GRANTS & SUBCONTRACT SPECIALIST , East Africa Trade and Investment Hub

BACKGROUND:

The  East  Africa  Trade  and  Investment  Hub  (the  Hub)  is  the  U.S.  government’s  flagship  project  under  the presidential Trade Africa initiative, launched in 2013 to boost trade and investment with and within Africa. The Hub partners with East African and U.S. businesses to attract investment needed to transform the East African private sector  into  vibrant  global  trading  partners.  Improving  the  region’s  trade  competitiveness,  encouraging  the diversification of exports beyond natural resources, and promoting broader, more-inclusive economic growth will lead to more food secure and resilient East African communities.

The goal of the Hub is to deepen regional integration, increase the competitiveness of select regional agricultural value chains, promote two-way trade with the U.S. under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and facilitate investment and technology to drive trade growth intra-regionally and to global markets.

PURPOSE:

The Grants & Subcontract Specialist (GS) will work with the Partnership Fund Director, Component Advisors (CA) and Procurement/Logistics Officers during the development of grants and subcontracts, providing information on the feasibility of practical aspects of implementation.  After grant/subcontract approval, the GS will work with the Program Advisor (PA) staff on the development of agreements according to the specifications and format designated by the PA. Upon signing of the grant/subcontract agreement by the COP or his designee, the GS will ensure effective implementation in conformity to DAI’s and USAID’s policies and procedures. During implementation, the GS will keep the PA informed and work under the guidance of the Partnership Fund Director to perform the assignments listed below. In addition, any other duty, as assigned by management, that is consistent with the overall focus of this position.

TASKS:

GRANT MANAGEMENT

Concept Paper and Proposal  Stage:

• Guide  applicants and project staff in formulating concept papers and proposals according to the EATIH guidelines;
• Responsible for all aspects of proposal documentation and applicant vetting per DAI’s and USAID’s regulations;
• Support the process of verifying grantee management capability;
• Review and propose grant implementation strategies and milestones;
• Analyze draft budgets submitted by grantees and propose changes, if needed.

Implementation of Grants:

• Track and ensure the implementation of the grant including logistics, procurement and payments;
• Ensure that TAMIS is updated regularly, documenting status, financial performance, indicators, and correspondence.
• Manage expenditures within the limitation of approved budgets and that the grantee submits timely financial reports including cost share;
• Monitor cash flow requirements on a weekly basis, providing estimates for disbursements sufficiently in advance; Chief of Party
• Work closely with finance and procurement and keep records of purchases and deliveries and inventory for grantees
• Submit all necessary requisitions in a timely manner, ensuring completeness and clarity; participate in bid analysis and selection process as necessary.
• Assist with delivery of, and payment for services, supplies, or equipment to grantee recipients;
• Monitor grantee performance and ensure the grant is compliant with USAID regulations and deliverables/milestones are being met by the grantee.
• Negotiate and implement modifications and addenda to grant agreements as required and authorized by
• Maintain all soft and hard copies of grant files (excluding finance documentation), including: MOUS; grants; Notes to File; official approvals, extensions, and other correspondence; milestones/deliverables and final reports.
• Ensure coordination on each grant with the relevant teams as necessary.
• Support the drafting of grant-related correspondence (letters of receipt, issue letters, rejection letters, close- out letters etc.).
• Write grant profiles and success stories for internal and external reports.

Closeout of Grants:

• Ensure all files are in order and grant file checklist is completed satisfactorily before submission to other functional Managers for final approval to close out.
• Ensure TAMIS and all electronic files required by USAID have been uploaded to the appropriate portal for viewing.
• Document lessons learned to be shared with the rest of the project.

SUBCONTRACT & INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT AGREEMENT (ICA) MANAGEMENT

• Assist in the drafting and review of scopes of work; ensuring alignment with the work plan and project’s goals.
• Submit all necessary requisitions in a timely manner, ensuring completeness and clarity.
• Work with Procurement/Logistics and Human Resources in the solicitation and/or recruitment processes.
• Assist in the drafting and review of purchase orders, subcontracts and ICAs as necessary.
• Monitor implementation of assigned subcontracts, in conjunction with the technical staff, ensuring that deadlines are met, deliverables submitted and approved, and that all payments are made on time.
• Report regularly, keeping technical and management staff apprised of progress and/or delays.
• Monitor cash flow requirements on a weekly basis, providing estimates for disbursements sufficiently in advance;
• Ensure TAMIS and all files are in order and checklists are completed satisfactorily.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• University degree in Political Science, International Relations, International Development, Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Project Management or appropriate field.

Work Experience:

• Five to seven years of progressively responsible professional experience are required.
• Three to five years of experience working on grants and sub contracts management with USAID is mandatory.
• Experience in program development, reporting; budgeting; networking highly sought.
• In addition, must be flexible, willing to perform assigned and additional duties and work irregular hours.
• Ability to travel within East Africa region and internationally as may be required.

Skills:

Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to manage a diverse range of professional relationships essential.

Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken English required.
• Knowledge of French or other languages, preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None.  There is significant communication and interaction with partners and field-based teams.

BASE OF OPERATIONS:

• Nairobi, Kenya with frequent travel to Eastern African Countries.

REPORTING:

• Directly to the Partnership Fund Director.

Interested applicants should apply via the linkhttps://daieatradehub.formstack.com/forms/grants_sub_contract_specialist_readvertisement  by February 3,

2016, 5.00pm East Africa Local time. Only candidates who send their information by applying through the link and by the deadline will be eligible. Visit http://www.eatradehub.org/dai_opportunities to view the scope of work and learn more about The Trade hub.

DAI is an equal opportunity employer.