Project Specialist (Grants)

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing research, resources, and relationships to ensure that individuals everywhere can access the opportunities necessary for leading full and healthy lives. Established with a mission to improve lives in lasting ways, FHI 360 employs over 2,000 experts who work across more than 50 countries globally, focusing on various health and development challenges.

Job Overview:
The Project Specialist (Grants) is integral to the successful execution of the Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project, particularly in managing relationships with subaward partners, ensuring compliance with donor regulations, and monitoring performance. This role involves coordinating activities among implementing partners, tracking progress against deliverables, and ensuring that all project activities align with donor requirements and organizational policies. The Project Specialist will facilitate communication, maintain proper documentation, and address any implementation challenges that arise. This position requires collaboration with technical, operations, and finance teams to ensure that project activities are executed in a compliant, timely, and results-driven manner. The Project Specialist will also provide programmatic, administrative, and technical assistance to grantees, ensuring that they adhere to donor rules and regulations throughout the grant implementation process.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Subaward Partner Management: Act as the primary contact for subaward partners, coordinating pre-award activities such as reviewing proposals, providing feedback, and supporting grantees in refining project designs. Conduct pre-award assessments, prepare negotiation memos, and finalize grant agreements. Post-award, ensure that grantees implement activities according to agreements, monitor progress through site visits, and validate partner deliverables.
• Project Implementation Support: Assist in developing and monitoring implementation plans, coordinating project activities, and tracking field implementation progress. Contribute to the creation of technical inputs and maintain organized documentation of project activities.
• Monitoring, Reporting, and Compliance: Collect and verify data from subaward partners to support monitoring and evaluation requirements, ensuring compliance with USAID reporting expectations. Prepare regular updates and support audit preparations.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Build and maintain relationships with subaward partners and other stakeholders, facilitating communication and information sharing.
• Administrative and Operational Support: Ensure timely documentation for partner engagements and support risk identification and mitigation related to implementation and partner management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess intermediate knowledge of donor rules and regulations, particularly those related to USG and non-USG funding mechanisms. Proficiency in award and contract portfolio management systems is essential, along with a solid understanding of project management processes and compliance requirements. Proven negotiation skills, sub-award management experience, and the ability to analyze reports and budgets are critical. Strong oral communication, business writing skills, and organizational abilities are necessary, as well as adaptability to fast-paced environments and diverse cultural settings.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business management, public administration, international development, project management, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for effective project management and compliance with donor regulations.

Experience:
At least 5 years of progressive experience in project management, finance, operational management, or subaward management is required. Experience in a contracting environment, particularly within development programs, NGOs, or donor-funded projects, is highly desirable. Familiarity with working alongside subaward partners, community organizations, or government stakeholders is also beneficial, as is prior experience with donor-funded projects such as those from USAID, UN, WB, or EU.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the nature of the work and the need for compliance with donor reporting. Additional language skills may be advantageous, particularly in local dialects or languages relevant to the communities served by the project.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Manila, Philippines, and typically involves usual office working conditions. FHI 360 is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring that all employment practices are free from discrimination. The organization emphasizes safeguarding against abuse and exploitation, requiring all personnel to adhere to a code of conduct. Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of screening checks, including reference and criminal record checks. FHI 360 offers a competitive benefits package and supports professional development, promoting a healthy work/life balance.