Grants Officer – Nairobi, Kenya (2024)
Position Details
- Position: Grants Officer
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Job Category: Grants Management
- Type of Job: National Contract
- Reporting to: Deris Wanaag Team
- Application Deadline: December 12, 2024
About the Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a globally recognized humanitarian, non-governmental, and non-profit organization founded in 1956. Operating across more than 35 countries, DRC is a leading force in protection efforts worldwide.
In Kenya, DRC is a key actor, coordinating and advocating for improved protection mechanisms for both refugees and host communities. With a focus on Protection Monitoring, Child Protection, and GBV Prevention and Response, the organization seeks to address the challenges faced by displaced and at-risk individuals.
Furthermore, DRC aligns its programs with economic recovery, humanitarian disarmament, and peacebuilding initiatives to ensure durable solutions for communities affected by acute crises or protracted displacement situations.
Role Overview
The Grants Officer plays a critical role in information and grant management across various projects. This position ensures compliance with donor and internal DRC guidelines related to contracts, financial management, and project implementation.
The officer will support project cycle management by ensuring financial and compliance integrity, conducting due diligence assessments, and building grantee capacity. This role also involves collaborating with cross-border teams to strengthen grant outcomes and reduce risks.
Key Responsibilities
Grants Management
- Conduct capacity assessments of potential grantees, focusing on organizational structure, governance, financial systems, and operational capacity.
- Compile data for due diligence checks and Navex verifications.
- Facilitate kick-off workshops and training sessions for grantees on grants, finance, and compliance management.
- Coordinate financial reporting and documentation for the Deris Wanaag (DW) team, ensuring compliance with donor guidelines.
- Review and approve financial reports submitted by implementing partners, addressing discrepancies and ensuring timely resolutions.
- Conduct spot checks on grantees, offering remedial action plans to address compliance gaps.
- Maintain and update the DW grantee asset register and ensure proper documentation of all grant-related files.
- Monitor financial and compliance risks during periodic reviews, ensuring appropriate follow-up actions.
- Facilitate grant closure by preparing close-out checklists and drafting formal closure letters.
- Ensure timely submission of invoices and financial reports to meet donor expectations.
- Organize and participate in project kick-off and close-out meetings, promoting compliance with donor policies and internal guidelines.
Program Management and Support
- Assist in coordinating project financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance with donor expectations.
- Monitor the submission of financial reports, updating the reporting tracker and ensuring alignment with agreed schedules.
- Develop and maintain a project stakeholder matrix, fostering relationships with grantees and other stakeholders in delivery locations.
- Provide technical guidance to implementing partners, particularly on compliance and financial reporting.
- Build capacity within grantee teams, focusing on financial management, documentation, and compliance standards.
Qualifications and Skills
Required Experience and Competencies
- Minimum of 3 years in project or grants management.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in coordinating, monitoring, and reviewing financial reports.
- Experience conducting capacity assessments and financial reviews.
- Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel.
Preferred Competencies
- Ability to work effectively in complex and hardship environments.
- Advanced structuring and strategic thinking skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
Educational Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies, Commerce, or a related field.
- Professional certifications or experience in financial and contract management are highly desirable.
Language Proficiency
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory.
Key Stakeholders
- Project Teams
- National and Regional Government Authorities
- INGOs, NGOs, and CSOs
- Grantees and Implementing Partners
Company Culture and Values
At DRC, the focus is on fostering a work environment that prioritizes collaboration, integrity, and innovation.
Core Competencies:
- Striving for Excellence: Delivering results through efficient processes.
- Collaboration: Encouraging feedback and teamwork.
- Taking the Lead: Demonstrating ownership and initiative.
- Communication: Practicing open and effective communication.
- Integrity: Upholding DRC’s vision and values in every action.
DRC is committed to diversity and inclusion, creating an environment of mutual respect for all team members.
Application Instructions
Apply Now for the Grants Officer Position:
- Submit your application and CV in English through DRC’s online portal at www.drc.ngo under the Vacancies section.
- Ensure your application includes a well-structured cover letter and an updated CV.
- Applications without these documents will not be considered.
Application Deadline:
Submit your application no later than December 12, 2024.
Equal Opportunity Statement
DRC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building an inclusive workforce.
“We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all backgrounds. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.”
DRC also prioritizes gender equality in staffing. Female candidates and individuals from minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Safeguarding and Ethics
DRC adheres to the highest standards of ethical conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. Comprehensive background checks will be conducted as part of the recruitment process.
For more information about DRC’s safeguarding policies, visit www.drc.ngo.