Grants & Finance Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) is an operational arm of the United Nations, established in 1995, with a mission to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development. UNOPS provides project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to a variety of partners, including UN agencies, international financial institutions, governments, and the private sector. The organization operates in over 80 countries, employing more than 1,500 personnel globally, and is committed to delivering high-quality services that meet the needs of its partners and beneficiaries. UNOPS aims to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian and development efforts through efficient and effective project implementation, ensuring that resources are used responsibly and sustainably.

Job Overview:
The Grants & Finance Specialist position is a mid-level role within UNOPS, specifically focused on the financial and operational management of grant-funded activities under the Private Sector Resilience Program (PSRP). This program is designed to enhance the resilience and job creation potential of Afghan Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly targeting women, youth, and returnees. The Specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing grant mechanisms, overseeing matching grants, managing fund flows, budgets, expenditures, payments, and financial reporting. The role requires close collaboration with the Program Manager, Finance, and project teams to ensure compliance with UNOPS and World Bank requirements, as well as effective resource utilization. The Specialist will also be expected to travel to project areas for monitoring and supervision purposes, ensuring that grant management processes are adhered to and that stakeholders are engaged effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Grant Management: Prepare and manage the Call for Proposals (CFP), oversee the submission and evaluation of proposals, manage day-to-day grant administration, communicate with implementing partners, coordinate due diligence processes, review partner documentation, facilitate orientation sessions, and ensure compliance with UNOPS policies.
• Financial Management: Establish financial management arrangements for grants, support budget preparation and review, monitor expenditures and cash-flow, review payment requests, and prepare consolidated financial reports.
• Capacity Assessment and Building: Lead capacity assessments, organize training for implementing partners, and provide guidance on financial management standards.
• Knowledge Management: Incorporate best practices into program delivery, draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and coordinate capacity building efforts.
• Risk Management: Identify and assess risks, ensure compliance with financial rules, and support audits.
• Stakeholder Communication: Serve as the primary contact for grantees, facilitate communication among stakeholders, and prepare progress reports.
• Program Development: Contribute to new grant programs and evaluate existing ones for effectiveness and sustainability.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a Master’s Degree in Project Management, Business Administration, International Development, or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field with at least 7 years of relevant experience is acceptable. Candidates should have experience in project/program management, particularly in private sector development, grant management, or economic development in complex environments. Experience with the World Bank or other international financial institutions is highly desirable, as is experience in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have a Master’s Degree in Project Management, Business Administration, International Development, or a related field. A Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field is acceptable if accompanied by a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience. The educational background should align with the responsibilities of managing grants and financial operations effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in project/program management, particularly focusing on private sector development, grant management, or economic development in complex environments. Experience in making grants to private sector entities and managing complex grants is desired. Familiarity with the World Bank or other international financial institutions is also beneficial, as is experience in fragile and conflict-affected environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a mid-level role (ICS 10) and is offered under an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) with a regular contract type. The contract is open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. The application deadline is set for midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on 13-Oct-202

• UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, including women and individuals from diverse backgrounds. All personnel are expected to adhere to UNOPS policies and demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Background checks are conducted for all final candidates.