Senior Grants and Procurement Director – USAID Africa Trade and Investment Program

Senior Grants and Procurement Director – USAID Africa Trade and Investment Program

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

BACKGROUND

The USAID Africa Trade and Investment (ATI) program is a five-year, flexible buy-in mechanism jointly managed by the USAID Africa Bureau, Middle East Bureau, and Africa Regional Missions. It aims to mobilize enterprise-driven solutions that increase trade and investment in Africa, including North and Sub-Saharan Africa, fostering new relationships between the United States and the African continent. The program works towards achieving development outcomes across all sectors.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Overview: As the Senior Grants and Procurement Director, you will provide leadership and oversight to ATI’s grants and procurement team, ensuring the efficient implementation of activities in coordination with the technical and activity teams. This role involves flexibility in prioritization, scaling, management, and addressing client needs and team training requirements. The position is part of ATI senior management and carries significant staff management responsibilities.

Responsibilities:

1. Grants and Subcontract Management

• Lead execution of a large grants and subcontract partnerships pool across Africa, adhering to USAID regulations, DAI policy, internal controls, and the ATI Grants Manual.
• Champion the learning and adaptation process for continuous improvement of ATI grant and procurement design, competition, and award management.
• Foster partnerships with new and underutilized firms, in line with the program’s private sector/partnership framework and strategy through subcontracting.

2. Compliance and Environmental Oversight

• Establish standards and procedures to ensure effective and efficient compliance efforts throughout the project, preventing and correcting noncompliance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Collaborate with the Environmental Compliance Specialist to prioritize and prepare environmental compliance reviews for USAID approval and oversee routine environmental monitoring and reporting.

3. Staff Management and Mentorship

• Supervise and mentor local national employees in procurement, grants, and subcontracts.
• Ensure internal deadlines and turnaround times are met for all subaward actions.
• Act as the primary point of contact for DAI HO concerning subcontracts and procurement.

4. Contract Management and Policy Guidance

• Monitor subcontracting organizations to verify proper fund allocation and usage for specified purposes.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms and conditions according to USAID regulations and other applicable laws.
• Provide procedures, policy guidance, and interpretation for program staff and subcontractors.

5. Technical Evaluation and Implementation

• Supervise the technical evaluation process for all grants and subcontracts, ensuring timely review of sub-grant and subcontract applications and awards.
• Provide guidance in the implementation of subcontract and grants activities, including closure and disposition plans.

6. Miscellaneous Tasks

• Address additional tasks as required by the supervisor or Chief of Party.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and 14+ years of relevant administrative, operational, and/or technical professional experience, or a Master’s degree and 12+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven expertise in grants, subcontracting, environmental compliance, operational and/or finance management of USAID-funded development projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge of internal controls and audit processes related to procurement, subcontract agreements, recruitment, etc.
• Effective prioritization skills to handle time-sensitive demands and inquiries and support the project’s implementation.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on improving efficiency, responsiveness, and compliance of project activities.
• Exceptional staff management and coaching skills with demonstrated experience in leading teams to meet objectives.

REPORTING

The position reports to the Deputy Chief of Party.

EXPERT Tips To Be A Successful Applicant

1. Demonstrate Relevant Experience: Clearly highlight your experience in grants, subcontracting, and environmental compliance, along with any USAID-funded project involvement. Showcase your ability to manage teams effectively.
2. Emphasize Compliance Skills: Showcase your understanding of compliance regulations and internal controls, as they are critical in this role.
3. Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Provide examples of how you’ve efficiently handled time-sensitive demands and demonstrated adaptability in previous projects.
4. Staff Management Expertise: Highlight your successful track record in managing and mentoring teams to achieve project objectives.
5. Showcase Achievements: Mention any notable achievements in grant and procurement management that align with the responsibilities of this position.
6. Cultural Awareness: Given the program’s location in Kenya and its focus on Africa, demonstrate your cultural awareness and sensitivity to work effectively in the region.
7. Attention to Detail: Emphasize your ability to manage complex tasks while ensuring compliance and attention to detail.
8. Effective Communication: Showcase your strong communication skills, as collaboration and coordination with various stakeholders are crucial in this role.
9. Continuous Learning: Express your enthusiasm for learning and adapting to improve processes continually, as this aligns with the program’s goal of continuous improvement.
10. Passion for Development: Convey your passion for driving economic growth and development in Africa, as this will reflect your alignment with the program’s mission.

Remember to tailor your application to highlight your suitability for this specific role within the USAID Africa Trade and Investment Program. Good luck with your application!