Job Description
Position: Grants Specialist
Reports to: Finance Manager
Location: Bahir Dar
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MEDA’s Overview:
Mennonite Economic Development Associate (MEDA) is an international non-governmental organization incorporated in Canada and registered in Ethiopia. MEDA is currently carrying out EMERTA project which stands for Ethiopians Motivating Enterprises to Rise in Trade and Agri-business and means ‘to leap to great heights’ in Amharic by focusing specifically on women. The project will be committed to increasing sustainable employment and income generation for women and men in Amhara region of Ethiopia in rice, vegetables and gems sectors, with a focus on women. MEDA is committing to identify and mitigate the social and economic barriers that limit women’s participation in the selected market sectors and constrain their participation in household decisions and control over resources.
Job Overview:
The Grants Specialist shall perform overall grant-related activities, from collection of grant applications to closing and follow-up of terms contained within contracts that obligate MEDA and grantees alike. Key activity areas include: negotiating and explaining the grants application process with prospective clients, supporting the review process & approval/rejection of the application, facilitating the contract to signature, , understanding concepts such as grantee match and its verification, tracking grant contract implementation including maintaining records & reports of all grants, and other related activities to fully support the effective & efficient implementation of the project. The position is collaborative in nature demanding close interaction with both the program and finance team.
Frequent liaison with project clients-both actual and potential-is expected, as is routine follow-up of contractual obligations from the organization and clients.
Key Responsibilities:
Ø Maintain up-to-date submitted grant application records for all actual and potential EMERTA project clients.
Ø Support the effective & efficient implementation of the grant review and approval process.
Ø Verify that all levels of review & approval are completed, and that due diligence is applied in all cases.
Ø Confirm the fulfillment of MEDA grant requirements against grantee proposals.
Ø Ensure that MEDA’s grant making process progresses effectively and that EMERTA staff involvement in the process is organized in a timely and effective manner.
Ø Respond to queries from grantees on progress of their applications and related issues.
Ø Develop and oversee standard terms and conditions for grant award letters and contracts.
Ø With the Contracts Specialist, forward MEDA’s contracting processes per agency templates and guidelines.
Ø Track the implementation of grant contracts and propose remedial measures to be taken.
Ø Oversee the preparation and timely submission of both activity reports and financial reports by the grantee, as well as oversee timely reimbursement requests and budget transfers.
Ø Provide reports, responses to inquiries and grants histories as requested
Ø Ensure adherence to MEDA’s grants management manual
Ø Maintain up-to-date lists and track the status of EMERTA grantees.
Ø Serve as a liaison with grantees and departments of MEDA on all issues regarding grants.
Ø Perform other duties as assigned or required by immediate supervisor.
Essential:
Ø Degree in Finance, Business Administration, Law, or related field with minimum of 5 years’ progressive working experience in a similar environment.
Ø Proven experience in managing grant contracts. Experience drafting and follow up of contracts implementation, preferably in NGO environment.
Ø Excellent, demonstrable writing skills in English.
Ø Working knowledge of applicable Ethiopian laws, donor rules and regulations, operations, and practices.
Ø Experience of working with private sector businesses is an asset.
Core Competencies:
Ø Results/solution-oriented, thorough attention to detail and strict adherence to ethical and legal standards.
Ø Accountability, accuracy and commitment.
Ø Ability to communicate effectively and work as a member of a team.
Ø Ability to gather relevant information and understand legal frameworks for contracting in Ethiopia.
Ø Willingness to maintain a customer/client focus.
Ø Strong administrative skills and self-motivated with the ability to set priorities and manage multiple tasks under minimal supervision in effective and efficient manner
Ø Skills in Microsoft Office (specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
Ø Ability to work under pressure and respond to deadlines without sacrificing quality.