Grants & Compliance Manager

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development services. The organization is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people, especially children and vulnerable adults, ensuring they live free from abuse and harm. CRS's mission is deeply rooted in its Catholic identity, and it welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. The agency's work encompasses various sectors, including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. With a workforce that reflects its commitment to diversity, CRS encourages applications from qualified female candidates and persons with disabilities, promoting an inclusive work environment.

Job Overview:
The Grants & Compliance Manager will oversee grants and compliance activities under the Thabat World Bank-funded project. This role is crucial in ensuring that all financial, programmatic, and operational activities comply with World Bank regulations, donor contractual requirements, and organizational policies. The position operates within the established Ethics and Compliance framework of CRS and requires strong coordination with the Country Program Ethics & Compliance Manager. The manager will serve as the focal point for grant compliance within the Thabat project while ensuring alignment with the broader institutional compliance architecture. The role demands a proactive approach to monitoring grant processes across multiple states and implementing rigorous compliance systems. The manager will also provide technical guidance to hub and state-level teams in various project locations, ensuring that compliance obligations are met and documented effectively. A significant aspect of this position is the establishment and maintenance of a robust reporting and tracking system that monitors donor deliverables and compliance obligations, which is essential for the successful execution of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Grants Management & Compliance: Maintain an up-to-date compliance tracker for all donor deliverables, deadlines, and contractual obligations. Ensure timely preparation and submission of narrative and financial reports in coordination with Program and Finance teams. Track and follow up on all World Bank requests and conditions throughout project implementation. Provide regular compliance updates and risk analysis to the Project Management Unit. Ensure timely internal reporting of compliance concerns, including fraud or misuse of funds. Coordinate Annual Audit preparations with Finance and the Country Program Ethics & Compliance Manager.
• Reporting & Tracking: Establish and manage a centralized reporting system for donor deliverables and program milestones. Consolidate reports from state-level teams, ensuring consistency and accuracy. Monitor progress toward grant deliverables and coordinate corrective actions as needed. Maintain documentation in compliance with audit and donor requirements.
• Sub-Granting & Partner Oversight: Lead the full cycle of sub-grant management, including RFAs and due diligence assessments. Draft and monitor sub-grant agreements to ensure compliance obligations are met. Provide training and support to sub-grantees on compliance and reporting. Monitor sub-grantee performance and conduct compliance visits.
• Capacity Building & Technical Support: Provide technical guidance to hub and state-level teams on grants management. Design and deliver training sessions on donor compliance and documentation standards. Strengthen internal systems for efficiency and accountability. Foster a culture of compliance and continuous improvement.
• Risk Management & Continuous Improvement: Identify and assess compliance risks related to grants and sub-grants. Develop and monitor mitigation plans in collaboration with relevant teams. Ensure continuous audit readiness by strengthening documentation and compliance monitoring mechanisms. Coordinate external and internal audit processes. Integrate lessons learned and best practices into ongoing grants management processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Finance, International Development, Public Administration, or a related field, with a master’s degree preferred. They should have a minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in grants management, compliance, and donor reporting within large-scale, donor-funded projects. Experience managing World Bank projects is essential, along with proven expertise in sub-grant management and compliance monitoring. Candidates should demonstrate a strong track record of providing technical assistance and capacity building to project teams and local partners, particularly in multi-state or fragile/conflict contexts.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Finance, International Development, Public Administration, or a related field is required. A master’s degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in grants management and compliance.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in grants management, compliance, and donor reporting, specifically within large-scale, donor-funded projects. Candidates must have demonstrated experience working with World Bank-funded projects and managing compliance documentation and audits. Experience in multi-state or fragile/conflict contexts is highly desirable, showcasing the ability to navigate complex environments effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in languages relevant to the regions where CRS operates, enhancing communication with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered on an annual fixed-term contract, renewable based on satisfactory performance and continued project needs. The role is based in Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, or other locations where CRS operates, and it operates within the Eastern Africa Time (EAT) working time zone. The successful candidate must be willing to travel up to 5%. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and community members from all forms of exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate is expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct. The organization prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS has offices.