country of origin, disability status, age, and other grounds of discrimination.