Programme Officer

About Limelight Foundation

Based in Amsterdam, Limelight Foundation (Limelight) is Europe’s leading journalism fund. By offering long-term, flexible funding to independent media and civil society organisations, we strengthen Europe’s information infrastructure. We help newsrooms that hold power to account and keep people informed. But independent reporting only matters if people can access and trust it. That’s why we also invest in oversight of the tech companies that control the flow of information. Since our founding in 2021, we have made over 100 donations totalling € 22.9 million. Working with several donors, we currently have 55 active grantee partnerships.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to get to know and support courageous newsrooms and NGOs across Europe. We have ambitious plans to scale up support for European journalism and expand our grant making in the coming years. Working closely with the Programme manager, Programme officer and the Director, the Programme officer plays a crucial role in this growth by assessing proposals, monitoring existing grant relationships and developing in-house expertise.

Critical to our success is a programme team that has the skills and experience to build a strong portfolio of strategically aligned grantees. The ideal candidate has experience in journalism or tech accountability. We also value lived experience of those affected by the issues our work aims to tackle. We therefore encourage applications from journalists, human rights defenders, organisers and technologists, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Experience working within philanthropy is not required.

Main responsibilities

• In close collaboration with the Programme Manager, assess funding applications, conduct due diligence regarding donations and prepare donation proposals for the Director and the board.
• Act as a point of contact for Limelight Foundation’s current and future beneficiaries, building trust-based relationships and monitoring their work, including reviewing reports.
• Maintain sound grants administration, to ensure financial and legal compliance.
• Scope and conduct research to deepen Limelight Foundation’s institutional knowledge around journalism and tech accountability.
• Represent Limelight Foundation at external events and meetings, including at conferences and within donor networks, and help expand Limelight Foundation’s network. This will require occasional travel abroad.
• Perform other duties commensurate with the post.

Person specification

 Essential

• Educated to university degree-level and at least five years’ work experience in a relevant role.
• A good understanding of the effects of technology on the information ecosystem, and/or independent journalism and democracy.
•  An interest in how media organisations and NGOs work and the challenges they face.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to substantiate your own analytical thinking and to navigate and pre-empt the interests of different stakeholders.
• Ability to connect and network with a broad range of actors and strong communication skills in English.
• A collaborative mindset and confident to take initiative when required.
• Organised, with attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines while managing competing priorities.
• High level of personal integrity and commitment to the values of Limelight.
• Right to work in the Netherlands and either based in the Netherlands or willing to move to the Netherlands for this role.
• Flexibility to travel internationally on a regular basis.

Desirable

•  Experience with reading financial documents, such as budgets and annual accounts.
• Good working knowledge of a second European language.

Equality and diversity are fundamental to our mission. We are committed to the recruitment and retention of individuals from diverse backgrounds and who reflect the communities in which we operate. If you don’t meet every single requirement listed above, we still encourage you to apply.

What we offer

• A competitive salary based on background and experience between EUR 55.000 - 65.000 per year on the basis of full-time employment
• 27 leave days (when working full time) and an 8% holiday allowance
• A one-year contract, with possibility of extension
• A generous pension scheme
• A compensation scheme for the costs of your commute within the Netherlands.
• Excellent opportunities for personal development
• We combine home working with at least two days per week of office-based working from our office in central Amsterdam, depending on individual and organisational needs.
• A modest relocation stipend may be available to facilitate moving to the Netherlands if needed, based on the selected candidate’s circumstances.

How to apply

If you are enthusiastic about this role and recognise yourself in the person specification, you can apply by 23 November 2025 by sending your CV and motivation letter to enquiries@limelight.foundation. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

First interviews will be held online on 8 and 9 December 2025. The second interview will take place on 16 December 2025 and will be held in person in Amsterdam or online, depending on location of the candidate.

Note: Candidates invited for the first round will be asked to prepare an assignment requiring about 4 hours of work.

If you have any questions, please contact Willem Lenders (Programme manager) at willem@limelight.foundation.