Conservation International (CI) has been protecting nature for the benefit of all for over 30 years. Through science, policy, and partnerships, CI is helping build a healthier, more prosperous and more productive planet.
CI is a global organization that has been active in Liberia for nearly two decades working closely with communities, private sector, government and civil society leaders to support conservation and sustainable development. With enormous wealth of natural resources, Liberia is at a vital point in its development history and has an opportunity to encourage investors and promote development initiatives that both support economic growth and development while maintaining Liberia’s critical natural capital for future generations. Proper stewardship of Liberia’s resources may prove to be the key to the future well-being of Liberian people.
To this end, CI Liberia is now seeking a Grants Manager to oversee its grants and contract management function at the Country Office.
DESCRIPTION OF POSITION
Under the supervision of the Operations Director, the Grants Manager is responsible for overseeing the efficient and effective management of grants and contract-related activities for the program. Working closely with external partners and CI staff, s/he provides oversight and management of grant making activities including planning and application activities, contracting, day-to-day administration, reporting, and close-out.
The Grants Manager reviews grants applications, proposals, agreements, and related grants data and ensures the accuracy of information in the grants system/database. S/he performs financial monitoring of grant activities, reviews financial reports submitted by partners and generates timely internal and external financial and related reports. The Grants Manager works to minimize risk to CI and reviews grants-related activities for accuracy, completeness and compliance with CI and grantor policies and procedures. S/he provides follow up on any issues identified during the monitoring and review process and assists with training and capacity building efforts.
The Grants Manager is a key information resource responsible for ensuring effective communications with all key stakeholders. S/he compiles information and responds to requests from partners and program and HQ staff and maintains complete, accurate and up-to-date filing and tracking systems.
The Grants Manager will from time-to-time support development of budgets for new proposals as well as financial accounting related functions.
This position does not supervise staff and duties are performed under general supervision.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Grant Award and Contracts Project Support:
- Develop materials and manage announcements of grants and subcontract opportunities.
- Implement systems and processes for receiving, reviewing and awarding subgrants and contracts.
- Monitor proposals including project approval/rejection and overall project status. Ensure senior staff are informed of deadlines, targets and workflow changes
- Review grantee technical and financial reports and provide related technical oversight. Coordinate site visits/desk reviews as needed.
- Manage legal/HQ review of agreements and ensure all necessary signatures are in place.
- Review and manage contracts amendments and additions.
- Manage grants close-out activities as directed.
Grants Administration and Monitoring:
- Ensure complete, accurate and timely data and information is maintained in the grants system. Work with system administrators to resolve recording issues and recommend system improvements and efficiencies as needed.
- Process routine financial transactions including check requests.
- Assist in providing timely, accurate and relevant reporting, including budgeted to actual comparisons and status reports.
- Monitor existing grants for compliance with grant agreements and CI policies and procedures.
- Assist grantees/consultants with routine financial, compliance and system reporting questions. Provide training and support on as directed
- Assist in posting, Review and Validation of financial transactions as requested.
- Serve as a primary contact and manage day-to-day interactions with grantees and program, field, and HQ colleagues.
- Maintain hard copy and electronic agreements and related files.
- Provide other administrative support as directed.
- Drafting of budgets relating to new funding opportunities
- Work closely with potential partners to prepare proposal budgets in alignment with donor guidelines provided in call for proposals
PEOPLE AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
- This position does not directly manage staff but assists peers and may direct the work of interns, temporary employees, or contractors.
- Not accountable for an operating budget but tracks and monitors expenditures. Initiates check requests or similar routine transactions within established guidelines.
- Activities help manage public or private funds but not directly accountable. Familiar with the requirements of donor agreements and CI's donor related policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Work is performed in a typical office environment.
- Flexibility to work outside normal work hours to meet deadlines as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a related field.
- 5-8 years’ experience in Finance and Grants Management work.
- Previous experience with a grants management system preferred.
- Strong Microsoft Excel and analytical skills.
- Strong communication and presentation skills including the ability to effectively convey complex details or technical information.
- Highly familiar with etiquette, protocol, and employing cultural awareness and sensitivity.
- Team player and ability to work cooperatively with internal and external partners
- Highly organized and ability to multi-task, prioritize, and adapt to changing priorities.
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities
- Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
- Professional accounting certification such as ACCA and CPA is an added advantage. Note: This position is open to only candidates with work authorization in Liberia