Grants Manager

Job Posting Organization:
Solidarités International (SI) is an international humanitarian aid organization that has been providing assistance to populations affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters for over 40 years. The organization focuses on meeting vital needs such as access to water, food, and shelter. SI is particularly committed to combating diseases related to unsafe water, which is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Through its interventions, SI implements expertise in access to drinking water, sanitation, hygiene promotion, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and livelihoods. SI operates in more than 20 countries with a total of 2,500 staff members, including expatriates, national staff, headquarters personnel, and volunteers. The organization is dedicated to professionalism and cultural respect in its operations. SI has been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 2001, addressing humanitarian needs of populations affected by conflicts and natural disasters while contributing to the fight against epidemics. The mission primarily focuses on food security and livelihoods, water, hygiene, sanitation, and multi-sectoral cash assistance. SI's programs include emergency response mechanisms and development activities in stabilized areas, reflecting the organization's strategy to maintain a strong capacity for emergency response while developing sustainable solutions to structural issues affecting populations in eastern DRC.

Job Overview:
The Grants Manager will play a crucial role under the supervision of the Grants and Partnerships Coordinator. The primary responsibility is to coordinate the development of project proposals, serve as the focal point for the grant management cycle, and ensure accountability to donors. The Grants Manager will participate in fundraising efforts, guarantee the quality and compliance of deliverables (reports, proposals), strengthen the capacities of SI staff and local partners, ensure adherence to donor procedures, and maintain rigorous oversight of contractual obligations from project inception to closure. Additionally, the Grants Manager will supervise the RCO and support the Grants and Partnerships Coordinator on strategic files. The position involves navigating challenges such as the recent opening of the South Kivu base, managing multiple proposals with limited human resources, and advocating for increased budget allocations for support functions. The Grants Manager will also coordinate various teams and stakeholders to produce harmonized, precise, and high-quality project documents.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Grants Manager's duties include coordinating the development of project proposals, managing the grant cycle, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, and maintaining accountability. They will actively monitor funding opportunities and propose relevant options aligned with country priorities. The Grants Manager will supervise and enhance the RCO's capacity in report writing, analysis, and communication. They will ensure training for teams on compliance requirements from potential new donors and coordinate the development of assigned project proposals. The Grants Manager will also identify non-compliance risks related to grants, particularly for significant projects, and oversee the quality of deliverables, ensuring they meet donor expectations. They will work collaboratively with various teams to produce high-quality project documents and maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree (bachelor's or master's) and/or a postgraduate diploma in project management, international development, social sciences, humanitarian studies, or a related field. Alternatively, equivalent professional experience in grant management within the humanitarian sector is acceptable. A minimum of 2 years of experience in similar positions is required, along with a strong understanding of donor platforms and institutional donor rules and procedures (including DG ECHO, CDCS/IFSAN, OCHA, DDC, FCDO). Candidates should have experience in reporting and project development with various donors, as well as in creating communication materials. Strong planning and anticipation skills, analytical abilities, and the capacity to train staff on grant-related topics are essential. Excellent organizational and prioritization skills, along with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, are also required. Strong oral and written communication skills are necessary to convey ideas and concepts clearly and persuasively to both internal and external audiences.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree at the bachelor's or master's level, or a postgraduate diploma in project management, international development, social sciences, humanitarian studies, or a related field. Candidates with equivalent professional experience in grant management within the humanitarian sector may also be considered. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of project management and the specific requirements of grant management in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of experience in similar roles, particularly in grant management within the humanitarian sector. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with various donors and understanding their rules and procedures. Experience in reporting, project development, and communication is essential, as well as the ability to analyze situations and identify necessary actions autonomously. The Grants Manager should also have experience in training staff on grant-related topics and managing multiple tasks effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in French and English is mandatory, with a strong preference for candidates who possess a high level of proficiency in both languages. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders, including donors, partners, and team members. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with various communities and stakeholders in the field.

Additional Notes:
The position is a salaried role with a compensation package starting at €2,310 gross per month (including a base salary of €2,100 and a 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly), along with a monthly per diem of $80

• SI also covers housing costs and travel expenses between the expatriate's home country and the duty station. During the mission, a work and leave alternation system is implemented, allowing for 7 working days off every three months of effective work, with an additional day of rest for each month worked. Expatriates benefit from comprehensive health insurance covering all medical expenses, including dental and ophthalmological care, as well as repatriation. Vaccination and malaria treatment costs are reimbursed. The security context remains volatile, with various inter-community conflicts and the presence of armed groups in the region. However, humanitarian access is possible, and SI has a good acceptance within communities. Living conditions in Goma offer many opportunities, including restaurants, social activities, and well-stocked supermarkets. The guest house provides individual rooms with amenities such as 24/7 electricity, hot water, and a communal living environment with a good cook. Expatriates are subject to a curfew for safety.