TechnoServe seeks a Grants Specialist for the HAPPY Activity in Ghana.

Reporting to the Finance Controller, with a dotted-line report to the Regional Grants & Contract Manager, the Grants Specialist will manage the administration of grants and the related processes. S/he will support the design of a Grants Manual and develop criteria for recipients of grants. S/he will also assist with the monitoring of the performance of sub-awardees and compliance, including conducting monitoring visits. The Grants Specialist will provide technical assistance to sub-awardees to support their compliance and optimal performance..

Program Overview: 

Harnessing Agriculture Productivity and Prosperity for Youth (HAPPY) aims to drive shared prosperity in Ghana by creating, sustaining, or improving dignified jobs and increasing agricultural productivity across the poultry, rice, soy, and tomato value chains. HAPPY will bridge the productivity gaps in these four value chains by building resilient youth-led and women-led food systems. The program will harness the power of young women and men to enhance the sourcing and business models of off-takers, pursue innovative entrepreneurial ventures, support the adoption of improved practices and inputs, and influence the enabling environment by making their voices heard. The result will be a more prosperous and inclusive agricultural sector that propels growth across the country.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Support the sub grantees onboarding process from Call For Proposal stage through to the award stage; .
• With input from the Program Director and under the supervision of the Finance Controller, help to monitor the matching grants program.
• Provide guidance and training as necessary to all potential subgrantees on the requirements of the proposal preparation and submission process, financial management requirements, and any other administrative requirements pertinent to the grant fund.
• Review disbursement to the program partners including review of partners’ financial reports and documentation.
• Prepare and submit timely and accurate financial and programmatic reports for grantees.
• Track and manage grant expenditures, ensuring alignment with approved budgets and donor guidelines.
• Prepare financial forecasts and reports to support effective grant management.
• Work with the Monitoring and Evaluation team to track and report on grant-funded activities.
• Ensure accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting for grant-funded projects.
• Collaborate with consortium partners and other stakeholders to coordinate grant activities.
• Maintain high levels of confidentiality in relation to sensitive and confidential commercial and business financial decisions and issues.
• Ensure that all grants processes and procedures including procurements adhere to corporate policy, legal and contractual obligations, and corporate and donor standards.
• Perform other duties in line with the evolving needs of the program.

Basic Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree with 3 years of experience or a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Law, or another relevant discipline with at least 1 years’ experience.
• Experience in grants or contracts management for a complex international development assistance program..
• Proven experience making recommendations on the scope, duration and amount of grants.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze grantee reports for compliance and make recommendations to strengthen performance.
• Strong understanding of donor regulations and compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Prior work experience in countries in West Africa. Experience working in Ghana strongly preferred.
• Excellent oral and written presentation skills and good computer skills in business software (Excel, MS Project, and PowerPoint).

Required Languages:

Fluency in English with excellent oral and written communication skills required.

Travel: Up to 30% travel to field offices and project sites

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Entrepreneurial and innovative thinker.
• Results-oriented, with demonstrated experience achieving project targets.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills.
• Detail orientation, including strong organizational, analytical and quantitative skills.
• Proven ability to prioritize and manage a high-volume workflow, with minimal supervision.
• Proven team player with strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills.
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other administrative applications.