Grants Manager/Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Specialist

Job Description

Requisition ID: 2015-14916
# of Openings: 1
Job Locations: TZ-Dar Es Salaam
Posted Date: 10/29/2015
Category (Portal Searching): CROSS FAMILY
Required Clearance to Start: None Required

Background

The PROTECT Project is a five-year USAID-funded project implemented by International Resources Group (IRG) The objective of PROTECT is to address dynamics in Tanzania that threaten biodiversity conservation and inhibit private sector-led growth in the natural resource sector. PROTECT focuses on achieving these objectives by implementing activities in four specific areas: 1) policy, research, and advocacy; 2) institutional strengthening; 3) nature-based economic strengthening; and 4) combat wildlife poaching and trafficking.

Objective

The PROTECT project requires the services of a Grants Manager to manage and monitor grants process and procedures from inception to completion, and conduct or oversee procurement of goods for use in the Grants Program. PROTECT will also need the support of a Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Specialistwho can spearhead communications activities including project outreach, design and production of marketing materials, and ensuring compliance with USAID branding and marking requirements across all project activities and materials.

Specific Activities as the Grants Manager

Grants Management

• Manages and monitors grants process and procedures from inception to completion, and conducts or oversees procurement of goods for use in the Grants Program. Activities shall include, but are not limited to:
  1. Prepares Requests for Applications (RFAs).
  2. Solicits concept notes and proposals in line with PROTECT strategy and IRG/Engility and USAID rules and guidelines.
  3. Distributes applications to Grants Committee and serves as the lead in ensuring grant applications are reviewed in a timely manner and per established processes and procedures.
  4. Performs Pre-award Survey/Assessments and report results to Grants Committee.
  5. Drafts and compiles the grant and all grant supporting documentation for review and approval by Chief of Party (COP)/Home Office (HO)/USAID.
  6. Ensures grantees understand their award and serves as an administrative resource in their implementation of the award.
  7. Conducts scheduled and random grantee site visits as appropriate. Coordinates actively with M&E and technical units on monitoring implementation of grants.
  8. Processes grantee’s financial reports on Cost Reimbursable Grants, if issued.
  9. Coordinates approval of milestones/deliverables and grants payments.
  10. Drafts and/or reviews awards and modifications; submits to COP for approval.
  11. Works with the operations and technical team to ensure grantees receive in-kind goods or services as appropriate and in compliance with IRG/Engility and USAID established policies and procedures.
  12. Supervises grant fund administration and procedures under the grants program including the preparation of funding criteria, subcontracts, grant agreements, and other financial documents, and the monitoring of disbursements to grantees.

Monitoring and Assessments

• Coordinates the grantee monitoring processes, including conducting assessments and site visits, collecting and analyzing data, documenting results, and identifying and discussing implications.
• Proactively interpret and assess grantee gaps, provide assistance or coordinates technical assistance with appropriate technical staff as necessary to address issues.

Training

• Conducts internal training sessions on PROTECT grant process including the preparation of grant application, financial management and reporting requirements.
• Conducts mandatory training for all grantees regarding grant administration and technical reporting requirements.

Database Maintenance, Reporting and Information

• Maintains PROTECT Grants Program database and ensures that all hard copy and electronic records are complete and up to date. Maintains grant program funds financial tracking tools and submits to the COP and HO staff as directed. Maintains records of all grants issued and ensures all files are accurate, up to date, and complete in full compliance with USAID regulations and IRG/Engility standards.
• Reviews grant file documentation for completeness and accuracy prior to close out of the specific grant and submission to HO.
• Ensures all regular and ad hoc reports such as site visits are completed on time and accurately and communications with grantees are also documented and filed.

• Responds to informational requests from applicants and the public, as appropriate.
• Contributes to PROTECT’s monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports. \

Specific Activities as the Stakeholder Engagement & Communications Specialists

Responsible for assisting with project implementation and the achievement of project’s goals through the development of a Strategic Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Plan and strategies for the engagement of an array of stakeholders including the public sector, CSOs and NGOs and the private sector. Specific activities include, but are not limited to:

• Contribute to the development of the Annual Work Plan and the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (M&E Plan).
• Assist in managing and facilitating public outreach events (launch events, close-out events, campaigns, stakeholder consultation meetings, etc.) which are being funded, sponsored, or led by the PROTECT Project.

• Develop and implement PROTECT’s Strategic Communications & Stakeholder Engagement Plan; and orient the technical team on their role in project communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Work closely with home office and USAID staff on development communications for the project.
• Lead all communications/stakeholder engagement activities that directly contribute to the technical objectives of PROTECT. This may include but is not limited to’;
• Support project efforts to improve advocacy for natural resource issues especially WMAs and poaching/trafficking.
• Help disseminate enhanced enforcement regulations.
• Support the development of Government of Tanzania (GoT) and AAC interactive websites devoted to anti-poaching and CWT linking directly to IRG partners.
• Develop and disseminate key datasets and real time information.
• Develop communications materials, including project one-pagers, fact sheets, grants program materials, signage, business cards, etc. in accordance with PROTECT’s branding and marking plan and USAID Standard Graphics Manual.
• Develop at least three (3) success stories per year for inclusion in quarterly/final reports.
• Provide written contributions to PROTECT’s monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports.
• Develop materials and orient and train new staff on project communications.
• Identify key public events and campaigns that PROTECT should be made aware of and/or may participate in, in accordance with the technical objectives of our project.
• Manage a comprehensive list of technical and operational stakeholders. This list should include stakeholder name, contact info (telephone, email, address), as well as any key notes.
• Edit project documents for English grammar and syntax.
• Read and share important news or events relevant to the PROTECT Project – this may come from social media, newspapers, email list serves; etc. Ensure that updates are shared with the entire project team in a timely manner.
• Contribute to the promotion of a collaborative work environment and team spirit.
• Facilitate effective orientation of new technical staff.
• Complete any other duties/activities as directed by the COP in line with the Project’s objectives and the Employee’s abilities.

Reporting

The Grants Manager / Stakeholder Engagement & Communications Specialist reports to the Chief of Party.

MINIMUM TANGIBLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS/BA in a relevant subject area
• At least 7 years of experience on projects of similiar size and scope
• USAID experience required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Extensive experience on projects of a similiar size and scope

NOTE: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

About the Organization

International Resources Group (IRG) is an international professional services firm headquartered in Washington, DC. IRG focuses on providing practical solutions to complex, mission-critical problems for public and private sector clients worldwide. Since 1978, IRG has completed more than 600 contracts in 120 countries. IRG delivers high-quality, cost-effective services that promote positive economic growth and institutional and social change. IRG?s state-of-the-art services help governments, industry, institutions, and communities understand and better manage resource options and to capitalize on new resource-driven opportunities. This includes development of human, physical, environmental, and financial resources. Our professional staff includes world-renowned specialists who have pioneered analytical techniques employed in their fields. Our ability to provide management, economic, and technical advice is enhanced by the diversity, cross-cultural experience, foreign language skills, and management capabilities of these experts, working from 20 offices around the world.

Building on our 38-year legacy of success in international development, IRG, an Engility Company delivers innovative, breakthrough solutions in key development sectors- agriculture and food security, biodiversity conservation, climate change resiliency, disaster preparedness and stabilization, economic growth, energy, integrated learning solutions, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). IRG’s mission
reflects that of our primary client, USAID, to end extreme poverty, build more resilient communities while advancing security and prosperity. IRG has managed more than 850 international development contracts in 140 countries. IRG’s experience includes small, focused tasks and large, multi-county projects, including regional projects in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East. As USAID evolves, so does IRG, putting new information into practice, using technology and sound data to drive results, and infusing inventive thinking and diverse skill sets to find solutions. IRG benefits from a diverse set of sophisticated capabilities from our parent company, Engility, including community policing, justice sector reform, remote technology solutions for learning, data analytics for research, and systems design and integration, among others. Engility’s work with US Government clients including the FAA, USDA, NOAA, NASA, Department of State, Department of Justice, and many others.

International Resources Group (IRG), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Engility Corporation, is committed to delivering sustainable, innovative solutions to the developing world’s most complex problems. Building on IRG’s three-plus decade legacy of success and innovation, Engility delivers innovative, breakthrough solutions in key development sectors – Agriculture and Food Security, Energy, Environment and Water, Disaster Preparedness and Assistance, and Transition and Stability. Engility implements projects in its core focus areas through a cross-cutting application of solutions in Global Climate Change, Capacity Building and Learning, and Policy and Governance.

Through IRG, Engility has managed more than 850 contracts in international development in 140 countries since 1978. Engility’s experience includes small, focused tasks and large, multi-country projects, including complex regional projects in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Engility ensures that projects are implemented with superior technical competency and in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible. We partner with local governments, the private sector, communities, and civil societies to deliver scalable and sustainable impact across the development field. We offer high quality and cost-effective management capability, technical expertise, and more than 35 years of experience worldwide.

Engility Corporation is a leading provider of specialized technical services to the U.S. Government. International Resources Group (IRG), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Engility Corporation, is committed to delivering sustainable, innovative solutions to the developing world’s most complex problems. Building onIRG’s three-plus decade legacy of success and innovation, Engility delivers innovative, breakthrough solutions in key development sectors – Agriculture and Food Security, Energy, Environment and Water, Disaster Preparedness and Assistance, and Transition and Stability. Engility implements projects in its core focus areas through a cross-cutting application of solutions in Global Climate Change, Capacity Building and Learning, and Policy and Governance.

Through IRG, Engility has managed more than 850 contracts in international development in 140 countries since 1978. Engility’s experience includes small, focused tasks and large, multi-country projects, including complex regional projects in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Engility ensures that projects are implemented with superior technical competency and in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible. We partner with local governments, the private sector, communities, and civil societies to deliver scalable and sustainable impact across the development field. We offer high quality and cost-effective management capability, technical expertise, and more than 35 years of experience worldwide.