Grants Management Senior Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, established to support the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally. With a workforce of over 6,000 personnel across 130 countries, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to various governments, donors, and UN organizations. The organization is dedicated to delivering impactful results on the ground, often in challenging environments, by managing approximately 1,100 projects at any given time. UNOPS aims to enhance the quality of life for communities through effective resource management and sustainable infrastructure development.

Job Overview:
The Grants Management Senior Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the Senior Project Manager by overseeing the overall project engagement between UNOPS and its partners, including UNFPA and Expertise France. This position requires frequent interaction with the Project Team and staff from various work streams. The officer will be responsible for managing grant work packages, ensuring timely implementation, and facilitating communication with implementing partners. The role also involves conducting capacity assessments, providing guidance on grant-related matters, and ensuring compliance with UNOPS policies. The officer will contribute to the successful delivery of the EU-ISEY project, which aims to enhance the Senior Secondary Education sector in The Gambia, focusing on quality, inclusivity, and gender equity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Grants Management Senior Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Facilitating the scoping of the Grants work-package in alignment with project needs.
• Managing work package planning and ensuring timely implementation.
• Preparing and managing Project Corporation Agreements (PCA) and Grant Standard Agreements (GSA).
• Conducting Calls for Proposals (CFP) and managing the submission and evaluation of proposals according to UNOPS policies.
• Overseeing day-to-day administration of grant management activities, including communication with implementing partners and providing guidance on grant-related matters.
• Coordinating due diligence processes, including capacity assessments and monitoring action plans.
• Reviewing and consulting on implementing partner documentation, work plans, budgets, and results frameworks.
• Facilitating orientation sessions and routine dialogue with implementing partners.
• Preparing grant award requests and amendments, ensuring compliance with legal and financial regulations. 1
• Tracking and reviewing implementing partner reports and providing critical feedback. 1
• Monitoring the implementation of partner activities and proactively addressing risks and delays. 1
• Coordinating assurance activities such as monitoring, financial spot checks, and audits. 1
• Supporting the Senior Project Manager in liaising with Finance, Programme, and M&E experts regarding grant management challenges. 1
• Ensuring timely completion of grant-related processes and maintaining an organized filing system for grant management. 1
• Establishing and updating project progress reports and success stories. 1
• Contributing to capacity assessments and training for implementing partners in financial and organizational management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in business administration, finance, development studies, international relations, project management, or a related field with at least 4 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a Master's degree in the same fields with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience is acceptable. Additionally, candidates should have progressively relevant experience in grant management, including operations and reporting, as well as familiarity with the humanitarian, development, and peace nexus. Experience working with UN, donors, and NGOs is essential, and experience in project and/or financial management operations is an asset. Familiarity with Google Suite is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's Degree in business administration, finance, development studies, international relations, project management, or a related field is required, along with 4 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a Master's degree in the same fields with 2 years of relevant experience is acceptable. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage grants and support project implementation.

Experience:
Candidates should have progressively relevant experience in grant management, with a strong emphasis on operations and reporting. Experience working within the humanitarian, development, and peace nexus, particularly with UN agencies, donors, and NGOs, is crucial. Additionally, experience in project and financial management operations, especially in public sector organizations or private sector companies, is advantageous. Familiarity with the West African context and experience in building and leading successful teams will be considered assets.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills in English, as it is the primary language of operation within UNOPS. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as mid-level (ICS 09) and is offered under an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) as a Specialist on a regular contract basis. The contract duration is ongoing, and candidates must submit their applications before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of 02-Sep-202

• UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups. Background checks will be conducted for all final candidates to ensure compliance with UNOPS standards regarding sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination.