Grants & Gender Specialist (GGS) at DAI Kenya - Development Alternatives, Inc.

PURPOSE:

The Grants & Gender Specialist (GGS) will work with the Senior Technical Advisor, Partnership Fund Director, Component Advisors (CA) and Procurement/Logistics Officers during the development of grants, providing information on the feasibility of practical aspects of implementation. Under the gender work he GGS will ensure that gender considerations are integrated into the Hub’s activities by addressing gender inequality issues in formal and informal cross-border trade.

TASKS:

Gender Related Responsibilities

• Oversee implementation of the Hub’s gender strategy, and ensure gender issues are fully integrated into the Hub work plan, Performance Management Plan (PMP), and component activities
• Identify and work with Hub components and partnership fund team to mainstream gender equity into trade policy, trade facilitation, entrepreneurship, and other activities
• Conduct outreach to identify new partnerships and opportunities for gender-inclusive programming
• Work proactively with the Senior Technical Advisor, Partnership Fund team, Communications team and Component teams to catalyze efforts to increase women’s participation in Hub activities
• Work with team to develop systems to measure success of gender inclusion in Hub activities
• Monitor and report on results related to gender strategies

Grant Management Responsibilities

Concept Paper and Proposal Stage:

• Guide grant applicants and project staff in formulating concept papers and proposals according to the EATIH guidelines
• Responsible for all aspects of proposal documentation and applicant vetting per DAI’s and USAID’s regulations
• Support the process of verifying grantee management capability
• Review and propose grant implementation strategies and milestones
• Analyze draft budgets submitted by grantees and propose changes, if needed

Implementation of Grants:

• Track and ensure the implementation of the grant including logistics, procurement and payments
• Ensure that TAMIS is updated regularly, documenting status, financial performance, indicators, and correspondence
• Manage expenditures within the limitation of approved budgets and that the grantee submits timely financial reports including cost share
• Monitor cash flow requirements on a weekly basis, providing estimates for disbursements sufficiently in advance
• Work closely with finance and procurement and keep records of purchases and deliveries and inventory for grantees
• Submit all necessary requisitions in a timely manner, ensuring completeness and clarity; participate in bid analysis and selection process as necessary
• Assist with delivery of, and payment for services, supplies, or equipment to grantee recipients
• Monitor grantee performance and ensure the grant is compliant with USAID regulations and deliverables/milestones are being met by the grantee
• Negotiate and implement modifications and addenda to grant agreements as required and authorized by Chief of Party
• Maintain all soft and hard copies of grant files (excluding finance documentation), including: MOUS; grants; Notes to File; official approvals, extensions, and other correspondence; milestones/deliverables and final reports
• Ensure coordination on each grant with the relevant teams as necessary
• Support the drafting of grant-related correspondence (letters of receipt, issue letters, rejection letters, close-out letters etc.)
• Write grant profiles and success stories for internal and external reports.

Closeout of Grants:

• Ensure all files are in order and grant file checklist is completed satisfactorily before submission to other functional Managers for final approval to close out
• Ensure TAMIS and all electronic files required by USAID have been uploaded to the appropriate portal for viewing
• Document lessons learned to be shared with the rest of the project

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• University degree in Political Science, International Relations, International Development, Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Project Management or appropriate field

Work Experience:

• Five to seven years of progressively responsible professional experience are required
• Three to five years of experience working on grants and sub contracts management with USAID is mandatory.
• Experience in program development, reporting; budgeting; networking highly sought
• In addition, must be flexible, willing to perform assigned and additional duties and work irregular hours.
• At least 3 years’ experience in gender work
• Ability to travel within East Africa region and internationally as may be required.

Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to manage a diverse range of professional relationships essential.

Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken English required.
• Knowledge of French or other languages, preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None. There is significant communication and interaction with partners and field-based teams.

BASE OF OPERATIONS:

Nairobi, Kenya with some travel to Eastern African Countries.

REPORTING:

Reports directly to the Partnership Fund Director.