Grant Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS Afghanistan has been operational for over 20 years, focusing on delivering projects and services that enhance the lives of people in need across Afghanistan. The Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) acts as a mechanism for implementing a variety of projects designated by UNOPS. Their activities span several sectors, including humanitarian aid, basic human needs, cash for work initiatives, infrastructure development, procurement, and HR services. The primary goal of UNOPS AFCO is to improve the lives of all individuals in Afghanistan, ensuring efficient and cost-effective service delivery to support humanitarian responses and development efforts. UNOPS AFCO is committed to exceeding stakeholder expectations in all aspects of service delivery, regardless of the circumstances.

Job Overview:
The Grant Management Specialist will play a crucial role within the CRLP Office at AFCO, focusing on grant management, capacity assessment, capacity building, team management, and knowledge management. The Specialist will be responsible for overseeing the preparation and management of Calls for Proposals (CFP), ensuring compliance with UNOPS policies during the submission and evaluation of proposals. Daily administration of grant management activities will involve communication with implementing partners, conducting due diligence processes, and reviewing documentation and work plans. The Specialist will also track and review financial reports, manage payments, and monitor the implementation of partner activities. Additionally, the role includes capacity assessment and building, ensuring that implementing partners receive necessary training and support in financial management and organizational activities. The Specialist will lead a team, set objectives, and promote a collaborative work environment while continuously assessing team performance and effectiveness. Knowledge management will involve incorporating best practices and drafting Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to enhance program delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Grant Management Specialist will be tasked with a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Grant Management: Supervise and manage a team to deliver on grant management activities, including preparing and managing CFPs, conducting evaluations, and ensuring compliance with UNOPS policies. Communicate with implementing partners, coordinate due diligence processes, and review documentation. Prepare grant award requests and legal agreements, track financial reports, and monitor partner activities.
• Capacity Assessment and Building: Ensure the team contributes to the review and updating of capacity assessments, organize training for implementing partners, and provide guidance on compliance with financial management standards.
• Team Management: Establish team objectives, allocate resources, and promote teamwork. Continuously assess team performance and recommend changes to enhance effectiveness.
• Knowledge Management: Stay updated on best practices, draft SOPs, and lead capacity-building initiatives for personnel and stakeholders.
• Other Responsibilities: Foster relationships with implementing partners, manage information flows, and identify risks across all partners to maintain a programmatic overview.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in business administration, finance, development studies, international relations, project management, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree. A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in grant management is required, along with experience in project and financial management operations. Familiarity with the humanitarian, development, and peace nexus, as well as experience working with UN, donors, and NGOs, is essential. Experience in building and leading successful teams is an asset, and proficiency with G Suite is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as business administration, finance, development studies, international relations, or project management. In cases where a candidate holds a Bachelor's degree, they must have at least two additional years of relevant experience to be considered equivalent to a Master's degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in grant management. Candidates should have additional experience in project and financial management operations, preferably within public sector organizations or private sector companies. Experience with grant management operations and reporting is mandatory, and prior experience in Asia is considered an asset. Familiarity with the humanitarian, development, and peace nexus, as well as experience working with UN, donors, and NGOs, is essential. Experience in building and leading successful teams is also advantageous.

Languages:
Full working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile and ability to communicate effectively in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is an International Individual Contract Agreement (IICA), specifically at the I-IICA 2, ICS 10 level. The contract duration is ongoing and open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, valuing diverse perspectives and experiences. Candidates are encouraged to inform the human resources team if they require assistance during the assessment process. UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post if necessary. Additionally, personnel are required to complete mandatory courses before providing services to UNOPS, and all personnel must adhere to UN policies and demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Background checks are conducted on all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent on the results of these checks.