Ethiopia: Grants Officer

Summary

The Grants Officer will contribute to overall grants management at IRC Ethiopia and lead on government relations vis-à-vis requesting and securing government approvals for newly awarded projects prior to start of implementation. The position reports to the Grants Coordinator/ Senior Budget and Compliance Manager.

This position is based in Addis Ababa with occasional trips to field sites and refugee camps, if needed. The Grants Officer will work collaboratively with the all 14 members of the Grants and Partnership Unit, the technical coordinators, Field Coordinators, operations team, and the finance team.

Responsibilities:

Proposals and Government Permission Requests

• Develop full government permission request packages for all newly awarded grants for both refugee and local community grants (e.g. Letters of Understanding (LOU), Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), work plan, staffing list, log frames, budgets, summaries of project activities etc.) by utilizing donor-approved grant agreements, budgets and supporting documents.
• Liaise with IRC Field Coordinators, camp managers and field-based program staff in requesting and securing LOUs and MOUs from relevant authorities (ARRA, UNHCR, and Government Bodies) prior to the beginning of program implementation.
• Collaborate with all relevant staff to ensure that 100% of all new grants secure LOUs and MOUs in a timely manner.
• Develop amendments and No-Cost-Extensions for government approvals.
• Contribute to proposal development on assigned new opportunities.
• Draft and edit budget narratives, edit proposals, and ensure proper proposal and grant management procedures are followed.
• Act as focal point for government relations vis-à-vis LOUs, MOUs and their amendments.

Reporting

• Solicit, collate, edit and submit all project specific reports (quarterly and annual) for CHSA at national and regional levels. Collaborate with IRC Field Coordinators, field-based staff and program staff at Addis level on report contents in order to ensure quality report submission to CHSA.
• File hard copies of all government reports.
• Support the Grants and Partnership Unit’s members in the reporting process with in-country staff for updates and HQ for approvals before submission to the donor.
• Update the report tracker on a weekly basis to ensure that reports to donors are submitted on time; that report preparation begins in a timely manner (quarterly, interim or final reports); and that there is no omission of donor and government reports.
• Communicate monthly with HR and Regional teams on the status of reports (submitted/pending etc.).

Government and Donor Compliance

• Research government and donor compliance issues for new opportunities or existing grants, as needed.
• Ensure that grants are implemented in compliance with relevant government and donor regulations. Advise field-based staff accordingly.

Communication and Information Management

• 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 government agreements (LOUs, MOUs).

Management and Capacity Building

• Provide on-the-job training to Grants and Partnerships Unit’s members on LOUs and MOUs.
• Manage and supervise program interns, as needed.

Administrative/Other

• Support data analytics and ad-hoc analysis, as needed.
• Process Procurement Requests through the online BVA system, as needed.
• Undertake other projects or research, as assigned by the supervisor.

Ethiopian Nationals with Experience Abroad are strongly encouraged to apply.

Qualified Female Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. A writing and Excel test will be administered for selected candidates only.

Job Requirements:

• Fluency in English, spoken and written, is the most important requirement for this job; Fluency in Amharic required.
• BA degree required with 3 years of Experience; Masters (MA) degree in International Affairs or Social Sciences preferred with 2 year of experience. At least one year of experience working in writing, program management or proposal/business development.
• Prior knowledge of government and donor regulations (UNHCR, ARRA, CHSA) strongly preferred, but not required.
• Proven experience in writing in English a strong advantage.
• Good communicator with strong organizational, time management and analytical skills.
• Excellent inter-personal, cultural and diplomatic skills.
• Strong writing and editing skills with close attention to detail.
• Ability to juggle competing priorities, meet demanding deadlines and work under pressure in unstable security environments.
• Strong computer skills required; strong MS Excel and Math skills a clear advantage. **

How to apply:

· Please send CV, application letter and copies of credentials to the following address: IRC Addis Ababa, P.O.box 107 code 1110.

· 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.

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.