Grants Management Specialist At Danish Refugee Council

DRC has been operating in Somalia since 1998 using a protection of human rights framework. Somalia is experiencing a devastating humanitarian crisis, with nearly 80% of the population in need of some form of humanitarian assistance. DRC in Somalia is scaling up the operation in emergency response through an integrated approach accessing hard to reach populations.

Overall purpose of the role:

The Grants Management Specialist position will provide essential grant management support to the Business Development and Quality Manager and Head of Program in delivering quality programs in line with the DRC Somalia strategy and country action plan.

The Grants Specialist is responsible for the coordination and development of high quality reports and proposals for DRC’s programs in Somalia.

The Grants Specialist will ensure grant management throughout the grant management cycle, including ensuring timely and high quality reports are submitted to donors and grants management databases and tools are kept updated. This position will ensure and provide guidance on compliance with donor and internal DRC rules and regulations, and is further responsible for grants management capacity-building efforts.

Reporting to the Business Development and Grants Manager (BDGM), this position will work closely with all departments and staff including Technical Leads, Program Managers, Specialists, Area Managers, HR, Finance, and Operations on compliance, donor regulations, business development, and reporting.

Responsibilities

Project Development and Coordination:

• Lead on and coordinate the development of concept notes and proposals in collaboration with Program Managers, field staff, operations staff, the DRC Regional Office, and DRC HQ colleagues, ensuring alignment with DRC and strategies, priorities and requirements and DRC’s program handbook guidelines.
• Facilitate communication between all departments (program, MEAL, finance, safety, logistics and procurement, and human resources) in drafting of proposals, budgets and reports.
• Collaborate with all program/project managers and coordinators in proposal writing processes including partners such as sub-grantees.
• Assist the Head of Programs (HoP) and Business Development and Grants Manager to align new proposals to DRC Strategy and Country Action Plan.

Grants Management & Reporting:

• Lead on the organization and follow up of grant opening meetings, monthly grant review meetings, and close-out meetings jointly with Program Managers, Specialists, HR and Finance. Ensure that meetings monitor project implementation and spending, support operation/program integration, troubleshoot challenges, ensure donor compliance, and identify and apply lessons learned.
• Lead donor reporting processes by coordinating, compiling, editing and providing feedback to ensure the development of high-quality narratives and timely submissions.
• Review Budget Forecast Updates, consolidated spending, implementation, procurement, and staffing plans for each project and flag up discrepancies to the teams and BDG Manager at monthly grants meetings.
• Lead application processes and ensure compliance regarding (no-) cost extensions, amendments, top-ups, and reallocations.
• Ensure that DRC Dynamics is updated and relevant functionalities correctly used.

Capacity Development

• Undertake training for program and operation staff on grants management principles and processes to enhance quality within DRC programming. Topics could include donor compliance, report writing, proposal development, and other topics as needed.
• Update, streamline, and disseminate grants management tools and resources.

Fundraising & Donor Liaison

• Conduct regular donor mapping exercises with up-to-date information on donor strategies, priorities and funding opportunities and, together with BDG Manager and program teams, develop donor engagement strategies in line with the country program’s strategy.

Other

• Raise any issues of non-compliance and assure compliance with DRC standards and procedures.
• Provide regular updates to the BDG Manage.
• Perform other duties as agreed with the BDG Manager.

About you

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

Qualifications and Experience

• At least 3 years of grants management experience with an international NGO.
• Knowledge of donor rules, regulations, and procedures of donors including but not limited to US and European donors, EU funding mechanisms, and UN agencies.
• Proven experience in successfully applying for institutional donor funding.
• Proven experience in capacity building and training of national staff and partners.
• Full professional proficiency in English

Conditions

Contract: 12 Months with possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment. Employment band non-management G2

Availability: 1st July 2024.

Duty station: This position is based in Dollow.

Technical Reports: Business Development & Grants Manager, Regional and HQ Grants

Reporting Line: Business Development & Grants Manager

Providing equal opportunities, we are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

Promoting high standards: DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.