Grants Manager/deputy Programme Manager - Palestinian Youth Program

Summary and Background of the position ARK has recently been awarded, on behalf of DFID, a multi-year programme in Lebanon in support of Palestinian youth. This programme will improve their social and economic participation, as well as enhance the youth role in governance whilst reducing the likelihood of young Palestinians resorting to negative coping strategies. This is a continuation of previous projects which we have been delivering within the Palestinian Camps for several years. The grants department oversee the overall implementation of the PYP program in addition to ensuring that all the technical aspects of the programme are being met within ARK and the donor rules and regulations. The Grants Manager serves as the primary grant writer, manages funder relationships, engages in compliance reporting, and supports special project initiatives. The grants manager will assist in drafting and lead on the proper implementation of grant policies, procedures and templates to ensure rapid obligation of funds by grantees. The grants manager will support technical component activities, in addition to project management and monitoring. The grants manager will assess the financial and administrative capacity of the grantees, while guiding grantees in formulating their application per the PYP programme grants manuals procedure. The grants manager will train and coach the team and the grantees in enhancing their capacity. In addition to the Grants component, the Grants Manager will also serve as the Deputy Programme Manager and will be delegated specific tasks from the Programme Manager and will replace the Programme Manager during his/her absence. Main Responsibilities   Conduct pre-monitoring of sub-awards applicants to evaluate financial and administrative systems, as needed. Monitor all approved sub-grants and ensure timely financial and progress reporting is completed. Consult the Programme Manager and M&E Manager, as needed for enhanced monitoring and evaluation exercises according to best practices and compliance requirements. Lead in drafting sub-grant agreements and all sub-grant agreement modifications. Act as the focal point with ARK headquarters/Grants Committee for the review and approval of all such documents. Partner Budgets, Cash Projections and Spending; ensure timely and accurate payments are made to partners throughout life of the sub-grant(s). Liaise closely with partners in tracking spending and request regular budget versus actuals from partners. Liaise with Finance to relay up-to-date spending by partners and to ensure ongoing and accurate cash projections and spending is reported in the Sub-Grants Finance Tracker. Ensure timely internal review and clearance of all financial documentation and reporting associated with sub-grants. Lead grant proposal development/submission—preparing and organizing materials for proposals, and submitting and monitoring grant applications. Execute grant contracts/agreements Act as focal point for any tender process undertaken by the Sub-Grants Unit. Ensure proper documentation is maintained about the tender and draft and facilitate approval of any subsequent contracts and/or agreements with partners. Partner Compliance and due diligence: Following audits and subsequent discussions with the Project Manager and Sub Grant Officers recommend financial, administrative and program training activities for sub-recipients. Conduct periodic audits of sub-grants to ensure that grant implementation is compliant and that performance monitoring is conducted on regular basis and raise issues affecting external/internal compliance. Act as focal point for all compliance checks of partners and ensure accurate tracking of all such requests. Ensure project documents and financial records are maintained and readily available for internal/external audits and reviews. Ensure the highest levels of honesty, integrity, openness and transparency in administering grant award processes and procedures Draft compelling progress reports to funders that fully capture programmatic success Ensure that activities are being implemented per the workplan approved by ARK and the donor Conduct pre-award due diligence of current and potential partners and analyze organizational capacity to manage sub-grant funding and project implementation. Ensure proper documentation is maintained and shared internally Sub-Grants Tracking: Manage the Sub-Grants Tracker as necessary and ensure regular internal distribution of the Sub-Grants Tracker. Ensure regular maintenance of sub-grant files, both electronic and hard copy. Liaise with the Finance Department and headquarters to ensure complete and up-to-date documentation of all sub-grants and partner-related information. Update internal documentation and provide analysis of current and closed sub-grants. Support the Programme Manager in all aspects in the office and acting on his/her behalf when away Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor   Capacity Building Build capacity of Sub-Grants Unit staff in the management of sub-grants by facilitating training, and providing one-on-one follow-up support, in drafting agreements and modifications, proposal and budget review, tracking budget versus actuals and other topics. Develop and deliver trainings in areas needed for capacity building identified in partner and sub grantee organizational capacity assessments and any other reports or visits.   Essential Skills and Abilities Five or more years of grant management experience including budgeting and reporting A university degree in management, finance, audit or related field. Must be able to work independently and show initiative. Report writing, computer (MS Office), filing, and organizational skills. Good understanding of major international donor policies and procedures. Willingness to travel throughout the project sites in Palestinian Refugee camps and gatherings in Lebanon. Experience with monitoring and evaluation. Previous experience developing and implementing projects. Excellent oral and written Arabic and English skills. Strong command over written and verbal communication. Excellent project management skills with experience in managing and supervising administrative projects. Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills. Ability to work within a team and provide support to the junior staff. Ability to perform in cross-functional team approach and job responsibilities. Experience with in financial management skills including developing and monitoring budgets and financial reporting.budgets and financial reporting.