JOB OPPORTUNITY
Position: Grants Manager, USAID Early Grade Learning, Nepal
Overview
Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions, and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.
Program Description:
The USAID/Nepal Early Grade Learning Activity will strengthen the capacity of all levels of the Government of Nepal to improve learning outcomes in grades 1-3. It will focus on 3 objectives: 1) Build federal, provincial, and local levels capacity fo delivering Early Grade Learning services, 2) Improve local governments’ ability to provide teacher professional support, coaching, mentorship, and supervision, and 3) Support local level governments in improving access to an quality of education services in early grades. It will build on previous USAID investments in the education sector to scale up tested evidence based practices that achieve these objectives.
Position Summary:
Creative Associates International seeks a Grants Manager for a USAID-funded project in Abuja, Nigeria. The Grants Manager will provide sound business advice to the project on (as well as oversee the administration of) its grants program. The Grants Manager will serve as the principal point of contact and Manager for Grant Administration. S/he will be responsible to ensure effective and efficient management of grants administration and to ensure flexible, and innovative activities are designed to target key states.
Responsibilities
- Oversee/facilitate all aspects of the grant lifecycle and supervising grants staff; contribute to market research, preparation of Notice of Funding Opportunities, grant design, facilitating evaluation process, pre-award risk assessment, budget development, kick-off meetings, award monitoring, and closeout processes.
- Conduct iterative trainings to ensure that technical staff and grantees understand and adhere to grant policies, procedures, practices, roles/responsibilities, and Creative’s grants management system, SMART.
- Ensure quality control and the integrity of data in Creative’s online grant management system, SMART, and the client’s (if applicable), and ensure that the data in the system is always up to date in order to provide grants data in a moment’s notice to upper management.
- Analyze activity budgets for allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and consistency; work with program staff to negotiate budgets.
- Ensure timely preparation of grant documentation, such as agreements, neg memos, and amendments.
- Identify issues that may arise during grant implementation in a timely manner, propose and execute appropriate adjustments.
- Demonstrate creative problem solving in addressing and resolving emerging project needs.
- Accountable for up-to-date and audit-ready grant files.
- Participate in the development of the projects annual workplan.
- Contribute on interviews and in the selection process for grant staff.
- Prepare updates, reports, and analyses regarding the grants program to the Chief of Party, Project Director, and Director of Grants Management.
- Incorporate lessons learned in order to improve processes and procedures based on realities of the project.
- Assist with updating the grants manual and/or templates based on realities of the project; and
- Preparing scheduled and special reports, studies, and analyses regarding the grants under contract program to the Chief of Party, Project Director, and USAID.
- Other tasks as assigned by Supervisor, the Chief of Party (CoP) or CoP’s designee.
Qualifications
- Must have 6+ years of general work experience, 4+ years of grants experience, and 3+ years of supervisory experience with groups or teams of staff.
- Bachelors’ degree or professional qualifications in accounting, finance, business, and/or international development is required.
- Fluency in spoken and written English highly desired, advanced knowledge required.
- Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity.
- Ability to think critically through a situation that does not conform to common practice.
- Ability to interpret client rules and regulations.
- Competent computer skills is essential (i.e. Microsoft Word and Excel).
- Experience in using grants management software is desirable.
- Understanding of budget and cost control management essential.
- USAID funded program experience desirable.
- Ability to work under pressure and efficiently handle multiple tasks; and
- Ability to work under own initiative or as a part of a team.
To apply for this job please visit global-creative.icims.com.