Grant Manager at The People Practice

Our client, a Pan-African organization investing in the inclusion of Women, is looking to hire a Grant Manager who is responsible for managing grants and ensuring strict adherence to donor requirements. This role requires a highly organized and detail-oriented individual who can effectively manage grant processes, from identification, tracking, application to grant compliance and evaluation. The Grant Manager must have a solid understanding of the organization vision and goals, play a pivotal role in resource mobilization for programming and institutional growth, while the organization operates in full compliance with donor guidelines.

Responsibilities

Strategy and Operations

• In collaboration with executive management and the Finance Lead, develop a resource mobilization strategy for the organization with clear and measurable goals and projections.
• Develop clear SOPs for grant management at the organization to drive effective collaboration and productivity.
• Develop comprehensive grants database and automate tracking for improved insight and timely actions.
• Initiate and lead periodic internal strategy and briefings related to donor/grant updates, ensure access to centralized information where relevant and oversee all official internal and external documentation for the grant unit.
• Conducting research on best practices in grant writing, partnership development, and nonprofit funding strategies.
• Stay up to date with trends and developments in the grants and partnerships landscape.

Grant/ Partnership Development

• Identify potential funding opportunities through thorough research and stay updated on grant opportunities from various sources.
• Develop grant proposals and high-quality applications, collaborating with relevant departments to ensure alignment with organizational goals and objectives. Coordinating and scheduling meetings with potential partners, both internally and externally.
• Assisting in the development and maintenance of briefs, brochures, case studies, and impact reports.
• Supporting effective communication and follow-up with potential partners.

Grant Management

• Monitor the progress of ongoing grants, ensuring deliverables are met, and timelines are adhered to.
• Oversee timely and accurate reports for donors and stakeholders, detailing grant activities, outcomes, and financial status by coordinating various internal stakeholders such as programme, finance, communications and visibility, monitoring and evaluation.
• Partner with the finance team to ensure proper financial planning and resource optimization during project implementation life cycle.
• Ensure active and optimal donor engagement during programme implementation lifecycle

Compliance and Reporting

• Stay informed about grant regulations, legal requirements, and compliance standards relevant to the organization's funding sources.
• Ensure the organization's programs and activities adhere to grant-specific regulations and statutory requirements.
• Establish and maintain an organized system for tracking grant-related documents, contracts, and financial records.
• Conduct internal audits to ensure compliance with grant conditions, identifying and addressing potential areas of concern.
• Collaborate with auditors and regulatory agencies during grant audits and evaluations.
• Provide training and guidance to staff members on grant compliance and reporting procedures.

Project Coordination

• Assisting in the coordination of grant-related projects and initiatives.
• Collaborating with team members to ensure smooth implementation and execution of grant-funded programs.
• Supporting the tracking of project milestones, deliverables, and timelines.
• Assisting in the monitoring and evaluation of grant-funded projects to assess their impact and success.
• Contributing to the improvement of internal processes and tools related to grants and partnerships.

Learning and Continuous Development

• Actively seeking opportunities for learning and professional growth in grants and partnerships.
• Participating in training sessions, workshops, and team discussions related to nonprofit funding strategies.
• Evaluate grant management processes and propose improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Keep abreast of best practices and industry trends related to grants management and compliance.
• Seeking feedback and guidance from mentors and team members to enhance skills and knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as non-profit management, business administration, communications, finance, business development or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4-5 years of practical experience is an added advantage and relevant portfolio demonstrating skills should be provided.
• Experience working in Non-profit/development organization/CSRs units preferably

Must have skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Excellent research skills to gather relevant information and data for grant proposals and partnership development.
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with project management tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Passion for social impact and an interest in the nonprofit sector.
• Previous experience in grant writing, fundraising, or nonprofit organizations is desirable but not required.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with potential partners.
• A proactive and self-motivated attitude with a willingness to learn and take initiative.
• Knowledge of grant funding sources and databases is advantageous.
• Understanding of partnership development and collaboration strategies is a plus.