Do you want to contribute to research that makes a real impact? The Swedish Institute of International Affairs (UI) is seeking an Acting Grants Manager who is passionate about creating the best possible conditions for our researchers to thrive.

About us

UI is Sweden’s leading institute for research and information on foreign and security policy. We deepen and enrich foreign policy conversation through research, analysis, seminars, publications, and international collaborations.

About the role

As Grants Manager, you play a key role in strengthening UI’s research activities. You provide strategic, practical, and administrative support throughout the entire project lifecycle – from initial ideas to final reporting. You ensure that applications meet funders’ requirements and UI’s internal routines, develop processes, monitor calls for proposals, and support researchers in identifying the right opportunities.

You collaborate with both colleagues and external partners, coordinate research‑related activities, and initiate internal training and workshops.

This role suits someone who enjoys combining structure and strategy with close collaboration and wants to contribute to research that matters.

Main work tasks

• Strategic support: Provide advice and input to researchers during project development and application processes.
• Monitoring opportunities: Identify and assess relevant calls for proposals.
• Researcher relations: Maintain close contact with researchers/staff and match ideas with funding opportunities.
• Application quality: Review and provide feedback to improve clarity, structure, impact, and compliance with formal requirements.
• Project management support: Assist researchers, staff, and administrators in managing successful projects.
• Seminar coordination: Manage the research seminar series,

Qualifications

• Relevant academic degree at the master’s level or higher.
• Experience with practical and administrative work related to European and international research funding.
• Good knowledge of funders’ systems, rules, and funding conditions.
• Experience in administrative work and in organizing conferences and/or seminars.

Personal qualities

You have a strong understanding of the conditions under which research operates and enjoy building constructive working relationships. You are communicative, solution‑oriented, and unpretentious, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work under pressure. You combine independence with strong teamwork skills, prioritize effectively, and deliver with accuracy and a high level of service.

Language skills

Excellent command of English. Knowledge of Swedish is an advantage but not a requirement.

Employment details

This is a full‑time (100%) temporary position from 9 February 2026 to 28 February 2027. Work is primarily conducted at our office in Stockholm.

Application

Please submit your CV and a personal letter (maximum two pages) describing your background, qualifications, and motivation for applying.

Application deadline: 18 January 2026.

Union representative:

Julia Kviberg, Unionen – julia.kviberg@ui.se