Job Vacancy at Catholic Relief Services (CRS) – Grant Manager

CRS is recruiting for the position of Grant Manager

If you are interested and your profile matches the requirements, please read the below job description, and follow the instructions to submit your application package.

About CRS:

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, health (including malaria), agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

CRS/ Sierra Leone and Program Background

Catholic Relief Service (CRS) launched its work in Sierra Leone in 1963 supporting relief and development operations in the country. CRS Sierra Leone has proudly maintained a strong reputation and relationship with partners and the communities we serve in the country implementing a multi-sector program portfolio. Today, the Country Program has a robust portfolio built around several major programs in Health, Agriculture, Nutrition, Education and Urban Resilience. CRS/Sierra Leone currently implements projects in Education, Emergencies, Health and Urban Resilience sector area, including: the USDA/McGovern Dole Food for Education funded All Pikin for Learn (APfL) project, and is a co-principal recipient of the Global Fund malaria grant to the country. Other funding includes the EU-funded COVID response project, the Coca Cola-funded RAIN project, and the DFID-funded waste management project. In addition, the country program is working on several high-profile opportunities included establishing a Freetown Water Fund, supporting the Freetown City Council to deliver its Transform Freetown strategy through slum regeneration, and emergency response to COVID-19 funded by USG/OFDA.  CRS Urban malaria research project anticipate that by incorporating malaria activities in the Transform Freetown Project, a more holistic and sustainable approach to improving the health and reducing malaria prevalence can be achieved.

Job Title: Grant Manager

Department:MGD4/FFE Project Unit

Reports To: Chief of Party with dotted lines to Finance Manager

Country:CRS-Sierra Leone.

Duty Location:CRS Country Office, Freetown with 25% travel to field, SR Offices and project implementation sites, Field Sites

Job Summary:

You will oversee all activities that ensure the accuracy, timeliness, and documentation of the project accounting operations and financial reporting (monthly, quarterly, yearly, and as-needed), in accordance with USDA guidance and regulations and in support of high-quality programs serving the poor and vulnerable. The Grants Manager oversees all financial management, internal controls and financial compliance aspects of the program. S/he provides financial and operational management to ensure the best use of resources by preparing sound budgets, monitoring project expenses, and providing accurate and timely financial reports for donor. You will help maintain the standard for the Country Program’s (CP’s) financial stewardship through professional maintenance, utilization, and analysis of all cash resources controlled by the CP.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

Finance

• Oversee accounting processes, policies, and service delivery and maintain accounting controls to ensure accurate, complete, and timely recording and management of MGD project financial transactions and internal controls in compliance with CRS’ financial management policies and procedures, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), USDA rules and regulations, and legal requirements.

• Review and analyze project financial reports, including cost allocation of shared costs, to verify financial transactions and work with relevant staff to address irregularities and resolve accounting issues.

• Serve as the key point person on all issues related to financial transaction records on MGD project.

• Provide proactive advice, support, and capacity building to managers, staff, and partners to ensure compliance with standards and proper records of financial transactions, as well as to support strengthening of internal control.

• Ensure MGD project financial reports are generated accurately and disseminated timely as per established reporting schedules and assist staff and subrecipients with financial reports analysis.

• Oversee maintenance of a good filing system of required supporting documentation to ensure easy access and retrieval, and a reliable and easy to follow audit trail.

Grants Management

• Hold responsibility for monitoring monthly costs using a budget monitor and grants database, tracking contract expenditures against MGD budget and total obligated funds; includes performing invoice review and corrections to ensure accuracy and compliance with USDA requirements.

• Prepare and revise finance and operation guidelines in order that they adhere to SC and donor requirements;

• On a monthly basis, prepare internal Budget versus Actual reports, including brief commentary on matters identified.

• Manage re-forecasting of grant-specific expenses using level of effort (LOE) and recruitment updates, as well as subcontractor-related project needs and statements of work; ensure the accuracy of re-forecasts for project budget and contract-specific budgets.

• Review and determine causes for variances to the budget and prepare required notices to be sent to donors regarding status of funds.

• Coordinate and support budget realignments and regular budget reviews, when relevant.

• Support staff capacity building on utilization of a budget monitor tool and financial management best practices.

• Support internal audits and reviews, as required.

• Contribute to weekly, monthly, or project-specific reporting

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

Education and Experience

• B.A. degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration with courses in accounting, or a qualification in accounting (CPA/ACCA or equivalent).

• Minimum of seven years’ experience in a position with similar responsibilities, preferably with an International NGO.

• Substantial budgeting, budget/expense analysis, and accounting experience.

• Experience managing finance for USAID or USDA-funded projects with in-depth knowledge of US Government financial management rules and regulations.

• Experience as a coach/mentor to train staff and develop financial skills of colleagues.

• Strong analytical, leadership and interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations.

• Knowledge of local law in the area of taxation and local regulatory reporting procedures.

• Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications. Knowledge of SunSystems financial accounting package or similar financial reporting software preferred.

Personal Skills

• Excellent analytical skills with ability to make sound judgment and decisions

• Accuracy and completeness with a strong eye for detail

• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics

• Proactive, resourceful, solutions oriented and results-oriented

• Ability to work collaboratively

Required/Desired Foreign Language: English and other local languages will be a plus.

Travel Required – 25% travel to the field is required travel, if applicable

Key Working Relationships:

Supervisory: Project Grants Coordinator

Internal:MGD Chief of Party, Senior MGD staff, Internal Auditor, Head of Operations, Head of Programming, Finance Manager, Area Operations Officer, MGD Project Program Managers

External:  External Auditors, partners

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Integrity

• Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Builds Relationships

• Develops Talent

• Strategic Mindset

• Accountability & Stewardship

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to safeguarding-related topics.

WOMEN ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.  CRS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To apply for this position please send up-to-date CV and a supporting letter, copies of relevant certificates to:

[email protected].

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Also send a copy of your application package to the desk Officers, Ministry of Employment and Social Security,New England and Extension Offices in Applicants’ Locations

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Closing Date for the receipt of application packages is 10th September 2021.