Grants Manager

Grants Manager

The World at Abt

Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.

We are a team of 3,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game.

To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you.

Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.

The Opportunity

Abt Global Britain seeks a qualified Grants Manager to support the anticipated FCDO-funded Congo Basin Forestry Action Programme (CBFAP). CBFAP is a seven-year program to support effective forest governance and markets reform; provide grassroots support to local communities; mobilize private sector finance for forests; and drive reform, ambition and cooperation . The position is contingent upon the activity’s award and FCDO approval. This will be a full-time position based out of Kinshasa, DRC.

Core Responsibilities

Work closely with members of the Legal and Contracts team and provide support on high value contracting engagements and lead on low value ones as required

Conduct thorough risk assessments for all grants, identifying potential financial, operational, and compliance risks, and develop strategies to mitigate these risks

Integrate Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) into grant management to ensure that grants effectively contribute to the program’s goals and that lessons learned are captured and applied

Provide capacity-building support to grantees, particularly in areas like financial management, compliance, and reporting, to ensure successful grant implementation.

Assist with contracting due diligence in accordance with program head contract requirements and FCDO guidance

Ensure all grants are managed in compliance with FCDO regulations and that they are audit-ready, with well-documented records

Assist with in-country contracting and associated procurement and grant processes in accordance with the program Operations Manual and corporate policies and procedures. For low value procurement and grants this may involve leading the contracting and procurement process;

Support grant contracting matters and compliance with the Commonwealth Grant Rules and Guidelines and the program Operations Manual;

Assist in the management and advancement of the compliance framework for Abt Global Britain program operations and head contract compliance;

Assist with contract and grant management records administration;. For low value procurement and grants this may involve having sole responsibility for updates and accuracy;

Assist in, and where required lead compliance training activities including staff training, risk analysis and mitigation and support risk mitigation and reporting across all team responsibilities in the program;

Promote value for money principles across all aspects of program operations;

Support the advancement of process and systems improvements for contracting and compliance activities and assist with development of contracting and procurement templates and tools where required;

Work closely with the London based teams on in-country contracting procedures and reporting;

Build effective relationships with Abt Global Britain’s clients, staff, contractors and stakeholders and provide education, training and capacity building

Prepare accurate budgets and forecasts in line with both program and corporate requirements, including the development and management of the PIE annual budget.

Manage monthly invoicing processes in accordance with procedures and monthly deadlines, to ensure accuracy and the eligibility of all expenditure

Provide high-level grant financial management support to the Grants and Finance team and Provincial Managers.

Manage timely effective development and management of all grants in accordance with Commonwealth Grants Guidelines and Abt Grant processes

Take the lead in review and assessment of grant related documentation including but not limited to audit reports, financial reports, acquittals, activity progress reports and deliverables, proposals and budgets. Make recommendations to strengthen the financial management systems of Program partners.

High Level oversight in audit plans, terms of reference and procurement of external audits for all grants

Ensure grant management templates, tools and process maps as requested are updated as required

Lead in tracking financial deliverables including financial and audit reports and ensure Grantees submit these reports on the specified due dates in the grant agreement and update the Deliverable tracker in Smartsheet simultaneously.

Ensure the grants management tool (Smartsheet) is maintained and data is readily available for grant tracking, deliverable tracking and reporting purposes.

Manage filing and accurate document and data control

Undertake other duties as required

Provide oversight and leadership to Grants Management team ensuring all teams are working in harmony meeting the expected deadlines

Integrate gender equity and social inclusion into grant management processes, ensuring that grants support inclusive outcomes.

What We Value

Excellent interpersonal and intercultural skills, including the ability to motivate subordinates.

Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

Appropriate qualifications – Degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline

Minimum 10 years professional experience in grants management and/or complex contract management

Detailed knowledge of end-to-end processes for grant establishment, management and closure;

Deep understanding of Grant Agreements, compliance and audit requirements

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team to achieve goals

Demonstrated Proficiency with MS Excel and Word

Prior experience managing Grants for FCDO programs required.

Excellent analytical and computer skills, with strong experience in Excel and QuickBooks.

Well-developed and effective organisational skills, including to ability to multi-task and work in a high-pressure environment.

Previous direct supervisory experience of professional and/or support staff.

Fluency in English and French is required.

What We Offer

We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits and professional development.

Abt Global Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer: Abt will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.

Abt is committed to creating a safe and inclusive work environment. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate background checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Abt also participates in the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme . In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.