Interim Grants Management Specialist (Re-advertised)

Location: Remote

Employment Category: G2 – Expatriate

Reporting To: Head of Program

Direct Reports: N/A

Unit/Department: Program

Start of Contract & Duration: 3 Months

Posting date: November 14, 2022

**Closing date:**November 28, 2022

INTRODUCTION

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), an international non-governmental organization (NGO), has been providing relief and development services in the Horn of Africa since 1997. DRC promotes and supports solutions to the problems faced by refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and migrants. The organization has offices across the region, and has been operational in Ethiopia since 2009. With funding from bilateral and multilateral donors, DRC is currently implementing a range of activities across Ethiopia, including WASH and shelter provision, child and youth protection, gender based violence response, awareness-raising of migration risks, protection monitoring of migration routes, and livelihoods support for returning migrants or those at-risk of migration.

Overall purpose of the role:

The DRC Ethiopia country office is currently seeking an interim Grants Management Specialist to support the Programs team with expansion of its project portfolio, proposal development, donor reporting, and Q4 / end year close out processes. This position will provide remote support to the Grants Management department, working closely with the Head of Program and Head of Support Services to coordinate project cycle management as well as quality control and compliance with donor rules and regulations. This position is required to have strong knowledge and experience with internal DRC systems including Dynamics, internal DRC rules and regulations, project cycle management tools, information management and grants management capacity-building efforts.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Grant Management & Reporting

• Support the development of proposals collating field inputs and developing strong first drafts for review by the HoP and then finalizing in a timely manner for quality submissions
• Lead donor reporting processes by coordinating, compiling, editing and providing feedback to ensure the development of high-quality narratives and timely submissions
• Oversee and refine grants and contract management systems and processes
• Update, streamline, and disseminate grants management tools and resources
• Develop and maintain up-to-date and in-depth knowledge of donor and government policies and support implementing teams to ensure full compliance
• Draft, review and provide support in the negotiation of project agreements, including sub-agreements, teaming agreements and memoranda of understanding

Contracts and amendments:

• Provide analysis of DRC grant contracts to ensure understanding of contractual obligations and regulations at both the Addis and field levels, and function as donor-compliance focal point for the assigned funding portfolio;
• Assist in the co-ordination and submission of contract amendments including cost extensions/no-cost extensions, budget realignments and project revisions in coordination with relevant internal stakeholders.

Technical Advisory Support:

• Participate (remotely) in project kick off and review meetings, updating detailed activity and spending plans, including the Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) and Project Management Tools Plus (PMT Plus) developed and updated by the responsible Area Managers (budget holders).
• Coordinate with MEAL colleagues to monitor project achievements with appropriate tools in line with donor requirements. When activities are identified as behind schedule or are facing technical or logistical challenges, support Area and Project Managers to identify and implement corrective actions.
• In collaboration with the Head of Program, contribute to the sustainable management of program growth and development, ensuring that existing capacities are assessed and considered.
• Liaise with relevant Regional Office and HQ counterparts responsible for grants management functions.

Reporting:

• Provide review of all project reports to ensure accuracy in narrative and financial aspects, and a high standard of professionalism, and in compliance with DRC and donor standards and timelines.
• Participate in weekly grants & budgeting meeting, collaborating closely with the Finance Coordinator – Reporting, to ensure that reports are submitted on time and to a high quality.
• Collaborate with the Addis Ababa-based finance and grants team to monitor spending and ensure the timely utilization of all grants.

Experience and Technical Competencies: (include years of experience)

• Minimum 3-5 years of relevant work experience with an INGO
• Experience in writing high quality proposals for large donors, such as FCDO, EU, BHA, ECHO, USAID, and UN agencies
• Knowledge of donor rules and regulations
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize large workloads, to consistently meet deadlines and adapt in a complex and challenging work environment
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently both independently and in teams.

Education (include certificates, licenses etc.):

• Master’s degree in law, social sciences, international development, or another relevant field preferred

Languages: (indicate fluency level)

• Excellent verbal and written English language skills required

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.