Grants Specialist at RTI International: (Deadline 10 November 2023)

Grants Specialist at RTI International: (Deadline 10 November 2023)

USAID Rwanda Feed the Future Hanga Akazi Activity

1. Organization Overview 

Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has over 30 years’ experience assisting governments, communities, and the private sector. RTI’s Sustainable Growth & Resilience (SG&R) technical unit within the International Development Group (IDG) brings together RTI experts and capabilities across food security, agriculture, energy, environment, water, governance, and economic opportunity. SG&R will leverage RTI’s experience designing and delivering multisectoral programming and technical solutions to respond to climate change, build resilience, and promote economic growth around the world. Within SG&R, the Global Food Security and Agriculture team is working to strengthen agricultural markets, engage youth and women as critical leaders of the on- and off-farm workforce, and tackle the dual burden of malnutrition around the globe.

2. Project Description

The purpose of the Feed the Future Rwanda Hanga Akazi (HA) Activity is to address the problem of insufficient employment opportunities and limited entrepreneurial success for Rwandans. HA will facilitate capacity development for Rwandans – particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities – in key technical and soft skills required to participate in a modern workforce and will catalyse new entry and growth of inclusive enterprises. 

3. Position Description

RTI is hiring a Grants Specialist on the Feed the Future Rwanda Hanga Akazi Activity. The Grants Specialist is responsible for providing support for all grants and financial aspects of the project. This position requires strong demonstrated experience in the areas of Finance and Grants management, as well as a strong knowledge of USG grant rules and regulations, funding mechanisms, and requirements. In addition to technical management and monitoring role, the incumbent will ensure that Grantee program and operations staff improve their understanding of different grant mechanisms and build their capacity to adhere to donor and RTI regulations related to reporting, human resources, asset management, and procurement.

4. Responsibilities of the Grants Specialist include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as a first point of contact on grant management and compliance issues with the local Grantees.
• Guide the review of any new granting mechanisms to ensure adherence to donor requirements related to eligibility for the local grantees, budget presentation, acceptability of cost allocation and other requirements.
• Support in the review process of the technical and financial proposals from applicants and grantees for accuracy and adherence to the scope of work and budget, draft technical review reports and maintain the review excel sheet tracker.
• Support timely agreement development/review/approval, ensuring adherence to both internal RTI and donor requirements.
• Maintain the online and hard copies grants files up to date. Keep a tracking system/grant tracker updated and accurate.
• Review, communicate and monitor compliance with donor requirements related to staffing, purchasing, and asset management and reporting.
• Support for the procurement on in-kind goods and services to be granted to project beneficiaries, obtaining technical input on specifications, costs and quality. Ensure the timely and documented delivery of any in-kind goods or services to beneficiaries.
• In collaboration with Grants Manager, review grantee performance (milestone deliverables and budget) and ensure compliance with award terms and conditions.
• In close collaboration with grantees and project technical teams, collect progress reports on the implementation of activities.
• Review payments to Grantees against approved milestones and maintain a tracker up to date.
• Resolve grant compliance issues that arise by arranging for technical support from the RTI Grant and Compliance team.
• Participate in monitoring timely local grants closure – engaging both finance and program staff well in advance of closure deadlines and advising on issues related to staffing, disposition and reporting. Perform on-going monitoring and assessment of partner capacity to accurately record and post all transactions.
• Ensure adequate response and monitoring to implement recommendations of all financial audits and partner capacity assessments
• Monitor the budgets and expenses at least on a monthly basis and ensure that the commitments to local partners do not exceed approved budget.
• Through formal training, on the job support and monitoring, build the capacity of local partners and staff in grants/contract compliance.
• Support local partners in attaining financial sustainability, developing and implementing training modules and ensuring checks and balances.
• Support the leadership of local partner organizations to maintain high operating standards and ensure accountability.
• Actively participate in program meetings as appropriate to effectively plan and collectively
• Perform any other tasks as requested by the supervisor.

5. Desired Qualifications, Skills and Competencies: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration and three (3) years related field experience is required, or
• Master’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration and one (1) year related field experience is required.
• At least two years’ experience working with international NGOs, 1 of which should be in USG Grant, Finance and compliance and in management positions.
• Working knowledge of USAID grants management and procurement procedures, rules and regulations.
• Experience working with agree business private sector companies, training institutions and local communities.
• Excellent communication skills in English, problem-solving, coaching, facilitation, teamwork and leadership skills
• Solid computer skills in Word and Excel and experience with financial and other software (spreadsheets, accounting packages).
• Ability to set priorities and manage time effectively.
• Demonstrated ability in building capacity and providing training and technical assistance
• Self-guided, strong organizational and planning skills
• Ability to work independently and under pressure

Application process

Please follow the link provided here https://careers.rti.org/jobs/11100?lang=en-us   or visit https://www.rti.org/careers page for more information about the opportunities. The application deadline is November 10, 2023.

We regret that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

*No applicant will ever be asked for any payment either to secure a role with RTI International or as a follow-up to having been awarded a position with RTI International. If anyone ever approaches you asking for any such payment, please immediately email [email protected] 

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