Job Description

Since 1963 and in 146 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. ACDI/VOCA currently has approximately 36 projects in 18 countries and total revenues of $128 million.

Grants Manager

ACDI/VOCA is currently looking for Grants Manager, based in Dhaka Office, for the USAID-funded Feed the Future Bangladesh Rice and Diversified Crops (RDC) Activity. The activity is a five-year primary mechanism to support productivity and market systems development under USAID/Bangladesh’s FTF strategy, with the objective of improved food security through systemic changes that increase rural incomes and – via increased incomes, including women’s income, and incentivized crop diversification – to improved nutrition. USAID/Bangladesh’s new Rice and Diversified Crops (RDC) activity will foster growth and reduce poverty through improving the competitiveness, inclusiveness, and resilience of rice and other selected crops in the FTF Zone of Influence (ZOI) to the benefit of large numbers of men and women and their families in rural households, farms, and market systems

Grants Manager will coordinate, plan, implement, and monitor all grant activities including contracting and grant process to ensure compliance with USAID and ACDI/VOCA guidelines and budget.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develop and manage the grants portfolio, manage grant funding and usage of fund.

  • Coordinate the grantee selection process. Establish selection committee, define selection criteria, develop process documentation template.
  • Conduct pre-award survey and due diligence for grantee
  • Prepare grant agreement based on content developed by the program team, modification and negotiation memo. Maintain grant software (SAMS).
  • Review grantee proposed budget, ensure cost effectiveness, monitor budget vs expenses and provide feedback accordingly.
  • Ensures program team monitors grants activitiy to ensure quality and efficient performance of all funded work. Organizes, coordinates, and conducts regular visits.
  • Ensure all financial information provided is accurate, complete, verifiable, and within budget.
  • Prepare In-Kind grant agreements and coordinates the procurement of grants-related goods and services.
  • Provide monthly and quarterly status reports. Ensures all documentation and files are accurate, complete, and compliant with USAID, ACDI/VOCA and Bangladesh Government rules and regulations.
  • Prepare and compile close out documents for all completed grants.

2. Establish system and procedure for management of grants activities, including the customization of the project’s grants manual and template.

  • Ensure accurate and timely submission of grant financial report, supporting document and deliverables to meet the deadline.
  • Review and approve financial report, deliverables, payment invoices, grantee related procurements, and fund transfer requests to sub-recipients.
  • Provide grant fund projection to finance in timely manner
  • Identify bottleneck or constraints to effective and timely grants distribution and provide recommendations for resolution.
  • Develop and implement a tracking / monitoring system. Design Grants tracker and update grants tracker time to time for grants information
  • Creates training tools and develops modules to help build capacity for grantees.

3. Coordinate the work of program staff.

  • Train, guide, and advise staff involved in grant implementation.
  • Ensure adherence to Standards of Conduct, policy manual, and other corporate and applicable policies, procedures, and schedules.
  • Resolve routine operating problems as they arise.

4. Ensure that grants to beneficiaries’ support USAID’s and ACDI/VOCA’s gender and environmental requirements.

5. Grantee’s capacity building

  • Provide capacity building training, hands on training to build grantees capacity for ensuring grants compliance
  • Proactively interpret and assess sub-grantee gaps, provide technical assistance as necessary and address issues.

6. Effective internal & external communication

  • Ensure effective communication with HQ, RDC team and external parties
  • Provide grants related information to HQ, program team as requested
  • Coordinate with finance and procurement as and when required

7. Internal & external audits and documentation

  • Face internal and external audits and make available documents as requested
  • Organize and preserve grants file
  • Upload grants documents in the share point

8. Identify risk in grants management and take steps to mitigate risk factors.

9. Undertakes other duties and projects as may be assigned from time to time.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

  • In-depth knowledge of relevant USAID rules and regulations for contracts and grants, including ability to ensure grants manual is compliant and customized.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage the grants process life cycle using current methodologies and analytical techniques.
  • Proven ability to design and develop successful and achievable project-related grants.
  • Excellent critical thinking skills and judgment. Proven willingness to make timely and sound decisions.
  • Excellent oral communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with persons on all levels both inside and outside the company.
  • Strong written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to write required documents in a clear, concise, well-organized manner.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment, in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures. Strong mentoring and teambuilding skills.
  • Strong presentation skills, including experience in the design and facilitation of short- and long-term training programs.
  • Awareness, sensitivity, and understanding of cross-cultural issues particularly in representing a US-based agency.
  • Proven ability to effectively use Microsoft databases, spreadsheet, word processing, and position-specific software. Advanced knowledge and experience with accounting software.
  • Ability to travel independently.
  • Fluency in English and Bangla. 

Education and Experience Requirements:

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in development, business or economics or others related field.
  • Minimum of seven years of experience in grant or contract management including five years in a senior level role in an international development organization managing multiple grants.
  • Experience in institutional strengthening and of working with rural communities required.
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience.

 

Interested applicants are requested to apply on or before April 25th, 2019. Please email your CV along a Cover letter to jobs@acdivocardc.org . Please mention the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line of the email. No phone calls please. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

ACDI/VOCA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified women and minorities candidates. ACDI/VOCA will never solicit a payment from any applicant.