Oti Lebanon Grant Specialist

The Lebanon Civic Support Initiative (LCSI) project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through a contract with Chemonics International.  The project provides cash and in-kind grants to a variety of institutions in Lebanon, including international and Lebanese non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community based organizations, or informal groups, to implement project activities.   F. Specific Duties and Responsibilities   Responsibilities of the grants specialist will include but are not limited to:   Analyze and evaluate grant applications, proposals and grant agreement/award documents to ensure adherence to established grants management policies Ensure proper negotiation of the terms and conditions for sub-grants (both cash and in-kind) and review and analyze budget estimates (for cash or in-kind grants) for allocability, reasonableness, and consistency. Ensure the proper preparation and execution of grant documents and grant disbursements consistent and compliant with USAID and Chemonics requirements, procedures and best practices (Documentation required will include items such as negotiation memos, grant activity forms, branding and marking plans, etc.) Provide policy guidance and interpretation for other project staff involved in grant making and grants management as well as to grantees In coordination with the finance and procurement specialists, assess grantees’ capabilities related to activity implementation and advise on how to enhance them In coordination with the finance and procurement specialists, analyze, assess, and assist with budgetary and financial aspects of grant proposals, recipient financial management capacities and planning for implementation/procurement, and cash disbursement needs for grants implementation throughout the life of the project Work with other team members to ensure adequate cash flow for grant activities throughout their implementation Sere as an effective liaison between project staff and grant recipients Provide project grant recipients with technical advice and assistance in areas such as financial management, and financial sustainability, procurement requirements and implementation planning   G.        Job Qualifications   Bachelor’s degree At least three years relevant experience in the management and administration of grants and/or working with donor-funded projects, including activity management, financial management, procurement, and/or sub-contracting  Demonstrated experience in activity management focused on ensuring that procurement, finance, logistics, and programmatic aspects are being implemented on-time and in accordance with the specifications of the approved activity Familiarity with USAID Contract Management and Grants Management policies and procedures is desirable, but experience with other donor-funded projects will be accepted Demonstrated experience in assessing recipient organizations’ grant-worthiness, as well as their financial, administrative and program planning capacities Strong management and administrative skills, preferably with respect to managing cash and in-kind grants Good analytical ability and knowledge of community-based organizations and an up-to-date understanding and knowledge of political and social conditions in Lebanon Field experience with NGOs preferably in Lebanon, and experience in, monitoring and evaluating field projects Ability/willingness to travel throughout the country on a regular basis