The Grants Officer will be responsible for information management and grant management for all projects. The position is also responsible for providing regular support to project cycle management by ensuring compliance with donor and internal DRC/ASI guidelines on contracts management as well as the financial compliance of all involved agencies. In this capacity, the role will be assisting in budget management of sub-grants, review of financial reports and expenditures and provide technical guidance on financial capacity. S/he will also lead project capacity and due diligence assessments for grantees  in all cross border locations.

Duties and Responsibilities: 
Grants Management:

• Participate in capacity assessment of potential grantees including but not limited to assessment of the organization capacity, governance structure, experience and financial management systems and provide remedial action points.
• Collate information and data for due diligence and Navex checks.
• Support in delivery of kick off and capacity building workshops for grants, finance and compliance management.
• Support the Deris Wanaag (DW) team with the coordination of the implementing partners financial reporting, documentation, disbursement management and CSSF compliance.
• Review the submitted financial reports and related supporting documents by implementing partners and coordinate with relevant finance teams on any financial management issues identified.
• Ensure 90% of grantee monthly reported expenditure is reviewed, approved and invoiced to client.
• Follow up with implementing partners to ensure timely submission of financial reports.
• Conduct spot-checks on the DW implementing partners and provide remedial action points to address areas of improvement.
• Ensure up to date grantee assets register for DW assets.
• Identify any compliance and financial spending risks during financial reviews and spot checks.
• Ensure complete and up to date filing of grants file folders.
• Support the implementing partners with capacity building plans of staff on financial and grants management.
• Work with field grants assistant to resolve any financial and compliance challenges with grantees.
• Review grantee monthly invoices against advances and expenditures and ensure timely internal approval prior to payment processing.
• Prepare grant close out checklist and drafting close out letters
• Ensure awareness and compliance with donor policies and guidelines by grantees
• Coordinate project kick-off ,close-out meetings and delivery of capacity building interventions.
• Participate in periodic reviews for all ongoing grants

Program Management and Support:

• Support the coordination of the project on financial reporting, documentation, disbursement management and general donor compliance;
• Review financial reports and supporting documents submitted by partner organizations and coordinate with the relevant programme, and finance teams on any financial management issues identified and monitor accompanying remedial actions.
• Ensure compliance of grantee reporting schedules and timelines and update of the reporting tracker.
• Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders (grantees, in delivery locations, and updating project Stakeholder Matrix•

Experience and technical competencies: 

• At least three years of experience working with projects and/or grants management.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Good communicator with strong organizational, time management and analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Competence in coordinating; monitoring and reviewing financial reports.
• The ability to analyse, summarize and present a high volume of information quickly and accurately with advanced structuring.
• Excellent organizational skills: the ability to multi-task, learn quickly, and work independently and productively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience in working in complex and hardship areas/contexts.
• High proficiency in MS Office tools (with excellent Microsoft Excel skills).

Education

• A university degree in BCOM/Business Studies, or any other relevant field.
• Professional qualifications and experience in financial and contract management.

Language: 

• Professional fluency in English.