Project Manager Stakeholder Grants
Reporting to: Global Operations Director
Location: Lausanne
Position Overview
The International Canoe Federation (ICF) is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated Project Manager for Stakeholder Relations and Grants. This role is central to strengthening the ICF's international partnerships and securing external funding to drive the growth and development of paddlesport worldwide.
The Project Manager will lead the preparation, coordination, and delivery of major international funding applications – particularly Erasmus+ – and will manage awarded projects to ensure maximum impact and visibility. Beyond funding, the role is equally focused on building and maintaining strong relationships with governments, cities, NGOs, universities, and multilateral organisations, ensuring the ICF is positioned as a trusted partner in sport, sustainability, and social impact.
Based in Lausanne, the Project Manager will work at the heart of the ICF's global operations, playing a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's ability to deliver ambitious projects that benefit athletes, coaches, and communities across all continents.
Key Responsibilities
Grant acquisition and management
* Lead the preparation and submission of around 10 Erasmus+ and other international funding applications each year.
* Ensure full compliance with EU and international funding frameworks, eligibility rules, and procurement requirements.
* Oversee delivery, monitoring, and reporting of awarded projects, ensuring outputs are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest quality.
* Develop impact evaluation tools and clear reporting processes to demonstrate the ICF's effectiveness to funders and stakeholders.
Stakeholder engagement and partnership building
* Build and sustain strong relationships with cities, governments, NGOs, universities, development agencies, and multilateral organisations.
* Identify opportunities for collaboration that align with ICF's strategic objectives and mutual partner benefit.
* Act as the main contact point for external stakeholders on Erasmus+ and related projects, ensuring smooth communication and coordination across multi-partner consortia.
* Represent the ICF at international meetings, conferences, and working groups, positioning paddlesport as a leading sport for sustainability, health, and global engagement.
Strategic development and organisational support
* Develop new project concepts that advance paddlesport's contribution to global challenges such as inclusion, sustainability, and active living.
* Provide strategic recommendations to the Global Operations Director and ICF leadership on funding and partnership opportunities.
* Create systems for effective financial tracking, risk management, and knowledge sharing across ICF departments.
* Contribute to ICF-wide initiatives that strengthen the organisation's role as a leader in international sport development.
Other duties
* Support special projects as assigned by the Global Operations Director or Secretary-General.
* Contribute to a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability across the ICF team.
Education and Skills Requirements
* Proven experience in grant writing and project management, ideally with Erasmus+ or other EU/UN programmes.
* Strong track record in stakeholder engagement and partnership development with governments, NGOs, or international agencies.
* Excellent financial literacy, including multi-year budgeting, eligibility rules, and compliance requirements.
* Relevant degree (e.g. International Relations, Development Studies, Sport Management) or equivalent professional experience.
* Excellent written and spoken English; other languages (French, Spanish) are a strong asset.
* Demonstrated ability to manage complex relationships and coordinate international multi-stakeholder projects.
* Project management qualification desirable.
* Highly organised, proactive, and resilient under deadlines, with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
* Strong personal commitment to equality, inclusion, sustainability, and the long-term advancement of paddlesport.
To apply, click on the 'Apply' button to the right of this page.