Grants Officer At ARCS Arci Culture Solidali

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

ARCS Culture Solidali

ARCS is an international non-profit organisation founded in Rome in 1985 by Arci, one of the most important national networks of the Italian Third Sector. ARCS mission is that of promoting processes of social change, of education to global citizenship, to peace and intercultural and intergenerational dialogue, and of strengthening democratic ownership. ARCS builds national and international partnerships based on equal dignity and respect for diversity and differences. ARCS has been engaged in the Middle East for over twenty years, with projects aimed at improving access to work and support to local communities, refugees, and displaced persons, in emergency and development contexts. In Jordan, ARCS has been active since 2011 implementing emergency and development programs mainly in the protection and livelihood sectors.

Project Description

The project BORO’OM: “Formal employment opportunities and entrepreneurship development in the governorates of Mafraq and Aqaba” implemented by the Italian NGOs AVSI and ARCS aims to enhance the resilience of the local population by supporting access to sustainable income opportunities in the Governorates of Aqaba and Mafraq.

In particular, the project has two specific objectives:

S.O 1: Foster access to quick livelihood opportunities and opportunities of formal employment through the promotion of an inclusive labour market in line with the standards of protection and decent work.

S.O 2: Support the creation and the strengthening of entrepreneurial and self-employment activities responding to the specific needs of the local market, encouraging durable environmental and economic sustainability.

SCOPE OF WORK

Overall Objective of the Post

The Grants Officer will be responsible for coordinating the logistical and administrative aspects of disbursing in-kind grants to 120 selected micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and home-based businesses (HBBs) in Mafraq and Aqaba, Jordan. These grants, each valued between 1,000 and 4,000 euros, will provide essential supplies and equipment aligned with business plans developed by the beneficiaries during project training sessions.

The Grants Officer will ensure that the disbursement process adheres to ARCS’ guidelines and fulfils the agreed-upon terms based on each recipient’s business plan. The selected figure will play a crucial role in fostering business compliance to project requirements, supporting local economic integration, and promoting regulatory adherence.

Target Group and geographical area

The geographical area covered within the scope of work is the governorates of Mafraq and Aqaba, Jordan. The target group who will be participating in this activity is at least 100 MSMEs trained through the project activities in Mafraq, and 20 startups in the region of Gweirah (Aqaba). The selection of participants has already been carried out by ARCS in collaboration relevant stakeholders.

Methodology of the Collaboration

Key responsibilities include:

1. Project Implementation and logistics

• Coordinate procurement and delivery of in-kind equipment and supplies according to each business’s approved business plan and ARCS’ procurement policies.
• Draft grants contracts with project beneficiaries. Ensure grants are used in alignment with ARCS’ guidelines. Monitor disbursements and track usage of funds as agreed upon in contracts with grant recipients.
• Support in the implementation of all project activities based on the project objectives and intermediate results reflected in the detailed implementation plan in coordination with ARCS Livelihood Field Coordinator and Project Manager.

1. Administrative tasks

• Register project expenses according to ARCS procedures and administrative regulations required by the donor.
• Prepare all payments to SMEs, in compliance with the approved budget requirements, internal procedures, procurement, and entrepreneurs’ business plans, and submits them to the Project Manager for approval.
• Ensure proper financial and administrative reporting to the PM according to the costs of the developed activities, in coordination with ARCS’ local Administrator.
• Maintain comprehensive records of grant allocations and payment documents, ensuring compliance with both donor and ARCS requirements, in close collaboration with ARCS’ local administrator.
• Procuring and provision of projects supplies, equipment and stationery.
• Collect all financial documents for the Consortium – including invoices, receipts, contracts, delivery notes, and any other supporting financial records.

START DATE AND PERIOD OF IMPLEMENTATION

Start Date: 1 January 2025

Duration: 6 months, with the possibility of extension depending on project requirements.

REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in logistics within a development NGO setting, preferably with an INGO.
• Proven experience in managing the disbursement of in-kind grants or similar logistical operations.
• Solid knowledge of the Jordanian and international markets for agricultural and hospitality supplies.
• Strong organizational and computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office and online communication tools.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively, with attention to detail.
• Good organizational, coordination and time-management skills.
• Precision and meticulousness.
• Adherence to ARCS’ mission, vision and policies.
• Commitment and understanding of project objectives.
• Driving license.

Preferential requirements

• Previous experience (2 years) with similar projects – working in livelihood and support to entrepreneurship with international NGOs.
• Knowledge of the PCM.
• Previous experience in projects related to business development and microcredit.
• Knowledge of and prior experience of the target areas.

Language Skills

• Native Arabic.
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written).