Sudano-Sahel Regional Grants Manager at Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

Division: Global Conservation Program

Reports to: Sudano-Sahel Regional Business Manager

Location: WCS Sudano-Sahel Region Office based in Nairobi

Application deadline: 19 April 2019

Organization Background:

The Sudano-Sahel Region presents unparalleled opportunities for WCS to play a direct role in saving some of the last remaining intact wildernesses on the planet and to contribute significantly to the security of people and wildlife. The savannas, forests, and wetlands of the region support key populations of endangered elephant, northern giraffe, lion, eland, chimpanzee, gorilla, bongo, and the second largest antelope migration on the planet. Hundreds of bird species occur in the area, including shoebill and crowned crane. Communities also depend on the land for their livelihoods through pastoralism, agriculture, fishing, and hunting. WCS has a significant presence in the Sudano-Sahel region, with a strong conservation history and proven success in protected area management. WCS currently has conservation initiatives in Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, CAR, South Sudan, with new program activities developing in Ethiopia. We work actively to support protected area management and wildlife law enforcement, local livelihoods, develop conservation-security partnerships, enhance anti-trafficking activities, and to implement our policy and scientific programs.

Job summary:

WCS seeks a dynamic, well-organized, hard-working, and committed team player to oversee grant administration in the Sudano-Sahel region. The Regional Grants Manager will continually assess the status of grant implementation in the Regional Programs.

The Sudano-Sahel Regional Grants Manager reports to the Regional Business Manager of the WCS Sudano-Sahel Region. This position will liaise closely with country program staff and the country office finance/administrative staff of the region. This position will be based out of the WCS office in Nairobi, Kenya and involve regular travel to WCS country offices within the region (including Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia).

• Oversee the administration and finances of grants in the region.
• Prepare financial reports for regional grants, and review those completed by country offices which includes verifying the reports to the WCS Financial System; Insure that the deadlines are met.
• Review country and regional-level grant and contract proposal budgets, ensuring that the budgets cover costs and contribute to strengthening the Country and Regional
• Programs, working closing with the country office Finance Directors, that budgets are in line with long-term financial plans for the Country and Regional Program; and that budgets comply with WCS policies and undergo appropriate reviews.
• Review all grant agreements and contracts within the regions and work with NY and Regional departments that are involved in the grant making process, such as fundraising, legal and finance, to support negotiation and final signature.
• Prepare sub-agreements and regional sub grants, using the applicable template for the donor.
• Working with sub grant manager in NY provide, support in the assessment and monitoring of sub grantees. Coordinate sub grant compliance in the regions.
• Ensure regional grant administration is on track and support country-level grant administration.
• Responsible for tracking compliance to donor requirements.
• Support grant audits in coordination with the Regional Controller, which can include working with the external auditors.
• Support Country Programs in understanding WCS grant management processes, systems, tools and donor compliance requirements.
• Engage as part of the WCS grants management team by collaborating with NY compliance managers and grants managers from other WCS regions, sharing and drawing from lessons learned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum of Bachelor degree required, Master’s level preferred. Related program of study such as finance, accounting, or business required.
• Proven grant and financial management experience in an international organization (3+ years) in a multi-funder and multi-currency environment required.
• Experience in managing substantial (>USD 1million) USAID, EU and/or other bilateral/multilateral grants required (KFW, AFD, USFWS).
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse team. Must be solution-oriented, and have strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Well organized, self-motivated, resourceful, effective and efficient at coordinating multiple
• resources to get things done, with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and be comfortable participating both as an effective contributor, leader and listener in group settings.
• English and French fluency required.
• Excellent computer and systems skills required with respect to MS Office applications (advanced skills in MS Excel required) and major financial accounting and reporting software (SAP or equivalent).
• Ability to work and live in challenging environments.