Small Grants Management Advisor at Interpeace

Responsibilities

• Design a small grants mechanism which provide peace dividends, strengthen community resilience and strengthen linkages between community, government and aid initiatives.
• Oversee all grants related activities such grant administration policies, procedures, systems, and all documentation and provide control mechanisms for all grants.
• Coordinate with the team leader, Sr stabilization advisor, gender and social inclusion advisor and finance manager to ensure a transparent process for the entire grant life cycle from pre-award management, tracking payments, reviewing or producing relevant reports, monitoring and post-award management.
• Review and approve grant awards and work with project and partner staff to develop and maintain all grant agreements.
• Track that all project deliverables are completed on time and are of high quality work.
• Providing advisory assistance to grant applicants and lead the review of grant submissions;
• Analyzing and evaluating grant submissions for technical and budget soundness and compliance with donor regulations, recommending award actions to the contract team;
• Coordinating the issuance of awards and maintain contract documentation through the development and upkeep of a small grants database; and
• Preparing scheduled and special reports, studies and analyses regarding the small grants program.
• Coordinate technical, administrative and financial capacity strengthening support and mentoring to CSOs and community-led initiatives who apply for and deliver the small grants to maximize the impact.

Qualifications

• Master degree in management, financial analysis or accounting desirable, experience in stabilisation, CVE and/or peacebuilding is an added advantage;
• At least 10 years’ experience in international development and peacebuilding with a minimum of five years experience in sub-grants management, preferably in Kenya and/or Somalia region.
• Solid understanding of CSSF/UK AID donor regulations and procedures pertaining to grants management is an added value;
• Ability to analyse technical and cost proposals and prepare reports and recommendations on whether or not applicants should be funded;
• Ability to analyse budget line items for compliance with budget guidelines;
• Proven records maintenance and database management skills;
• Demonstrated ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects;
• Speaking, writing and reading fluency in English, Swahili and Somali is a strong added advantage.
• A deep knowledge of Somali culture is an added advantage.
• Ability to write clear and analytical reports on programme outcomes and impact.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and in written.

Competencies

• Demonstrates effectiveness and strong experience with short and long-term planning; financial, personnel and program management.
• Proven ability to communicate, negotiate and work with CSOs and engage with community initiatives and individuals who are not familiar with project management.
• Proven capacity in assisting communities and small CBOs to turn viable community ideas into initiatives that can be supported through small grants.
• Strong ability to work with CBOs and community initiatives promote sustainability and avoid aid dependency.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment successfully and to demonstrate gender responsive and non-discriminatory behavior and attitudes.
• Excellent ability to interact with people respectfully and with tact
• Strong writing and communications skills in English and French is required. Knowledge of local language is an advantage.