Job opening

Program Manager at the Sustainability Impact Accelerator

Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Contract Type: Full time , 6 months’ probation 

Start Date: As soon as possible or by agreement.

How to Apply

Send your CV and a short cover letter to recruitment@nir.se 

Apply by 22 November 2026.

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, so we encourage you to apply early. 

For questions about the role, please contact Programme Director Annie Ross

About the position

Join the Sustainability Impact Accelerator, one of our flagship initiatives, as a Program Manager supporting partners in low- and middle-income countries to implement and scale sustainable climate infrastructure projects. The Accelerator provides tailored capacity development support to help partners address pressing environmental and social issues in critical infrastructure projects in railways, public transport, renewable energy, transmission, waste management, digital networks and other infrastructure sectors.

You will bring solid project management, technical and sustainability skills. Experience and technical expertise in digitalization, transport or energy are significant advantages as we expand our project portfolio in these sectors.

You will manage a portfolio of projects and report to the Program Director. The role requires international travel several times a year.

The Accelerator is funded by Sida and follows the agency’s guidelines.

Key responsibilities

  • Develop and manage relationships with international partners, NIR members, Team Sweden and other government agencies, among others.
  • Assess sustainability opportunities, risks and capacity development needs through visits to partner countries.
  • Design, procure, and coordinate tailormade technical advisory and capacity development programs for partners.
  • Monitor and report on project progress, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, budget targets and agreed outcomes.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate best practices and innovative approaches into project activities.
  • Collaborate with NIR member companies to improve business conditions and leverage private sector engagement for development.
  • Ensure effective communication and knowledge sharing across all program components.

Qualifications

  • Academic degree in Civil Engineering, Economics or Social Sciences, or a related relevant degree, with a focus on transport, energy and sustainability.
  • At least five years of relevant work experience, with a proven track record in project management or a similar role. Experience in the transport or energy sectors is an advantage. Experience applying international lender standards in these sectors, IFC Performance Standards, UN Guiding Principles and related standards is also an advantage.
  • Demonstrated experience in project management and working in international development contexts.
  • Required: professional fluency in English and proficiency in Swedish. An advantage: proficiency in French, Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic.
  • Ability to develop and manage budgets, reports and strategic plans, supported by strong analytical skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
  • Passion for sustainable development, with strong integrity regarding human rights, environmental protection, and labor rights.
  • Ability to convey NIR’s core values in the daily work, including respect and trust

What we offer

  • An opportunity to contribute to sustainable development and improved business conditions in low- and middle-income countries through a key development cooperation program with global impact.
  • A collaborative and supportive work environment within a dedicated and passionate team.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Flexible working hours with the option to work remotely part of the week.

 

If you are a proactive and motivated professional with a passion for sustainability and international development, we encourage you to apply for this exciting role.

ABOUT NIR

At NIR, you will be part of a purpose-driven organisation where Swedish business expertise meets international development cooperation. Since 1960, we have brought together leading companies, public-sector actors, development partners and financial institutions to create better conditions for responsible business in complex markets.

Our work offers a unique opportunity to contribute to practical, long-term impact in low- and middle-income countries while strengthening Swedish companies’ ability to navigate global opportunities, risks and responsibilities.

Our working environment is characterised by committed colleagues with diverse expertise, close collaboration and short decision-making paths.

Closing date

22 November, 2026

Mail Application
Close

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This executive summary presents the findings from the study “Workplace Cooperation: Finding Practical Solutions in the Colombian Context,” conducted by the Fundación Ideas para la Paz (FIP). The study evaluates the added value of the Swedish Workplace Programme (SWP) dialogue and cooperation model within the Colombian labor market.

Throughout 2022, FIP dedicated efforts to thoroughly understand the SWP model, including its concept, foundations, implementation process, and contributions to the labor market. In 2023, FIP documented the experiences of three companies—SKF Latin Trade, Securitas, and Epiroc—that implemented the SWP model in practice. The study also included face-to-face workshops to gather feedback from various stakeholders including civil society, businesses, government, academia, and international cooperation. The findings suggest that the SWP model has the potential to strengthen labor relations, contribute to decent work, and resolve workplace conflicts in Colombia.

The case studies highlight the importance of collaboration between employers and workers to promote decent work and sustainable development in Colombia. They demonstrate that social dialogue facilitates worker participation in labor decision-making, enhances their representativeness, and promotes cooperation between employers and employees, thus improving labor relations and contributing to the well-being of both employees and companies.

The SWP model is particularly noted for improving workplace relationships and commitment to jointly finding solutions to challenges faced by workers and the company. It empowers workers, enhances leadership, and helps integrate business policies into daily practices, reducing the initial disconnect between management objectives and the day-to-day realities of workers. The study also highlights the model’s capacity to manage conflicts constructively, transforming the perception of conflict as an opportunity for improvement. Structured dialogues deepen understanding of the underlying causes of conflicts, fostering empathy and facilitating effective resolution. This promotes a culture of collaboration and a democratic approach to decision-making, building trust.

Additionally, the model is recognized for enabling workers to make decisions, identify challenges, and propose solutions that impact their well-being, and bridging gender gaps in the workplace. Its inclusive approach adapts to the unique needs and characteristics of each company, promoting a stronger and more diverse organizational culture. It also drives good work performance and productivity by involving workers in problem identification and resolution, as well as in implementing improvements and efficiently identifying ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) risks for companies.

The document identifies the SWP model’s added value in empowering direct interaction among labor stakeholders in Colombia, overcoming historical or cultural reservations, and contributing to the development of stronger labor relations and improved workplace environments in the country.

Challenges and opportunities of the model are also discussed. The study points out the importance of addressing value chain risks, particularly in a global context where corporate clients demand decent work processes and due diligence. It emphasizes the need to integrate SMEs into this process and use anchor companies as drivers of social dialogue throughout the value chain. The role of the state in social dialogue and the importance of highlighting the benefits of the model for adoption across various business sectors are discussed.

The opportunities of the model include raising awareness of human rights in the workplace in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGP), to strengthen due diligence, manage risks, promote long-term sustainability, and improve organizational culture. The document also underscores the importance of involving workers in change processes, leveraging their insights for continuous improvement of processes, and fostering innovation opportunities. Lastly, it suggests replicating the model in value chains to address work environment risks and gender biases, involving suppliers and contractors, and integrating the model into corporate policies to strengthen existing programs and transform organizational culture towards resource efficiency and effective participation of employers and workers.