Jobs – Grants and Strategic Activities Manager at USAID

Job Title:Grants and Strategic Activities Manager

 

Chemonics International is seeking a Grants and Strategic Activities Manager for the USAID-funded Feed the Future Commodity Production and Marketing Activity (hereinafter referred to as the Activity) in Uganda. The objective of the Activity is to contribute to USAID Feed the Future’s twin objectives of reducing poverty and under-nutrition by sustainably increasing the production and marketing of high-quality maize, beans, and coffee in the Feed the Future focus districts. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

The Activity’s $3,2 million Strategic Activities Fund (SAF) serves as a multi-purpose fund designed to engage local partner  organizations for targeted interventions through grants, subcontracts, procurement, technical assistance, and training.

Job Summary: The Grants and Strategic Activities Manager will be responsible for the overall effectiveness and compliance of the Activity’s Grants under Contract (GUC) and subcontracts within the SAF program. In close coordination with the Chief of Party (COP) and the technical team, the Grants and Strategic Activities Manager will assist in the design and development of grant-making concepts that contribute to the Activity’s overall goals. S/he will ensure’ financial and administrative compliance of all subcontracts and grants activities with the relevant USAID, company, and Activity policies and regulations.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Follow the Activity’s approved SAF and grants manuals relevant to grantee or subcontractor solicitation and selection and grant/subcontract award, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and close-out.
• Ensure compliance and adherence with the Activity’s prime contract, SAF and grants manuals, Chemonics policies, and USAID regulations in carrying out all aspects of subcontracting and grants making from solicitation to close-out.
• Ensure the proper preparation and execution of grant documents and grant disbursements consistent and compliant with USAID and Chemonics requirements, procedures and best practices.
• Responsible for documentation required will include items such as negotiation memos, grant activity forms, branding and marking plans, or others.
• Guide and support technical staff in writing of concept notes, scopes of work etc.
• Organize and track SAF activity documentation pertaining to grants and subcontracts, ensuring completeness of hard copy and electronic files.
• Assist the Subcontracts/SAF Director in creating and overseeing the policies, practices, and procedures for subcontracting and grants making for Activity staff in support of Activity objectives.
• Assist in the design, development, and implementation of program monitoring and evaluation of grant making and grants management policies and procedures in coordination with the COP, Subcontracts/SAF Director, Operations and Finance Director, Home Office Project Management Unit, and other staff as needed.
• Serve as an effective liaison between project staff and grant/subcontract recipients
• Provide grantees/subcontractors with technical advice and assistance in areas such as financial management, financial sustainability, procurement requirements, and implementation planning.
• Offer an appropriate guidance to Activity technical and administrative teams to foster a clear understanding of grants and subcontracts, and their roles and responsibilities in the implementation and management of SAF activities. Foster team work, collaboration, and coordination on all SAF activities.
• Work with the Activity team to inform program development, building on lessons learned from grant and subcontract implementation.
• Work with technical teams to assess performance of grantees.
• Ensure the highest levels of honesty, integrity, openness and transparency in administering grant and subcontract award processes and procedures.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience: 

• The applicant should possess a bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounts or related field required, stage II accounting professions such as CPA, ACCA, post graduate qualification in a related field is desirable but not required.
• The applicant should have five years’ grants management experience with international donor programs required.
• Working knowledge of USAID regulations on contracts and grants management required.
• Proven expertise and experience reviewing and negotiating budgets, reviewing financial reports, preparing for and monitoring audits of grantees, and file management
• Excellent writing and editing skills required.
• Possess the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and deliver results on tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated leadership, integrity, and versatility.
• Fluency in English required.

How to apply for the job: 

All candidates should send their send an updated CVs and cover letters electronically to cpmrecruit@ftfcpm.com.

Deadline: 4^th August, 2014