Junior Programs and Compliance Associate - Temporary

Job Description

I. Project Overview

Venture37 expects to be short-staffed in Contracts and Compliance and Program Management during the September 2020 to January 2021 time period while a staff member is on leave. A temporary consultant with USAID contracts and compliance experience and a solid understanding of USAID rules and regulations is needed in order to provide compliance and program management support and advice to a portfolio of projects during this time. The Temporary Compliance and Program Management Resource will be in regular contact with the field-based and HQ-based project staff through email and Microsoft Teams with project field teams and HQ-based project management staff, and will provide expertise and advice on compliance and regulatory issues on day to day matters that arise in managing the awards in projects within their portfolio while noting key issues in order to brief the permanent C&C support person on this portfolio upon their return to the office. The Temporary Compliance and Program Management Resource will also learn to use and properly maintain the awards management database, Cobblestone, and to generate contracts and subawards from this system and route them signature.

II. Place of Performance

US-based, remote.

III. Required Work Tools

All work tools are to be provided by the consultant. This includes an adequate workspace, a high functioning computer with a clear built-in microphone or quality external microphone/speaker, and a reliable, fast, and consistent internet connection. As a remote position frequent communication with international colleagues and funders will be required.

IV. Key Activities

• Learn and master in a short time to use Venture37’s award management system to search, retain key funder communications and other critical audit documents, and draft and execute contracts
• Review relevant awards in temporary portfolio, becoming quickly familiar with key compliance requirements on each project, with brief handover and training from current Grants and Procurement Manager
• Participate in project check-ins for all projects in portfolio, advising and troubleshooting compliance issues as they arise
• Draft funder communications on compliance issues, and participate in meetings with funders if necessary

V. Deliverables

• Initial one-hour meeting with Assignment Manager to review scope of work and expectations
• Meet for one hour on each project (four hours total) to get up to speed on regulatory requirements and current pending items on each project
• Complete Cobblestone introductory and in-depth trainings, carry out example tasks in Cobblestone – total three hours of training
• Join C&C team meeting for 30 minutes each week to review updates and progress on project portfolio
• Meet with project management team and/or field team for projects in portfolio for 1-2 hours on a bi-weekly basis
• Handover notes for Grants and Procurement Manager detailing all pertinent updates and action items. Meet w/Grants and Procurement Manager to review notes and answer follow up questions upon their return.

VI. Requirements

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree with at least three years of experience in donor funded international development work, including experience with or exposure to contracts & compliance
• Demonstrated experience prioritizing and executing work tasks in a fast-paced work environment
• Proficiency in MS Word and basic skills with Zoom, Skype or other web-based communication platforms
• Ability to work independently
• Ability quickly adapt and get up to speed with new operating systems, procedures, and projects to begin executing complex compliance tasks in a short time frame
• Knowledge of financing mechanisms - contracts and grants and their relevant terms and conditions
• Excellent communication skills and ability to connect and establish relationships with US-based and international team members through web-based communication platforms. Must have access to high-functioning computer and fast and reliable internet connection.
• Diplomacy skills and ability to establish and maintain interpersonal and professional relationships
• Proficiency in writing and editing letters, reports and documents

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Prior experience with USAID, USDA or international development programming and practices
• Experience managing grants
• Advanced knowledge of USAID rules and regulations, including 2 CFR 200
• Experience working on an automated grants management system
• Experience working with non-USG donors
• Basic financial analysis skills

About the Organization

Land O’Lakes Venture37 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to helping communities around the world build economies by strengthening local agriculture, helping agribusinesses create jobs and linking farmers to markets. Since 1981, it has implemented over 315 integrated dairy, livestock and crops development programs in nearly 80 countries — creating lasting impact by linking farmers, businesses, and the public and private sector in local and global contexts. Land O’Lakes Venture37’s long-standing affiliation with Land O’Lakes, Inc. sets it apart. Land O’Lakes, Inc. is one of America’s largest farmer-owned cooperatives. It supports Land O’Lakes Venture37 project implementation with nearly 100 years of expertise in dairy, animal nutrition, crop inputs and agricultural insights and technologies. This gives Land O’Lakes Venture37 development projects a unique global view of agriculture, food and the power of well-functioning market systems. Land O’Lakes, Inc. supports these efforts as part of its enterprise purpose of Feeding Human Progress at home and around the world.