Grants Officer at Creative Associates International

Background

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions, and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike. 

Program Description: 

The USAID-funded Ethiopia Civic Engagement Activity is a four-year activity with the overall goal to strengthen Ethiopia’s civic fabric in support of more inclusive, peaceful, and responsive governance. The project aims to strengthen civic and community-based actors’ capacity to engage in policy analysis, advocacy, dialogue, and collective action for peaceful, democratic change; and foster multi-stakeholder civic partnerships in support of inclusive dialogue, respect for human rights, and advancing more effective, citizen-responsive, and accountable governance. 

Position Summary: 

The Grants Officer shall work within the Program Unit administering Creative ECE’s grant management and compliance functions. The grants management team oversees the management, coordination, and risk control elements of the ECE project grants management, ensuring that compliance and risk mitigation mechanisms are in place. The position is responsible for providing regular support to project cycle management by ensuring compliance with USAID and internal Creative Associates guidelines on financial compliance of grantees. The position holder reports to the Sr. Grants Manager and will work closely with program, M&E, finance, operations, and senior management staff to ensure quality management of both pre-and post-award grants functions. 

Reporting: This position reports to the Senior Grant Manager. 

Responsibilities 

• Ensure awareness and compliance with donor policies and guidelines through project kick-off meetings, regular project reviews, and ad hoc support to the implementing teams and sub-grantees.

• Coordinate project kick-off and close out meetings.

• Assist in conducting sub-grantee due diligence, execute sub-grant agreement, memorandum of understanding (MOUs) and contracts, and organize project cycle meetings for sub-grantee.

• Collaborate on the planning and implementation of organizational capacity assessment and periodic review of potential sub-grantees.

• Support in the preparation and implementation of training and technical assistant, as required, to address capacity needs and reinforce grants management.

• Provide technical support, mentoring, and training to sub-grantees within the Addis Ababa hub.

• Assist the Sr. Grants Manager to mentor CSO (CBO/NGO) staff on their internal control systems and documentation process.

• Maintain all documentation related to sub-grant management.

• Maintain and update the reporting schedule of all ECE sub-grantees.

• Maintain all documentation related to sub-grant management.

• Maintain a filing system (soft copy) of all sub-grantee proposals, due diligence checks, agreements, modifications, program and financial reports, monitoring reports, and relevant correspondence.

• Coordinate with the Sr. Grants Manager to prepare and update Sub-grant tracking sheet and support plan.

• Assist Sr. Grants manager in organizing meetings, preparing a meeting agenda, and taking meeting minutes.

• Assist the finance team in checking sub-grantee’s financial reports and payment process.

• Support Sub-Grantees on financial reporting, documentation, disbursement management, spending plans and cash forecast, and general donor compliance.

• Support on the development and record maintenance relating to Sub Grant Agreements, Memoranda, Terms of Reference, and associated documentation.

• Assist the Sr. grants manager in preparing standard templates, and toolkits to ensure timely submission of narrative and financial reports.

• Participate in, and contribute to, sub-grant project review meetings, sub-grant monitoring and trainings as relevant.

• Collaborate with other program and finance team in conducting on-site assessments of internal controls and providing guidance and technical support to local partners.

• Keep the Sr. Grants Manager and Program Director informed of any Sub-grant compliance issues, major budget fluctuations, significant overspending or underspending as quickly as possible to ensure timely mitigation. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, management, Economics, business administration or another relevant field, highly desired.

• Minimum four years of experience with at least two years’ experience supporting finance, grants and administrative activities for USAID-funded programs or donors of similar size and complexity.

• Experience working with civil society organizations and/or diverse communities preferred.

• Experience with USAID or donor-funded projects desired.

• Good problem solving, stress management and time management skills.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft suite applications.

• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills.

• Exhibits ability to multitask on a regular basis.

• Pays close attention to detail.

• Proficiency in written and spoken English required. Proficiency in other local languages is preferred.

• Willingness and ability to travel in Ethiopia.

• Ability to work under pressure and effectively manage multiple tasks.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Exhibits strong organizational skills.

• Communicates clearly, politely, and effectively.

• Demonstrates excellent time-management skills. 

How to Apply

• Register using THIS LINK

Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

Creative Associates International Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer (gender/race/disability/veteran) and provides equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Please view Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here .