Senior Grants Manager, USAID/ITR/R Strategic Partnerships for Advancing Research and Knowledge (SPARK) Program, Washington DC Area, United States

Social Impact is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity building services to advance development effectiveness. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, the environment, and economic growth. Since 1997 we have worked in over 100 countries for clients such as US government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.

Proposal Objective:

Social Impact is bidding on the five-year SPARK program, which will support locally led, applied research in USAID partner countries on international development challenges and solutions. As with other USAID programs, co-creation will play a vital role in SPARK, along with capacity strengthening activities and Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting practices. SPARK is an addendum to the recently released Expanding Partnerships, Learning, and Research (EXPLORE) Annual Program Statement (APS). USAID expects SPARK will focus on three priorities:

* Priority 1: Fund high-quality, locally led research, with a goal to better understand international development challenges and develop and disseminate solutions.

* Priority 2: Support U.S.-local research partnerships which can persist beyond USAID funding and produce long-term benefits for all partners.

* Priority 3: Strengthen capacity at local higher education institutions for conducting and disseminating research.

Position Description:

SI is seeking a full-time Senior Grants Manager to oversee grant calls, serve as the project's liaison with grantees and applicants, and lead grantee engagement throughout the grants cycle to ensure the grants are solicited, procured, and implemented according to USAID and SI procurement and grants policies.

This is a full-time position, contingent upon SI receiving the award of the project. The position will be based at SI's offices in Arlington, VA, with consideration of being remotely based in the US. Expected award is summer 2024.

**Please note: Priority will be given to applicants based in the Washington, DC area. Selection and interview will be performed constantly and interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.**

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design of solicitations for each of the rounds of grant calls, including engaging with technical teams to define the grant activity's concept, purpose, and objectives, as well as draft the solicitation documents.
• Serve as POC for the organizations interested in applying for grants, and provide them with guidance on understanding the solicitation documents and requirements.
• Participate in grant selection committees and negotiate and finalize grant scopes of work and budgets with selected applicants.
• Monitor grantees' implementation progress, address challenges with support of other SPARK staff.
• Monitor and track grantee deliverables and support them to achieve agreed upon deliverables.
• Facilitate engagement of SPARK technical teams, partners, stakeholders in grants activities.
• Mange and track communications with grantees, as well as site visits to grantee activities.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a B.A. in a relevant subject area such as business, accounting, economics, public administration, international development, etc. M.A. preferred.
• At least seven years of professional experience in grants management and/or contracts administration in the international development sector. Experience managing grantees supporting U.S. researchers and local/low and middle-income country researchers preferred.
• Demonstrated success working across the full cycle of award management and implementation (cradle to grave).
• Proven ability to communicate effectively and work with non-grants professionals, to help them understand award management processes, procedures, and to build local capacity.
• Proven track record administering awards from USG Federal agencies.
• Strong analytical experience.
• Fast-paced learner who can pivot quickly from task to task under tight deadlines.
• Strong writing skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to prepare and deliver quality documents and/or presentations.
• Strong work ethic with a solid customer service focus.
• Familiarity with Microsoft and Google Suite of products.
• Experience working in an international development context.

Come join our energetic and innovative team! We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in the growth of our company, work as part of a creative and committed team, and make a difference in the well-being of our world.

To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website: http://www.socialimpact.com.

SI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please, no phone calls.