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Grants/GESI Director

JOB SUMMARY

Company DAI
Industry International...
Category Finance
Location Accra
Job Status Full-time
Salary N/A
Education Bachelor̵...
Experience 11 years
Job Expires Dec 17, 2024
Contact ...
 

Company Profile

DAI is an employee-owned global development company. For 40 years, we have worked on the frontlines of international development, tackling fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governments, and instability. Currently, DAI is delivering results that matter in some 60 countries. Our integrated development solutions turn ideas into impact by bringing together fresh combinations of expertise and innovation across multiple disciplines—crisis mitigation and stability operations, democratic governance and public sector management, agriculture and agribusiness, private sector development and financial services, economics and trade, HIV/AIDS and disease control, water and natural resources management, and energy and climate change. Our clients include international development agencies, international lending institutions, private corporations and philanthropies, and national governments.

Job Description

Strengthening Regional Peace and Stability in West Africa Program
Grants/ GESI Director

POSITION Grants/GESI Director
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE  2024 – life of project 
MAXIMUM LEVEL OF EFFORT LTTA
BASE OF OPERATIONS  Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Niger, Togo, Benin,  Guinea, or Burkina Faso
POSITION REPORTS TO Deputy Chief of Party – Operations
 
Project Background
The Strengthening Regional Peace and Stability (SRPS) in West Africa Program is a five-year, USAID-funded program implemented by DAI. The program supports the efforts of West Africans to address the risks of instability from democratic backsliding and from conflict, and prioritizes targeted governance, conflict and violence prevention, peacebuilding, and preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE) interventions across the region. The program will engage with regional partners and with governments that demonstrate commitment to power-sharing and resource redistribution, both of which are crucial for reducing exclusion, violence, and conflict. Program interventions will address causes of fragility, and focus on good governance approaches, conflict prevention and response, and P/CVE interventions across select target countries in the Sahel and coastal West Africa.

Position Description
The Grants/GESI Director will oversee the daily strategic design, management, and execution of a large grants portfolio across SRPS project countries while ensuring that gender, youth, and social inclusion (GESI) considerations are embedded throughout all program activities. S/he will also ensure proper negotiation of the terms and conditions for grants; and view and analyze budget estimates for allowability, allocability, reasonableness and consistency, while also ensuring compliance with USAID regulations, DAI policy, and the SRPS Grants Manual. The Director will collaborate with technical, financial, and monitoring teams to design grants that advance program objectives, maximize impact, and promote the inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups. Additionally, the role involves pioneering innovative grant-making practices and ensuring grantees are equipped to implement projects effectively while upholding GESI best practices.
The Grants/ GESI Director will oversee a team that includes Senior Grants Specialist, Grants Manager, and Field office Grants Officers.

Tasks & Responsibilities
The following comprise main responsibilities of the Grants/GESI Director:
 
I. Grants Design & GESI Integration:
  • Lead the design and implementation of the Grants Under Contract (GUC), ensuring alignment with project objectives and USAID’s GESI priorities.
  • Collaborate with technical and partnership teams to develop grant activities that promote inclusive development and address the needs of marginalized communities.
  • Innovate and pilot grant-making approaches to engage diverse sectors and beneficiaries, focusing on improving access for women-owned, youth-led, and minority organizations.
II. Grant Application, Review & Award:
  • Oversee the entire grants lifecycle, from issuing Notifications of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) and Requests for Applications (RFAs) to selection and award.
  • Ensure transparent and equitable processes with GESI-sensitive selection criteria.
  • Lead the evaluation of grant proposals, ensuring compliance with financial and technical requirements and consistent application of GESI criteria.
  • Negotiate grant terms and budgets, aligning technical deliverables and financial aspects with USAID regulations, SRPS objectives, and GESI priorities.
III. Capacity Building & Risk Mitigation:
  • Provide technical assistance and capacity building to grantees, especially those from underrepresented groups, enhancing their ability to manage grants and implement projects successfully.
  • Develop and implement risk management strategies to mitigate financial, operational, and reputational risks, ensuring compliance with USAID and internal grant policies.
IV. Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting:
  • Collaborate with the MEL Director to integrate robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks within grant activities, tracking both financial performance and GESI-related impacts.
  • Ensure inclusion of GESI-specific indicators to measure contributions to gender equality, youth empowerment, and social inclusion.
  • Provide accurate and timely financial and progress reports on the Grants portfolio to senior management and USAID.
V. System Management & Compliance:
  • Oversee the use of the grants management system (GM+) to ensure accurate tracking, reporting, and auditing of all grant activities.
  • Conduct regular audits of grant files and processes to ensure compliance with USAID and GESI-related standards.
  • Continuously improve grants management processes and tools to enhance efficiency, compliance, and impact, maintaining a strong focus on GESI.
VI. Leadership & Collaboration:
  • Lead and mentor the Grants team, ensuring they have the necessary tools, knowledge, and support to manage the portfolio effectively.
  • Serve as the primary liaison with USAID and other stakeholders on grants matters, ensuring transparent communication and issue resolution.
  • Collaborate with Communications and Environmental Compliance teams to align grant activities with environmental safeguards and GESI principles.

Required Skills or Experience

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in relevant fields such as international development, business, social studies, or gender studies.
  • Minimum of 11 years in grants management for USG-funded programs, with  expertise in GESI integration demonstrating a strong understanding of gender and social inclusion in development contexts.
  • Proven track record in grants process management, financial oversight.
  • Proficient in managing the full grants lifecycle for large, USG-funded programs, ensuring compliance and effective implementation.
  • Strong abilities in budgeting, financial analysis, and cost control to maintain grant financial integrity and mitigate risks.
  • Expertise in integrating gender, youth, and social inclusion into grant design, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring equitable outcomes.
  • Skilled in developing and utilizing M&E frameworks and GESI-specific indicators to assess grant impact and inform decision-making.
  • Effective in leading and mentoring cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills for building and maintaining relationships with USAID, partners, and other stakeholders.
  • Ability to streamline grants management processes and implement innovative strategies to enhance efficiency and impact.
  • Competent in producing clear, accurate reports and documentation for donors and internal stakeholders.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively in multicultural settings and engage with diverse populations.
  • Bilingual fluency in French and English is mandatory, enabling effective communication in bilingual contexts across Africa.
Reporting
The Grants/GESI Director will report to the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) – Operations and work closely with technical teams, the MEL Director, and external stakeholders to ensure effective management of the Grants portfolio with a strong emphasis on social inclusion and gender equity.

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