Grants Officer – Nairobi – International Foundation for Electoral Systems

About IFES:
IFES is an international, nonprofit organization that supports the building of democratic societies. IFES provides targeted technical assistance to strengthen transitional democracies. Founded in 1987 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, IFES has developed and implemented comprehensive, collaborative democracy solutions in more than 145 countries.

About the Project:
IFES is currently seeking qualified candidates for an anticipated two-year program that aims to promote credible, participatory political processes in Kenya. With this funding, IFES will work with key stakeholders in the country to enhance the participation of citizens in political and electoral processes, increase the capacity of election management body and foster a political environment in which political parties promote inclusion and contribute to peaceful political processes.

Position Summary
Working in collaboration with the Finance and Operations Manager, and in consultation with the program team, this position supports the grant management component of the IFES Kenya program and contributes to overall effectiveness and efficiency in program delivery.

Key Responsibilities
Ø Assist the Finance and Operations Manager in in developing, managing, delivering, promoting and supporting the IFES’ grants program;
Ø Participate in the grant review and selection process to ensure all due diligence procedures are undertaken;
Ø Provide technical assistance to grantees on preparation of budgets and workplan during the negotiation process;
Ø Reviewing sub-grants financial reports to ensure compliance with terms of sub-grant and liaising with sub-grantee(s) where and when necessary. Ensure grantees are submitting financial supporting documents on time and fully reviewed before sending it HQ;
Ø Provide ongoing training as needed to sub-grantee on IFES sub-grants and USAID financial regulations;
Ø Maintain grant files and ensure their completeness;
Ø Coordinate with the program staff to ensure grant complies with programmatic goals and objectives;
Ø Facilitates regular communication with grantees, maintains cooperative partnerships between IFES and the grantees and other possible stakeholders;
Ø Arrange and undertake site visits to assist sub grantees develop strong internal grant management capacities;
Ø Assists in the development of and maintains the system of a database of grantees, including a tracking system that provides frequent updates on fund-flows, reporting requirements, audits, monitoring of contract deliverables, and budget revisions;
Ø Participates in the annual work planning and budgeting process. Assists the Program team in the preparation and writing of progress and annual financial reports, annual work plans, status reports and other documents that may be requested by the HQ;
Ø Prepare complete documentation for the awarding of the grant, amendments, terminations, close-out, etc. and
Ø Perform other responsibilities assigned by supervisor.

Person Specification
Ø In-depth knowledge and experience with USAID financial management, reporting requirements, and grant management procedures
Ø A team player with strong analytical skills, flexible, quick-thinking and able to work well under pressure
Ø Ability to take initiative and work with tight deadlines,
Ø Strong communication skills both written and verbal,
Ø Well-organized, resourceful with good planning and problem-solving abilities

Minimum Qualifications
Ø Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in business administration, finance or a related field.
Ø Minimum 2 years work experience in grants management of a USAID-funded project is a must
Ø 4+ years of progressive financial management and accounting experience
Ø Basic computer skills computer skills, particularly MS Office (MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and QuickBooks is required

How to apply:
All applications should be sent to kenyarecruit@ifes.org not later than 5pm on 31st May, 2016.
Applications to include resume and cover letter only, no other attachment is required.

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