Grants Manager The State University of New York (Kenya)

The Parliamentary Strengthening Project, funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the British Department for International Development (DfID), and implemented by the State University of New York’s Centre for International Development, seeks qualified candidates for the position of Grants Manager.

The Project works in partnership with the National Assembly to support Parliament’s various institutional development activities. The successful applicant, to be based in the Nairobi SUNY Kenya office, will report to the SUNY Kenya’s Deputy Chief of Party.

Functions and Requirements of the Position: The Grants Manager will manage a small grants programme that SUNY is undertaking to enable Kenyan civil society organisations support the work of the Kenya Parliament.

The Grants Manager will:-

• Oversee the grants review and selection process, ensure selected projects meet their contractual obligation to deliver quality services according to USAID regulations and requirements, and report results across the program to USAID and other stakeholders.
• Provide management leadership for the grant award process, including development of Requests for Applications (RFAs), coordinate and participate on the proposal review panel to score and select grant recipients to ensure they meet the objectives and comply with USAID rules and regulations.
• Coordinate the procurement process with the Finance Department to issue the grant awards and serve as principal contact for all grant applicants and other potential partners, develop RFAs, frequently asked questions (FAQs), document and respond to additional requests for information.
• Supervise and serve as the liaison between the grantee organizations and the USAID Parliamentary Strengthening Program to ensure contractual obligations for the projects are met and to process contractual actions such as deliverables, and modifications.
• Coordinate the financial reporting process when each grantee project submits requests for reimbursements, and reports financial status, monitoring and evaluation data and a narrative report on progress.
• Will conduct site visits to selected grantee organizations to directly observe project implementation, provide project management support, train grantees on USAID rules and regulations
• Compile and report information which is shared with USAID on a quarterly basis and is utilized to fulfil regular information requests from other government agencies or offices.
• Maintain the operations manual to document the process for each grant cycle. Compile and organize all grant materials.
• Organize and maintain all project documents and files related to grant process and individual grantee activities.
• Maintain and update specific project and related correspondence files, tracking and status sheets, and databases.
• Assume additional responsibilities of a programmatic/financial/administrative nature as position may require.
• The incumbent will carry out any other duties as assigned by the Deputy Director.

Desired Qualifications

• A university degree in Finance and/or Accounting with a CPA (K)
• At least 5 year(s) of relevant experience required in program management and support, ideally including managing a grants program.
• Thorough knowledge of and at least three (3) years experience working with, USAID rules and regulations.
• High level computer literacy with excellent knowledge of word processing and spread sheet software applications required (MS Word; MS Excel).
• Ability to initiate and implement activities with minimal oversight and supervision, assess priorities, and competently complete a variety of activities with a high level of accuracy and timeliness;
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and communication skills combined with problem-solving skills; Proven ability to concurrently handle and prioritize multiple tasks for multiple projects; excellent organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Excellent communications skills, including writing and editing facilities;
• Strong cross-cultural and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to interact effectively, and with tact, with a variety of people and organizations;
• Strong financial management skills, knowledge of auditing practices and principles required.

To Apply:

Prepare a one-page cover letter summarizing your interest in and qualifications for the position you are interested in and append a brief CV. Forward this by email to suny@sunykenya.orgaddressed to The Country Director, Parliamentary Strengthening Project, SUNY Kenya. Applications will be accepted until 21st December, 2011 at 12.00 noon.

Following application reviews, short-listed candidates will be notified.

Only those who qualify for this high level position should apply.

No phone calls please.

Any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.

As there is a high number of applications expected for this position, please consider your application unsuccessful if you do not receive a response from us.