Project Controller

Project Controller position available

The Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI) has one, 100%, permanent Project Controller position available. CMI is a private research institute with English as the working language.

This position replaces a team member who is transitioning to a new role. 

The position is part of the Project Unit within the institute's Administration and reports to the Head of Projects. The Project Unit works across CMI to facilitate research and commissioned projects throughout their lifecycle by providing expert advice in grant management and project administration.

The preferred start date is January/February 2027. 

Job description and essential work tasks

As a Project Controller, you will work as part of the Project Unit at CMI with responsibility for a dedicated project portfolio, ensuring sustainable operations and continuous professional development of oneself and the unit.

The Project Unit is responsible for: 

• The full lifecycle of research projects, including budgeting, financial monitoring, reporting, invoicing, contracts, and project close-out.
• Compliance with funding regulations and legislation, contribute to the continuous development of grant management practices, and foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the Project Unit and across the Institute.
• Supporting application processes by providing administrative, financial, and compliance expertise.
• Monitoring the market for commissioned research opportunities. 

Key work tasks in the Project Controller role

• Provide financial and administrative oversight of research projects throughout their entire lifecycle, from the proposal stage to project completion.
• Collaborate and communicate closely with researchers involved in the research projects within your assigned project portfolio.
• Provide professional and administrative support for grant applications and tenders to national and international funding bodies and clients; contributing to the development of new project proposals.
• Prepare project budgets, financial reports, invoices, and process financial documentation.
• Manage the formal and legal aspects of agreements and contracts, including further developing and adapting contract templates.
• Ensure the quality of administrative and financial reporting to funding agencies and clients.

What We Are Looking for in a Project Controller

Experience and Qualifications

• A higher education degree in a relevant field.
• Experience in project administration and financial control.
• Understanding of grant compliance, funding regulations, and research administration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Norwegian and English.
• Experience with funding programmes from the Research Council of Norway and the European Union is an advantage.
• Experience with commissioned work acquisition and bid management is an advantage. 

Personal skills

You are a proactive and solution-oriented professional who works effectively both independently and as part of diverse teams. 

You are organised, able to manage competing priorities and deadlines, communicate clearly and professionally, and are comfortable navigating digital systems and administrative processes. 

You enjoy learning, adapting to new requirements, and following through to deliver results.

CMI can offer you:

• The opportunity to be part of knowledge organization contributing to societal change. 
• A vibrant and international working environment, with English as the primary working language.
• Work-life balance and home office opportunities.
• This position is placed either in the Adviser or Senior Adviser category, wage is determined by the position category and the candidate's experience. 
• Salary for Adviser positions starts at NOK 688 271.-
• Salary for Senior Adviser positions starts at NOK 787 831.- . 

Relevant staff benefits:

• In addition, to the annual 5 weeks holiday leave, CMI offers staff additional paid leave from the 24th of December to the 1st of January, and during the Easter week each year.
• Support for gym membership.
• Excellent travel insurance that covers both work and private travel (terms apply).
• Defined contribution pension (innskuddspension). Contributions are paid with 7% of the salary up to 7.1 G and 25.1% of the salary between 7.1-12 G (2% are deducted from the employee, terms apply).

Location 

This position is located in Bergen, Norway. CMI is not in a position to offer remote working arrangements for new staff members. We offer home office agreements, allowing all staff to work up to two days a week from home office in Norway.

How to apply:

CMI only accepts applications through the JobbNorge recruitment system.

Please submit the following:

• A cover page outlining your motivation for the position, and your qualification for the role
• CV
• Proof of highest degree received (i.e., copy of diploma or transcript)
• A minimum of three references, including phone numbers and e-mail addresses

The application deadline is set to the: 15th of October 2026.