The Research and Information Systems in Africa (RISA) Fund programme is a multi-country project funded by the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) focusing on strengthening research and innovation systems in target countries, combining the fund manager requirements of two current funds under the RISA umbrella: Strengthening Research Institutions in Africa (SRIA) and African Technology and Innovation Partnerships (ATIP). RISA seeks to strengthen research and innovation systems by developing a portfolio of well-designed, evidence-based sub-projects in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Rwanda, and Ethiopia.
RISA focuses on identifying research and/or innovation system strengthening priorities in each of the focus African countries; engaging appropriate partners to deliver research and innovation system strengthening projects; and managing the overall research and innovation systems strengthening fund portfolio. The project is a funds management programme with a grants portfolio of local institutions and partners in Africa.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions):
The Funds Management Associate will be responsible for supporting administration of the RISA Fund. S/he will be responsible for supporting grant design, competition, due diligence, award monitoring, and grant closeout. Under the guidance of RISA’s Fund Manager, this person will be responsible for the following duties:
• Supports the development, implementation, and administration of the Grants program.
• Monitors grant disbursements and payment schedules, liaising closely with Country Technical Leads (CTLs) and the Finance Manager to make grant payments in a timely and compliant manner.
• Reviews grant packages and payment requests for compliance with Chemonics’ procedures and client regulations.
• Participates and assists in grantee capacity assessments and participates in grant kick-off meetings to serve as a resource for any questions related to grant administration and compliance.
• Closely liaises with and provides all necessary assistance to RISA Fund staff on issues related to grants administration and management.
• Work closely with RISA Fund management and CTLs in monitoring grantee compliance with financial management and performance obligations as stipulated in grant agreements.
• Ensures full compliance with corporate grants policies and applicable donor regulations, and manages the issuance of solicitations for proposals for grants, if applicable.
• Assists in evaluating applications for grant funding or modifications to existing grants, including preparation of written reports on the process of evaluation and results of selection, if applicable.
• Contributes to updates of/necessary amendments to RISA Fund’s grants manual and templates and updates them as needed throughout the life of the programme.
• Ensures grant manual procedures are followed and correct templates are consistently used.
• Assists with maintenance of grants disbursement and reports tracking system/database and preparation of frequent disbursement and financial reports.
• Contributes to the preparation of periodic reports to the client on progress towards programme results.
• Maintains proper documentation on grants solicitation, grant cycle management, and close-out.
• Follows client and Chemonics policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Performs other duties as needed.
Qualifications:
The qualifications for the Funds Management Associate include:
• Bachelors’ degree in a relevant field.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in a grants management roles, preferably on UK International Development-funded projects.
• Excellent communication and writing/reporting skills.
• Team player with the ability to also work independently.
• Computer literacy in word processing, spreadsheets and preparation of graphs, tables, charts with Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) required.
• Professional proficiency speaking, reading, and writing English required.
Duration and Location of Assignment:
The Funds Management Associate is a long-term position under the RISA Fund programme. This position will be based at the Chemonics Kenya Offices in Nairobi. Some local and regional travel may be required.
Reporting:
The Funds Management Associate will report to the RISA Fund Manager or their designee for the duration of this assignment.
Please send 1) an updated CV and 2) application letter outlining your suitability for the role to: [email protected].
You must include the role in the subject line.
