Grants Manager

Background:

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research and technology — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

 FHI 360 seeks qualified national candidates only to serve as the Grants Manager for the Lebanon Civic Action Accelerator Program (LEB-CAAP), a five-year civil society strengthening program funded by USAID and implemented by FHI 360. The project will support a broad swath of civil society actors, building on prior civil society assistance accomplishments. Planned assistance interventions under this activity will increase the role of beneficiaries in shaping public policy (related to governance, human rights, marginalized popultations, and others); improve service provision; enhance the technical and administrative capacities of beneficiary organizations; and advance strategic collective action to advance rights and impact public policy. 

Job Responsibilities: 

The Grants Manager will report to the Deputy Chief of Party and will be responsible for overall subaward management and compliance, coordinating with the Technical and MEL teams on grant design and subawardee performance monitoring as well as with the Finance team on grant spending. S/he will be the primary point person for the entire grant process, including managing subaward cycles from pre-award to close-out including solicitation processes, evaluation committees, negotiation, preparation of sub-award packages, execution, monitoring, overall subaward management, administration and close-out in line with USAID and FHI 360 requirements. Other responsibilities include: 

• Contribute to design of solicitations (Requests for Applications / Annual Program Statements) and accompanying application materials
• Prepare solicitation competition package for internal approvals and USAID concurrence
• Organize all aspects of the competition, including dissemination, questions and answers process, solicitation workshops, processing of applications, coordinating and facilitating evaluation committee reviews, documenting selection process, informing applicants of their status, application tracking, etc.
• Liaise with shortlisted applicants and technical/ MEL teams on final project design and budget
• Conduct negotiations on final project design and budget, performance monitoring plans, quarterly reporting requirements in conjunction with grant accountant, MEL and technical teams
• Conduct necessary pre-award due diligence for each potential grantee per USAID and FHI 360 requirements. 
• Ensure subawards include pre-award financial risk assessment conditions, documentation requirements, and environmental compliance requirements, as needed.
• Identify risks and recommend plan for mitigation including justification of working at risk. 
• Draft negotiation memo, outlining the grant negotiation process, detailed budget and cost analysis, and prepare grant package for review and approval.
• Prepare and finalize dually signed grant agreement and conduct orientation sessions with grantees to review contractual obligations
• Monitor subaward compliance, coordinating with technical and MEL teams on grantee project performance and with Grants Accountant on financial reporting and compliance, alerting senior management on any concerns and recommend alternative approaches to overcome any negative impact; 
• Coordinate with the technical team on grantee reporting and finance team on grantee reimbursements, payments, obligation tracking, etc.
• Prepare modification requests as prepared by the grant accountant in conjunction with the technical team (i.e., no-cost extensions; revisions in scope or deliverables; obligation increases or de-obligations); 
• Maintain grant filing in coordination with technical and MEL teams and grants accountant
• Manage all aspects of grant close-out and required documentation, including compliance with special award conditions and deliverables
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with counterparts (internal and external); 
• Respond to audit matters (internal and external); 
• Advise executive leadership and general staff on critical contractual issues and indications of high risk based on established expert knowledge of organizational policy, donor regulations, and specific award terms and conditions 
• Closely engage in managing disputes, business-sensitive transactions, and delicate customer relationships to preserve the reputation and good standing of the organization; 
• Contribute to the development and delivery of specialized training to staff on policy, regulations, and best practices in subaward administration; 
• Conduct periodic reviews of the subaward portfolio with the senior management;

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or International Equivalent in Business Administration or related field
• Requires at least 4 years in managing USAID grants and contractual compliance, either within a USAID implementer or as a grant manager of USAID funds with a local organization
• Proven experience in designing subaward solicitations and managing grant cycles
• Track record in directly negotiating a variety of grant award types, including fixed amount awards, cost reimbursable agreements, and in-kind grants;
• Strong coordination skills and ability to bring together diverse groups together and facilitate consensus and agreement on project parameters
• Thorough understanding of in USAID acquisition and assistance processes.
• Strong ability to multitask and thrive in a high-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented and task-driven.
• Prior supervisory or mentor experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of contracting concepts and principles.
• Fluent written and verbal communication in Arabic and English required.

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time. 

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself. We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefit package. 

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer  and we are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable law. 

FHI 360 welcomes diversity among its staff and encourages members of any marginalized or underrepresented group to apply for any position for which they believe they are qualified.

Qualified candidates from outside Beirut are especially encouraged to apply.