Grants Manager, Laos Trade Integration and Competitiveness

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Position Title: Grants Manager, Laos Trade Integration and Competitiveness
Location: Vientiane
Country: Lao People's Democratic Republic
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
ACDI/VOCA is a global development design and delivery partner that has been operational since 196

• The organization has implemented effective economic and social development projects in nearly 150 countries. ACDI/VOCA's mission is to empower individuals to make positive changes in their lives by leveraging expertise in sustainable agriculture, resilience, economic opportunity, access to finance, and equity & inclusion. The organization focuses on creating meaningful and lasting impacts through its projects. ACDI/VOCA and its affiliates design and implement donor-funded projects, facilitate impact investing, deliver financial services, and partner with businesses to promote inclusive practices and build sustainable supply chains. In 2024, ACDI/VOCA was recognized as a Top Workplace by the Washington Post and received accolades for its culture excellence, innovation, work-life flexibility, compensation & benefits, leadership, and alignment with purpose & values.

Job Overview:
The Grants Manager will play a crucial role in the upcoming Trade Integration and Competitiveness Activity in Laos, which is funded by USAID. This program aims to diversify economic growth in Laos by stimulating trade and investment, strengthening private sector competitiveness, and facilitating regional integration. The Grants Manager will oversee all grants-related procurement, subcontracting, and grant processes, ensuring compliance with ACDI/VOCA and donor guidelines and budget. The anticipated start date for the program is in 2025, and the position will be based in Vientiane, Laos. The role requires a proactive approach to managing grants and subcontracts, working closely with the technical team to identify activities and grantees that align with project objectives, and ensuring that all grant activities are conducted in accordance with established guidelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Grants Manager will be responsible for developing and managing the sub-grants and subcontracts portfolio, including sub-grant funding and the usage of funds. This includes working with the technical team to identify potential activities and grantees that meet project objectives. The Grants Manager will prepare grant solicitations, proposals, budget guidelines, and grant funding instructions and procedures, coordinating the grantee selection process. Establishing detailed systems and procedures for managing grants activities is essential, including preparing grant agreement templates and compliance-related documents for the solicitation, review, and approval of grant requests, as well as monitoring and closing out grant awards. The role also involves developing grant budgets, preparing cash forecasts, and monitoring grant expenditures. The Grants Manager will administer all local grants and subawards, providing technical oversight on award management and performance monitoring. Conducting mandatory training for all grantees/subawardees regarding financial and technical reporting requirements, preparing due diligence reports for selected applicants, and conducting site visits with the MEL team are also key responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in international development, business, economics, or a relevant field, with a master’s degree being desirable. A minimum of 7 years of experience in a senior-level finance and/or grants position at an international development organization is required. Knowledge of and experience with USAID’s rules and regulations, as well as current standards and guidelines regarding grants, is preferred. Experience in institutional strengthening is required, and working with rural communities is preferred. Additionally, candidates must have experience working in Laos and fluency in English is mandatory.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in international development, business, economics, or a relevant field. A master’s degree is desired, indicating a preference for candidates with advanced education in relevant disciplines.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of experience in a senior-level finance and/or grants position within an international development organization. This level of experience is essential to ensure that the candidate is well-versed in the complexities of grant management and compliance, particularly in relation to USAID-funded projects.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. This is essential for effective communication and reporting within the context of international development and grants management. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
Lao nationals are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Applications should be submitted online at www.acdivoca.org/international-jobs. The review of applications will occur promptly upon receipt, and only finalists will be contacted. ACDI/VOCA is committed to being an equal opportunity employer, encouraging women, minorities, and individuals from diverse groups to apply. It is important to note that ACDI/VOCA will never request payment or charge a fee to apply for any position.