Grants Manager

  BACKGROUND The Lebanon Industry Value Chain Development (LIVCD) is a five-year program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented under the leadership of Development Alternatives, Inc. (DAI).  LIVCD Project aims to increase the competitiveness of selected value chains, expand the number of Micro and Small and Medium Enterprises that can compete in selected markets, improve linkages between those firms and other actors throughout the value chain, increase the gross value of products and services in local and export markets, and expand exports.   OBJECTIVES (SCOPE) The Grants Manager will devise and assist in the design, development and implementation and program monitoring and evaluation of grant-making authority and grants management policies, procedures, and practices.   Specific Tasks Along with the Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party and the Technical Team, develop the grants program criteria, i.e. level of assistance per size and type of enterprise or institution, grant limits, matching funds, reporting requirements, etc. for USAID approval;  Assist in the formation of a grants committee; Establish a Grants Monitoring and Evaluation program; Analyze and evaluate grant applications, proposals and awards, and oversee the grantee selection process to ensure that standards are upheld as outlined in the LIVCD grants and procurement manuals; Work with Technical Managers to coordinate the identification and selection process of eligible grantees; Negotiate final grant terms and budget with grantees; Reviewing and analyze budget estimates for allowability, allocability, reasonableness and consistency Oversee implementation of grants to ensure quality; Provide procedure and policy guidance and interpretation for LIVCD grant assistants as well as grantees to ensure adherence to grant management policies; Provide post-award management in accordance with USAID directives and policies, including relevant regulations, reporting, audits, etc. Develop capacity of local firms and organizations to create business plans that meet USAID regulations; Collaborate fully with grantees to ensure smooth and transparent information exchange and teamwork at all levels; Monitor, to the degree possible, grant recipients to ensure compliance with USAID grants administrative requirements, including site visits for internal audits. Oversee grant closure and disposition plans. Oversee the implementation of all aspects of the grants programs, inclusive of  disbursement and monitoring/evaluation of activities and results; Work with the COP and Technical Staff to ensure adherence to and collection of indicators provided in the LIVCD work plan and PMEP. Carries out other duties that are consistent with overall focus of the assignment as assigned by the Deputy Chief of Party or his/her designee.   Supervision The Grants Manager will work under the direction and will report to the Deputy Chief of Party. Requirements: At least 3-5 years relevant work experience in grants systems on USAID-funded programs; demonstrated understanding of USAID rules and regulations.   Basic Qualifications Required: Bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s degree in related field is preferred. Exceptional interpersonal and communications skills in English and Arabic.  Experience working with international donors; USAID experience preferred for some operational and administrative positions. Ability to work collaboratively within a team and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced   environment.