Grants Officer (finance)

About the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES): IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for everyone. As the global leader in the promotion and protection of democracy, our technical assistance and applied research develops trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies.

Position description 

IFES seeks a part-time Grants Officer (finance), based in Dakar, to support a USAID-funded program that supports elections in Senegal. The Grants Officer will work with and under the supervision of the Country Director and the Senior Finance and Operations Officer to support program implementation and data collection and storage for successful monitoring and evaluation of the program’s subawards and the subsequent activity implementation. The Grants Officer will also support project reporting and other USAID deliverables.

This position is a part-time local national employment opportunity and is open only to Senegalese nationals. This position is contingent on funding.

Primary function / purpose

The Grants Officer will provide technical input into the design, implementation, and monitoring of project activities for IFES Senegal’s subawards.

Major duties and responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the Country Director and the Senior Finance and Operation officer, the Grants Officer will:
• Serve as the administrative lead in managing all subgrantees’ project implementation and reporting;
• Monitor the quality and timeliness of subgrantee reporting and submission of project deliverables, in line with IFES and donor requirements;
• Provide input on the design and execution of program subaward activities;
• Prepare and submit performance reports on weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis and report regularly on progress to the Country Director and Project Manager;
• Effectively communicate grants management standards and donor requirements to the grantees.
• Provide guidance and technical assistance to implementing partners to bridge administrative capacity gaps;
• Work with the Senior Finance and Operations Officer to ensure the quality of receipt collection and that subgrantees have adequate tools to effectively collect and report on project finance;
• As needed, collaborate in the monitoring of operational/work plans of the grantee organizations;
• As needed, manage the evaluation, selection and contracting of new and/or incoming subgrantees, including, but not limited to:
• Prepare/review grants agreement documents in accordance with the relevant organizational standards and requirements; and
• Assist in review of grant applications and proposals, technical and financial, for completeness and compliance with program and donor requirements.
• Assess administrative capacities of the grantee organizations through document review and on-site visits.
• Ensure that detailed records of program activities are filed on Sharepoint;
• Support development of IFES materials for IFES visitors and onboarding of new staff;
• Travel outside of Dakar for project activities, as required; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in political science, international relations, or related field required; and Master’s Degree preferred;
• At least two (2) years of experience working with subawards or subgrantees;
• Experience with USAID-funded programs preferred;
• Demonstrated experience supporting project monitoring, evaluation, and learning preferred;
• Demonstrated knowledge or interest in conflict mitigation, peacebuilding, voter and civic education, or gender and inclusion;
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and organizational skills;
• Ability to show initiative, good judgment, and resourcefulness;
• Ability to remain highly organized while handling multiple tasks under tight deadlines;
• Proficiency in MS Word, Power Point, Outlook, Excel, and video conferencing platforms.

Language skills:  Fluency in written and spoken English and French required.

Travel:  Travel outside Dakar may be required.

Physical requirements/work environment: Standard office work environment.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Please, send your resume at senegal@ifes.org