Grant Coordinator at African Development Solutions (Adeso)

The Grant Coordinator will play a critical role in supporting the Proximate Fund's grant making activities, ensuring that the fund’s resources are allocated effectively to support proximate leaders and organizations. Reporting to the Managing Director, this role involves coordinating the entire grant process, from application to disbursement, and ensuring grantees adhere to the Fund’s values of trust, community leadership, and long-term sustainability.

The Grant Coordinator will be key in building and maintaining relationships with grantees, monitoring the impact of grants, and supporting the fund’s administrative processes. This role requires an individual who is highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects and relationships with clarity and effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

Grant Management & Coordination:

• Support the full lifecycle of grant management, including application review, financial documentation, disbursement, and compliance monitoring.
• Develop and maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all grants.
• Assist in drafting grant agreements, amendments, and reporting documents.

Grantee Support:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for grantees, providing ongoing support to ensure their success in utilizing funds as intended.
• Provide guidance to grantees regarding reporting requirements and timelines.
• Foster strong relationships with grantees, ensuring a collaborative and responsive approach.

Compliance & Reporting:

• Monitor grantee adherence to grant terms, ensuring compliance with Proximate Fund policies and reporting obligations.
• Assist in the preparation of grant reports for internal and external stakeholders, including funders and board members.
• Support financial tracking and documentation in collaboration with the finance team to ensure funds are being used appropriately.

Operational & Strategic Support:

• Collaborate with the Managing Director and other Proximate Fund team members to align grant making strategies with the Fund’s mission and vision.
• Assist in the development and refinement of grant making policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with the Fund’s values.
• Support the Fund’s strategic goals by contributing to the development of new funding models and grant opportunities.

Partnership Development:

• Assist in identifying and engaging with potential partners, donors, and stakeholders to expand the Fund’s grant making reach.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration and alignment of objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least 3-5 years of experience in grant coordination, philanthropy, or a related field, ideally within an African context.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with grant management software is a plus.
• Familiarity with financial tracking and compliance requirements for grants.
• Strong understanding of the philanthropic landscape in Africa, particularly around community-led development.
• Proficiency in Arabic, French, as well as any of the major African languages such as Mooré (Mossi), Dioula, Fulfulde, Swahili, Hausa, or Yoruba, is highly desirable and will enhance communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Attributes

• Mission-Driven: Passionate about advancing sustainable development and centering proximate leaders across Africa.
• Collaborative: Strong team player with a proven ability to work cross-functionally and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Detail-Oriented: Capable of managing complex processes with accuracy and precision.
• Adaptable: Comfortable working in a fluid, evolving environment and navigating ambiguity with flexibility.