Scope: The Program Officer - Grants will carry out activities of the Grants Unit (GU) within the IRC Ethiopia Programs Department. The core functions relate to general grants management, project reporting, and proposal development. The position is based in Addis Ababa but will require frequent travel to the field. The position reports to the Grants Coordinator.
Essential functions
Reporting
Coordinate timelines for and review donor and government reports as per the required format and according to headquarters and/or donors’ deadlines.
Compile, provide feedback on, and finalize draft donor reports, editing for format, grammar, and content. This includes providing constructive feedback on content and form of documents drafted.
As needed, take responsibility for initial report drafting.
Support field and technical teams with government reports through content review.
Proposal Development
Maintain an in-depth knowledge of IRC internal policies and proposal guidelines for donor organizations funding IRC Ethiopia programs/projects.
Develop IRC Ethiopia concept papers and proposals, abiding by the guidelines set out by the donor and by IRC internal policies. This will involve developing proposal documents including budget, budget narrative, narrative, monitoring and evaluation documents, and other documents as necessary.
Coordinate with staff from other IRC Ethiopia departments (technical sectors, finance, field staff) to compile relevant information and documents to support proposal development.
Facilitate IRC technical sectors to develop project plans, logical frameworks, and implementation timelines for current and future IRC projects.
Government Agreements:
In coordination with the field offices and program technical units, assist in the development of IRC Ethiopia government agreements when needed. This will involve working with these units to develop all agreement documents, including budget, activity plan, financial plan, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and other documents as necessary.
Grants Management and Monitoring
Identify and communicate to program quality monitoring staff and technical teams gaps in reporting/data collection.
Support program quality monitoring staff in conceptualizing and facilitating implementation of program quality tools developed.
Review monthly field reports to ensure accuracy and monitor progress against targets.
Support grant opening, review, and closing meetings, including attendance at meetings when possible.
Travel to the field sites as needed to support program monitoring/grants management.
Upon request, support the development of communication materials that highlight the learning and success of the IRC Ethiopia program.
Special Tasks and Liaison
Feed into the development of relevant training modules, and facilitate capacity-building on select skills for field staff.
At the request of the Grants Coordinator and/or Senior Program Coordinator, take responsibility for miscellaneous projects not falling under responsibilities underlined in this job description.
As needed, act as a liaison between IRC and its donors and partners.
Job Requirement
Minimum Requirements
BA degree in relevant field from a recognized university with 4 years of relevant experience; or master degree in relevant field with 2 years of relevant experience.
Excellent English writing skills are mandatory and the most important qualification sought for this position. Candidates will be asked to demonstrate English writing competence during the screening process.
Demonstrated experience working in report writing and proposal development; familiarity with and experience working within the project management cycle.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel mandatory; experience developing budgets is a plus.
Preferred, one or more years working in an international NGO in a similar role (i.e. proposal development/grants management).
Experience developing funding proposals and project reports for major donors (e.g. US government, EU, UN) is an advantage.
Personal specifications:
Ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure and with a high workload, and willingness to work long hours when needed.
Ability to independently organize work and prioritize tasks.
Self-motivated, honest, highly responsible, and punctual.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.