Grants Manager (DRC) At Concern Worldwide

Concern Worldwide started working in DRC in 1994. Since that time we have grown into one of the leading humanitarian organisations operating in DRC with national rapid response programmes, resilience programmes, cash, WASH and nutrition programmes. This is an exciting opportunity to support the development of existing and new programmes for DRC and ensure that they are implemented to the highest quality. Today, 1 in 10 people in humanitarian need live in DRC – come and help us do our part.

About the role: This is a 12 month replacement role based in Goma (unaccompanied), DRC with 50% travel to other bases with a salary of Grade 3 (€39,128 – €43,476).

You will report to the Programme Development and Quality Coordinator, and will line manage the Grants Officer. You will work closely with the Area Coordinators, the M&E Manager and the Programme Managers for the different programmes. In DRC, Concern implements programmes in two main areas: North Kivu and Tanganyika. Receiving funding from BHA, ECHO, FCDO, Irish Aid and Humanitarian Fund, activities are implemented ranging from emergency interventions to longer-term development programming in WASH, Livelihoods, Nutrition and Shelter.

We would like you to start mid-October 2021.

Your purpose: Your role will oversee the grants management processes, working in collaboration with the PMs, ACs, M&E Manager and Grants Officer to produce high quality donor reporting, strong compliance with donor requirements and to build the capacity of the programme team in proposal writing and reporting. You will support the development of funding proposals, verifying that they are in line with donor and call guidelines. You will support the development of donor relationships and intelligence.

You will be responsible for:

Grants management

• Ensure grant compliance for all of DRC programmes by providing direct support to the PMs/ACs (grant owners) and the PDQC, PD, Grants Finance Manager and CFC.
• In coordination with the grants officer, manage the reporting schedule ensuring timely and accurate financial and narrative reporting. This will include supporting the writing and editing reports and ensuring they are submitted in the correct formats and of high quality.
• Liaise with the Desk Officer and, PDQC, Grants Finance Manager and Country Finance Controller to file the contract documents for grants – both active and archived.
• In coordination with the PDQC, oversee the development of concept notes and proposals giving donor-specific advice to the programme staff.
• Ensure timely communication with the donors on any anticipated or unanticipated changes during the lifetime of a project.
• Ensure teams are aware of key donor compliance issues through grant start up workshops, sharing audit information, organization of trainings etc.
• With the PDQC, organize kick off and close out meetings for all grants, and ensure complete documentation of these processes, including crucial grant closeout processes such as asset disposal.

Knowledge and information management

• Ensure Concern’s GMS and Sharepoints (archive) are up to date for DRC
• Collect and report data to clusters and other coordination meetings
• Ensure version control of documents and filing of final reports and proposals, learning documents, survey reports and data, using the shared data space in country
• Promote a culture of shared learning across all programme locations and with colleagues in the region including participating in organising quarterly programme meetings

Funding strategy implementation

• Coordinate with the Desk Officer on tracking funding opportunities that would fit with the country programme;
• Represent Concern at cluster and government coordination meetings as appropriate.
• Provide information to the Desk Officer, IFSU and fundraising teams in Dublin, London and New York to identify opportunities for funding and information dissemination.
• Support liaison with donors through provision of documentation and success stories of current programmes that would be of interest to them/linked to their strategy.

Reporting and quality management

• Manage the Grants Officer and delegate tasks as necessary.
• In collaboration with the Grants Officer, edit and compile monthly and annual programme reports as per the dates agreed with Programme Director/ Desk Officer.
• Support the Programme Development and Quality Coordinator in the organisation of programme quality review meetings.

Confidentiality

• Ensuring the non-disclosure of any information whatsoever acquired in the course of duty, relating to the practices and business of Concern Worldwide, to any other person or Organization without authority, except in normal execution of the above duties
• Ensuring strict guardianship and security of financial data and documents at all times, including secure storage, accurate & complete filing and limiting access to the finance office to authorised personnel only
• Ensuring strict adherence to Concern DRC Financial Procedures and Anti-Fraud Policy and remaining within the boundaries of these policies at all times

Other

• Be aware of, understand and comply with all of Concern’s policies and procedures (P4, Safe Guarding, finance, logistics, HR, security management etc.).
• Undertake other related duties as may reasonably be assigned by your line manager

Accountability

In line with Concern’s commitments under the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS):

• actively promote meaningful community participation and consultation at all stages of the project cycle (planning, implementation, M&E);
• work with relevant colleagues to ensure that the Complaints and Response Mechanism (CRM) is functional and accessible, that feedback and complaints are welcomed and addressed;
• work with relevant colleagues to ensure that information about CRM, safeguarding and expected staff behaviour is disseminated among programme participants and communities.

Your skills and experience will include:

ESSENTIAL

Education, Qualifications & Experience Required:

• Fluent in French and English
• Educated to Degree level in Development or a related discipline.
• At least two years of expatriate experience with an INGO, UN agency or donor;
• At least two year of experience in a role working on grant proposals and report or grant compliance
• Good team player and able to adapt to different cultures
• Demonstrated success in proposal development for a range of institutional donors.
• Experience of working in a high-pressured, results focused and dynamic environment.
• Good understanding of donors and donor requirements and good networking skills
• Good understanding of budget development and financial reporting
• Good organisational and prioritisation/planning skills
• Strong computer skills particularly Microsoft office.

DESIRABLE

Education, Qualifications & Experience Required:

• Specific experience with UN donors, US Government funding (OFDA, USAID, FFP), ECHO/EU and/or Irish Aid is a big advantage
• Knowledge of quality standards such as SPHERE, HAP, Red Cross, CHS etc.
• Experience in providing trainings on donor regulations and quality Code of Conduct standards
• Experience working in an insecure and volatile environment.
• Proven knowledge of gender issues

Special Skills, Aptitude or Personality Requirements:

• Confident strong communicator and networker
• Ability to work in an insecure environment
• Very high attention to detail is essential
• Cultural and political sensitivity
• Must be flexible and willing to adapt to a fluid situation
• Willingness to learn
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to take initiative and work independently.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Willing to travel frequently.