Grants Officer, Maseru, Lesotho
The Strengthening High Impact Interventions for an AIDS-free Generation (AIDSFree) Project is a five-year cooperative agreement funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (2014-2019). AIDSFree is implemented by JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. with partners Abt Associates, Inc., Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, EnCompass LLC, IMA World Health, The International HIV/AIDS Alliance, Jhpiego Corporation, and PATH. AIDSFree supports and advances implementation of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief by providing capacity development and technical support to USAID missions, host-country governments, and HIV implementers at the local, regional, and national level.
AIDSFree is seeking an experienced Grants Officer to work closely with Grants Manager as well as with AIDSFree technical and financial staff to design, review and monitor various types of grants in accordance with USAID rules and regulations. The position will be based in Maseru, Lesotho.
Please note that citizenship of Lesotho or possession of a Lesotho work permit is required for this position.
AIDSFree is seeking an experienced Grants Officer to work closely with Grants Manager as well as with AIDSFree technical and financial staff to design, review and monitor various types of grants in accordance with USAID rules and regulations. The position will be based in Maseru, Lesotho.
Please note that citizenship of Lesotho or possession of a Lesotho work permit is required for this position.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of the Grants Manager, the Grants Officer will be responsible for the management of full grant cycle process, including, compliance, quality assurance, data validation, and reviewing grant budgets, and negotiating final terms and conditions for grants in compliance with JSI policies and the AIDSFree Cooperative Agreement. Specific responsibilities including but are not limited to the following:
Grants/Contracts Management
Overall Program Management
Grants/Contracts Management
- Work closely with the Grants Manager to establish and maintain grants management system
- Provide assistance in pre-award activities for Grant/Contract recipients including review of applications, budgets, pre-award questionnaires, supporting documents, etc. and/or assist in Grant/Contract negotiations with in-country counterparts.
- Reviewing financial reports and grantee expenditures for allowability, using financial software to track expenditures, and managing funds disbursement to grantees.
- Ensure compliance with applicable USAID regulations throughout the grant life cycle.
- Review Grantee/Contractor workplans, reports, and other deliverables to ensure that they meet Grant/Contract award requirements and work with Grantees/Contractors to improve reporting and performance as needed.
- Serving as point of contact and resource for all grantees within the portfolio.
- Assist in identifying issues in grants scopes of work and/or budgets necessitating award modifications throughout the life of the grant/contract awards, and draft necessary modifications, justifications, and other supporting materials.
- Maintain up to date file management system, ensure all the required documentation is saved physically and electronically.
- Participate in visits to sites, and the Grantee’s/Contractor’s premises and facilities to monitor progress, performance, and compliance with award terms.
- Develop and utilize other mechanisms and controls to monitor grantee/contractor performance and verify service completion and quality such as conducting spot checks and verifications in person and via phone/email.
- Conduct analysis of grantee/contractor performance and service data and records to inform Grants Manager and the program for possible revisions in future grant/contract cycles.
- Conduct detailed monitoring and analysis of grantee/contractor performance and update the Grants Manager and AIDSFree home office of progress, challenges, and any proposed changes in implementation or monitoring plans.
Overall Program Management
- Cultivate an excellent and collegial relationship with USAID, Grantees/Contractors, local governments, MOH, and other USG Implementing Partner staff.
- Compile data and inputs for quarterly performance reports, assist in monitoring indicators, and assist with the development of ad hoc reports.
- Ensure project funds are used strictly in accordance with AIDSFree, JSI, and USG/USAID rules, regulations, and policies.
- Support project start up and closeout activities.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree required,Master’s degree in Management, Finance, Public Health, International Development, or related field desirable.
- Minimum of 2-3 years’ experience in grants management and/or programming required.
- Minimum two years’ experience working on USG-funded projects, PEPFAR funding and reporting, and/or public health programs highly desirable.
- Demonstrated interest in and experience in organizational or individual capacity building and/or training.
- Experience with US Government-funded projects and acquisition and assistance rules and regulations.
- Demonstrated knowledge of granting procedures, from grant start-up, award management, to close out.
- Demonstrated competence to assess priorities and manage a variety of activities in a time-sensitive environment and meet deadlines with attention to detail and quality.
- Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to implement procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative and manage various activities in a team setting with minimal supervision.
- Experience developing contracts and managing an acquisition process to completion.
- Strong time management/task prioritization skills.
- Excellent oral and written English communication skills. Foreign language skills a plus.
- Computer literacy required (especially Excel, MSWord and Windows).
- Citizenship of Lesotho or in a possession of a work permit in Lesotho required.
