Senior Grants Officer at Catholic Relief

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Deputy Chief of Party – Operations and working as an integral part of Nawiri, the Senior Grants officer will provide management of sub-grants to Nawiri implementing partners and assist with the grant reporting of the project. They will support sub grant finance, risk mitigation, and compliance; build Local Implementing Partners (LIPs) capacity in related areas, manage the competitive sub granting process, conduct Sub Recipient Financial Assessments and Monitoring (SRFA/M) for all LIPs, and provide tailored capacity building as needed. The incumbent will be responsible for managing programmatic and financial compliance with donor guidelines.  S/he will assist in the budget development process and perform budget analysis duties as required.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Review LIPs sub-agreements ensuring the financial terms and conditions are compatible with CRS systems and guidelines and are favorable to quality implementation and reporting.
2. Ensure all project expenditures and contracts follow terms and conditions of donor agreements.
3. Ensure financial and programmatic compliance of the grant to contractual obligations, donor requirements and CRS policies.
4. Assist with the preparation of standard grant agreements for consortium partners /sub-grantees.
5. Ensure that all stakeholders understand their financial and programmatic obligations under the grant agreement and have systems in place to support these obligations.
6. Prepare and implement a training and follow-up program to all project staff and stakeholders to strengthen their financial and management capabilities and fulfill their grant obligations.
7. Actively facilitate the development of LIPs financial system that will meet donor and CRS requirements and provide the two-way flow of information between program management and partners to ensure responsible management.
8. Work closely with project and partners’ staff to compile and submit timely quarterly reports and assist the Head of Office in the financial oversight and reporting of the project’s sub-grants.
9. Actively monitor partner performance, ensure completeness of partners internal control improvement plans (ICIPs) and project’s management and financial activities.
10. Assist the LIPs in prepare of cash forecasts, review partners liquidation reports and partner advances within the sub-grant budgets ensuring that all liquidations are processed per grant and CRS guidelines.
11. Ensure the maintenance of all files, records and documents relating to CRS’ program and projects within the program portfolio.

Required Foreign Language:

• None

Required travel:

• The Senior Grants Officer will be based in Nairobi and will be expected to travel 50% to the Nawiri Activity areas.

Skills, Abilities and Attributes

1. Good organizational skills
2. Strong presentation skills and an ability to transfer skills and knowledge through, training, mentorship and accompaniment
3. Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work with and in teams
4. Excellent written and oral communication skills
5. Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office)
6. Demonstrated ability to foster integration in programming approach
7. Demonstrated commitment to respect, equity, diversity and inclusion including gender equality.

Competencies relevant for the specific position:

These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by the Senior Grants Officer to fulfill their responsibilities and to achieve the desired results:

1. Training/coaching skills;
2. Strong conceptual and analytical skills;
3. Ability to work independently, think innovatively and strategically, and work effectively within a team;
4. Flexibility  and ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
5. Strategic thinking and vision
6. Strong financial/budget management skills required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Key Working Relationships:

Internal:  

COP, DCOP’s Operations and Programming, Head of Offices and Finance and Project staff.

External:

Caritas, Consortium Partners, Donors, government officials, and other stakeholders.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education 

1. Bachelor’s Degree /or professional qualification in Accounting, Finance, Business Studies, Auditing, Economics or related field
2. CPA (K), ACCA, CISA

Knowledge and Experience

1. At least 5 years’ experience in NGO sector in progressively senior Grants Management positions. Experience with USAID is highly preferred.
2. In-depth understanding and experience of working with proposals and contracts from institutional donors, preferably USAID
3. Experience in complex planning and budgeting processes including the ability to provide clear guidance on donor policies and procedures
4. Comprehensive understanding of financial reporting, review and analysis
5. Experience leading or participating in USAID financial compliance audits
6. Hands on experience in reviewing complex contracts and agreements
7. Experience setting up and managing USAID compliance monitoring systems, developing and implementing relevant tools
8. Ability to develop productive working relationships with counterparts in other agencies and organizations

Agency-Wide Competencies (For All CRS Staff):

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

1. Integrity
2. Accountability & Stewardship
3. Builds Relationships
4. Develops Talent
5. Continuous Improvement & Innovation
6. Strategic Mindset