The Grants Management Manager (GMM) is responsible for leading the Programme Support Unit (PSU). As a key member of the Programme Department, the GMM oversees programme development and the ongoing management of the country grant portfolio, proposals and implementation are high-quality, evidence based and conducted in accordance with donor and DRC regulations. This includes overseeing timely reporting, overall accountability to donors and supporting the implementation of DRC’s localisation strategy. The position reports to the Head of Programme and collaborates closely with Support Services Managers, Technical Coordinators, the Senior Management Team and Area Offices on all grants-related matters, donor compliance, and partnerships.
Responsibilities:
Programme Development and Fundraising
Develop a Country Programme Funding strategy and updated donor mapping, keeping abreast of funding trends and donor strategies, paying special attention to diversifying the funding portfolio.
Develop donor engagement strategies, working closely with the HoP, Programme team and with input from the area offices.
Support the HoP in maintaining active and regular communication with donors, ensuring timely response to communications and coordinating with relevant country team members on high-quality feedback.
Coordinate Go/No Go meetings for new funding opportunities.
Lead the proposal development process -including budget development - engaging with Technical Coordinators, Area Offices and other relevant departments to ensure the development and submission of quality proposals.
In collaboration with MEAL team, ensure that proposal development is informed by reliable organisational data and learning.
Coordinate the provision of trainings in proposal development and reporting for grants and program teams, including relevant field staff.
Grants Management and Reporting :
Provide thorough contract reviews and support negotiations with donors ahead of contract signing.
Ensure high-quality contract management - in close cooperation with SMT- anticipate and identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies.
Lead on donor communication and prepare modification requests and other contractual documentation, as required.
Coordinate and facilitate meetings for grant kickoff/opening, review and closing, including monitoring progress against timelines and action points. Support troubleshooting for any identified challenges during project delivery.
Monitor the Grants Module on Dynamics and other internal documentation systems (including SharePoint) to ensure they are updated, working with HQ focal points and the Grants Management Specialist to address any issues.
Work closely with Finance to support the submission of high-quality finance reports that align with narrative submissions
Participate in new staff inductions by providing an overview of grants functions, active grants and relevant project documents.
Provide ad hoc support and guidance to Programme staff on grants management-related issues.
Conduct visits to field locations as possible/needed.
Compliance Monitoring and Quality Assurance :
Act as the Grants/Contract Management Donor Compliance Focal Point in the CO, ensure understanding of contractual obligations and regulations, seeking support from HQ, as needed.
Develop and maintain up-to-date and in-depth knowledge of donor requirements and ensure that contractual obligations (including visibility requirements) and reporting deadlines are known and met by Programme, MEAL and Operations teams.
Lead on contract amendments, including cost /no-cost extensions and project revisions, in coordination with relevant internal stakeholders.
Actively participate in Global Grants Community Meetings to stay up-to-date with DRC Grants Management Best Practices as well as new regulations and requirements from donors.
People Management :
Lead the PSU, fostering a positive work environment
Develop performance and development plans for the PSU, taking into consideration business continuity, staff turnover and localisation.
Foster a culture of engagement and collaboration with the PSU, promoting knowledge sharing, respect for diversity and inclusion, effective communication and respect for staff duty of care
External Communication and Representation :
Participate in external coordination and fundraising-related engagements, fostering positive relationships with donors and other key stakeholders
Support the development and implementation of the strategic communication plan, including evidence-gathering, drafting and reviewing donor focused communications pieces (e.g. case studies, context briefs, press releases).
Any ad-hoc tasks assigned by the Head of Programme
To be successful in this role you must have:
Experience and technical competencies:
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
At least 4 years of experience in grants management including budget development, preferably with an international NGO or other donor-funded organization
At least 1 year experience in people management and leadership roles.
Knowledge and experience working with multiple sectors including Protection, Economic Recovery, Infrastructure/WASH, Emergency, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding.
Commitment to integrate gender, conflict sensitivity and accountability into programming
Experience working in complex, changing environments with a proven ability to adapt
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Reliable, patient and able to work independently, with developed leadership capabilities.
Languages:
Fluency in English (speaking, writing, reading) is essential.
