Tetra Tech ARD, is currently accepting expressions of interest from qualified candidates for the active Protecting Ecosystems and Restoring Forests in Malawi (PERFORM) program. This multi-year program is promoting rural livelihood development and forest conservation across Malawi, and is focusing on the development of demonstration projects to further REDD readiness and conserve biodiversity. The Grants Officer (GO) will work as an integral member of the PERFORM Project team, operating out of its Lilongwe Office. Under the overall supervision of the COP, the Grants Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the PERFORM grants program. The GO will be responsible for ensuring that the grants program strategically contributes to the overall goals, implementation, and results of the PERFORM Project. This position is full time and will be based in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Roles & Responsibilities
The main tasks of the Grants Officer will include, but are not limited to the following:
- Work with Chief of Party and Tetra Tech ARD Home Office Grants Management Team to finalize and institutionalize the official Grants Management Plan, which defines grants management procedures, policies, and systems.
- Coordinate the PERFORM Project's grants program public announcement strategy.
- Liaise with the tech staff to develop the Annual Program Statement (APS) and/or Request for Application (RFA) packages for implementation.
- Post/disseminate RFA packets
- Manage the question and answers, collection, recording and cataloging of received grant applications
- Provide guidance and training to grantees as needed during all phases of the grants program.
- Facilitate grant application review, selection, and notifications to selected grantees.
- Perform pre-award surveys of potential grantees to assess financial, program, and organizational capabilities to receive USAID funds.
- Prepare and submit final grant packages for USAID approval.
- Distribute grant complete application packages to the Selection Committee members
- Prepare the final grant agreements (and associated documentation)
- In close coordination with the tech staff, facilitate grant agreement signing, work plan development, and fund requests.
- Establish and maintain grants information management system
- Serve as the main point of contact with the grantees and provide guidance in the overall management of each grant project, including compliance information, report writing, procurement issues, and risk management.
- Reconcile financial reports to determine and provide payments and disbursements.
- Receive periodic progress and financial reports from the grantees and distribute for review and facilitate fund disbursements based on satisfactory performance and financial accountability.
- Maintain regular communication with the tech staff, including monitoring and evaluation staff to coordinate grantee report reviews, monitoring the progress of activities under the terms and conditions of each grant, and site visits along with follow-up actions.
- Working with the M&E Specialist, document grantee monitoring data into PERFORM's overall performance monitoring reports.
- Close-out all grants as according to the procedures detailed in the approved Grants Management Plan, and reconcile all final deliverables and payments.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- At least seven (7) years of professional experience in project management, international donor activities
- Prior experience managing grants programs (preferably for USAID-funded projects)
- Prior administrative experience, with demonstrated excellence in data management and record-keeping.
- Prior financial and internal controls systems management experience
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Willing to travel to project sites
- Fluency in English and Chichewa required, both written and verbal.
To be considered, applicants must submit the following as part of this on-line application process:
- A letter of application explaining individual qualifications for this opportunity
- A current CV in reverse chronological format
- A list of at least 4 professional references including name, contact information, and statement of relationship to the reference
Applications that do not meet the minimum requirements listed above will not be considered. No phone calls will be accepted.
Tetra Tech is committed to diversity and gender equality in all of its operations—in the US and overseas. We strive to reflect these goals in our global mission and in our workforce. We encourage applications from women and underrepresented ethnic, racial and cultural groups. Tetra Tech ARD is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
