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

Position: Senior Grants and Procurement Director

Project: 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 was designed to mobili ze enterprise-driven sol uti ons that increase trade andinvestment in Africa,including North and Sub-Saharan Africa. Itstrengthens Africa’s markets by developing new trade andinvestment relationships, particularlybetween theUnited States and African continent. It also works to achievesdevelopment outcomes across all sectors.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Senior Grants and Procurement Director will provide oversight and leadership to ATI’s grants and procurement team in the areas of grants, subcontracts and environmental compliance to ensure efficient implementation of activities in coordination with the technical and activity teams. This position will remain flexible and shift priorities-based ATI programming, scaling up and down, management and client needs, and team training needs. This position is a part of ATI senior management and has significant staff management responsibilities.

Overall, this position will provide guidance on compliance and ensure smooth and efficient management of all ATI systems and procedures. S/he will ensure that ATI’s focus remains on achieving results while always complying with DAI policies and USAID regulations. S/he will work closely with the technical team to ensure that operational and technical activities are aligned, thereby contributing to the timely and smooth execution of project activities. S/he will also provide quality assurance on technical activities and reports as needed. This position reports to the Deputy Chief of Party.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead execution of a large grants and subcontract partnerships pool across Africa, ensuring grants and subcontracts are executed in compliance with USAID regulations, DAI policy, internal controls and the ATI Grants Manual. Lead the learning and adaptation process for continuous improvement of ATI grant and procurement design, competition, and award management. Ensure ATI works with new and underutilized firms, and overall is managing to a program private sector/partnership framework and strategy through its subcontracting. Establish standards and procedures to ensure that compliance efforts throughout the project are effective and efficient in preventing, detecting, identifying, and correcting noncompliance with applicable rules and regulations. Work with Environmental Compliance Specialist to plan and ensure environmental compliance reviews are properly prioritized and prepared for USAID approval per applicable regulations and ATI’s IEE and environmental and social plan. Ensure routine environmental monitoring and reporting is complete. Supervise and provide mentorship to procurement, grants, and subcontracts local national employees. Ensure that internal deadlines and turnaround times are met for all subaward actions. Serve as the primary point of contact for DAI HO in terms of subcontracts and procurement. Monitor subcontracting organizations to confirm that funds allocated are used for specified purposes. Monitor compliance with contract terms and conditions in accordance with USAID regulations and other applicable laws. Provide procedures and policy guidance and interpretation for program staff as well as subcontractors. Supervise the technical evaluation process for all grants and subcontracts to ensure timely review of sub-grant and subcontract applications and awards. Ensure proper negotiation of the terms and conditions for subcontracts and grants. Provide guidance in the implementation of the subcontract and grants activities, including closure and disposition plans. Other tasks as required by supervisor or the Chief of Party.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 14+, or a Master’s degree and 12+, years of relevant administrative, operational, and/or technical professional experience Exhibited experience in grants, subcontracting, environmental compliance, operational and/or finance management of USAID-funded development projects. Demonstrated knowledge of internal controls and audit processes (e.g. procurement, subcontract agreements, recruitment, etc.) Ability to effectively prioritize critical requests, identifying time sensitive demands and inquiries and responding effectively to requests to support effective implementation. Exceptional problem solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to adapt and refine operational processes to improve efficiency, responsiveness, and compliance of project activities. Exceptional staff management and coaching skills; demonstrated experience managing a team to meet objectives

Reporting:

The position reports to the Deputy Chief of Party.