BACKGROUND: 

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their lives. The IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities which support them, as well as those who remain within their homes and communities. We began work in Ethiopia since 2000 and currently implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response.

The IRC has a focus on narrowing the gender gap in humanitarian aid and ensuring that we contribute to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in both our programs and operations by working to establish a context where our clients (including those from minority groups) enjoy the same rights and opportunities as well as an equal access to services. The IRC also has a strong commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture, where safeguarding is upheld in our workplace and programs. We are determined to protect our clients and staff from safeguarding violations through prevention and, where misconduct is alleged, to address it without fear or favor.

Job Overview:  

The Grants Manager will contribute to overall grants management at IRC Ethiopia. The position will report to the Senior Grant Manager. This position is based in Addis Ababa with occasional trips to field sites if needed. The Grants Manager will work collaboratively with all of the Grants and Partnership Unit members, the technical coordinators, the operations team, and the finance team. The IRC Ethiopia is made of grants mostly from ECHO, EU, USAID, BHA, BPRM, SIDA, UNICEF, UNHCR, OCHA and private foundations.

Major Responsibilities: 

1. Proposals: 

• Lead coordination of proposal development and amendments (including design meetings) working with program staff and ensuring proper review at the HQ level, gathering input from technical coordinators, technical advisors, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation staff, and the Regional Unit. 

• Lead and coordinate budget development for newly assigned proposals and amendments, work with program staff, other members of the Grants and Partnerships Unit, the Finance Department, and Regional Program and Business Development Units. 

• Ensure proper review of new budgets and realignment/modification budgets at both HQ and Addis levels, incorporating all feedback and ensuring that budgets are error-free. 

• Coordinate and develop budget narratives, edit proposals, and ensure proper proposal and grant management procedures are followed. 

• Act as focal point with donors in-country for the proposal development process, as needed. 

• Monitor and support the use of management tools such as Budget vs. Actual (BVA) for the proper monitoring and the successful implementation of programs and early warning in case of obstacles or challenges. 

• Liaise with IRC NY, UK & DG grant units in order to ensure proposals meet internal standards, apply IRC’s Outcomes Evidence Framework (OEF), are in line with IRC Ethiopia’s Strategic Action Plan (SAP) and are donor compliant. 

2. Reporting: 

• Ensure that reports to donors are submitted on time; that reports are coherent and accurate (quarterly, interim or final reports); and that the internal reporting tracker and OTIS reporting info is up to date. 

• Lead Project Cycle Meetings, as well as monthly/regular grants management meetings (BVA meetings) which include representation from each unit (finance, programs, logistics) and ensure proper follow up of issues raised. 

3. Donor Compliance: 

• Research donor compliance issues for new opportunities or existing grants within the IRC Ethiopia, as needed. 

• With the support of the Sr. Grant Manager, review donor agreements and coordinate their review with the relevant IRC HQ office. 

• Ensure that grants are implemented in compliance with IRC and relevant donor regulations. 

• Maintain and update grant files related to proposals. 

4. Communication and Information Management: 

• Communicate with donors and attend donor meetings in order to share IRC’s accomplishments as well as to stay up to date on the latest donor developments and requirements. 

• Distribute to IRC staff all documentation (grant proposals, reports, budget, etc.) related to their specific programs. 

• Keep an updated inventory of all communications related to programs/donors and ensure communication and visibility requirements are met. 

5. Administrative/Other: 

• Ensure OTIS data is up to date for all assigned new proposals. Secure all OTIS approvals for the assigned new proposals prior to submission to the donor. 

• Keep an accurate Grants Filing system on the Shared Drive (Box), OTIS and hardcopy folder. 

Safeguarding Responsibilities: - 

• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in IRC [team/office]

• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.

Job Requirements

Educational Requirements:3

• 4 years of relevant experience with the BA degree required in international development/Affairs, Economics, Social Sciences. strongly preferred.  

• 3 years of relevant experience with a post-graduate degree in international development/Affairs, Economics, Social Sciences.

Preferred experience & skills: 

• Budgeting and MS Excel skills required (skills will be tested through an exam) and are the important requirement for this position. 

• At least 4 years of experience in program management, grants management or proposal/business development/design. 

• Prior knowledge of donor (ECHO, EU, USAID, BHA, BPRM, SIDA, UNICEF, UNHCR, OCHA etc.) and government regulations preferred. 

• Good communicator with strong organizational, time management and analytical skills. 

• Excellent inter-personal, cultural and diplomatic skills. 

• Flexibility to adapt to changing requirements. 

• Strong capacity to mentor and build capacity of staff. 

• Ability to juggle competing priorities, meet demanding deadlines and work under pressure in unstable security environments. 

• Strong computer skills required. 

• Previous successful experience developing projects, writing winning proposals and donor reports preferred.

Language Skills:  Fluency in English, spoken and written, is the most important requirement for this job; Fluency in Amharic Advantageous. (The written English skills will be tested through an exam).

How to Apply

Candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to apply only through the IRC On-line recruitment website by using THIS LINK

• Please include 3 references from current and former employers.

• Applications will not be returned. IRC discourages phone calls or personal visits.

• Only applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be short listed and contacted.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Your application letter/cover letter must include the following information. 

• Name of the position you have applied for 

• Date of application 

• Summary of  your qualifications and experience 

• Motivation/objective of why you have applied for the job

• Permanent Address and present address (if different from permanent) and telephone number if possible also email address 

• Disclose any family relationships with existing IRC employees. 

IRC is an equal employment opportunity employer.  IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. 

IRC strives to build a diverse and inclusive team at all levels who as individuals, and as a group, embody our culture statement creating a working environment characterized by critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity for us to achieve our aspirations as a team and deliver the best possible services to our clients.

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons. 

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits and allowances.