Grants and Compliance Specialist at Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR)

• The Grants and Compliance Specialist will take the lead in assuring the quality management of local and international sub-grantees from inception to closure. S/he will oversee the capacity-building component of the project, with a focus on strengthening internal systems, financial management of the sub-recipients, and building their competence in overall program management.
• The role holder will lead and develop a team of grant and contract professionals who will be responsible for all aspects of incoming and outgoing awards review, negotiation, risk assessment, and reporting.
• This includes working with the Legal counsel on drafting agreements, interpreting document language, and applying and ensuring adherence to rules and regulations from the funder.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the principal point of contact on grant management and compliance issues with the local sub-grantees, finance, and compliance staff.
• In conjunction with the Legal counsel, draft sub-grant agreements, sub-contract agreements, and vendor contracts
• Lead the review of any new granting mechanisms to ensure adherence to donor requirements related to eligibility for the local sub-grantees, budget presentation, acceptability of cost allocation, and other proposal requirements.
• Identify compliance gaps and related solutions – including differences between donor and SCIDaR’s internal policies and procedures.
• Manage the disbursement of funds to Consortium partners, Sub-grantees, and vendors; and also ensure that the funds are liquidated promptly.
• Maintain dashboards for all Sub-grants, contracts, and vendors on the project.
• Lead site visits to Sub-grantees to assess the adequacy of internal controls, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and partner policies and procedures. Report findings to program management including proposed follow-up with sub-grantees based on issues that surfaced
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of GAAP and basic accounting records ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements governing the award
• Monitor budgets and expenses at least monthly and ensure commitments to local partners do not exceed the available budget.
• Track and ensure timely receipt and review of monthly expenditure reports from Sub-grantees/ Local partner organizations in line with approved agreements and budgets
• Prepare and implement training and technical assistance as needed to address capacity needs and reinforce grant management.

DUTY STATION

• The role is in SCIDaR’s Head Office in FCT but will require a periodic visit to sub-grantee offices outside the FCT, to monitor their internal control system and ascertain the extent of compliance with expectations on the grant.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core requirements

• Demonstrated experience analyzing financial documents and processes, interpreting contractual requirements and grants, operating instructions, program management, policies, and procedure manuals.
• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple sub-grants concurrently
• Strong knowledge of BMGF grant agreements, funding mechanisms, and requirements;
• Excellent skills and experience in collaborative working relationships with medium-to-senior level government leadership;
• Significant experience in networking and communicating with developing country governments, international organizations, bilateral donors, civil society representatives, and senior-level government officials is desirable;
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality for sensitive issues and projects.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s Degree in Business, Procurement, Accounting, Finance, Management, Auditing, Economics or related field;
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in the NGO sector in Senior Grants/Compliance Management positions with progressively increasing responsibility in the management of a successful sub-granting portfolio, preferably with a bilateral or multilateral program;
• Demonstrated experience in working with high-level government, civil society, and donor institutions with in-depth understanding and experience of working with proposals and contracts from international donors;
• High proficiency in data management and reporting with professional certification (CPA) is a requirement;
• Experience in complex planning and budgeting processes including the ability to provide clear guidance on donor policies and procedures;