Grants Specialist

Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions, and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Project Summary:

The purpose of Nicaragua Youth and Communities Secure, Empowered and Resilient (NYCSER) is to empower youth and their communities to acquire the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to become resilient and better equipped to advocate for their own best interests and security in the current national context of social and political instability and discrimination, including by actively participating in their communities’ and nation’s decision-making.

Position Summary:

The Grants Specialist will provide administrative and technical support to the Grants Manager on market research, design grant activities, pre-award activities and post-award activities, such as: information research, documents completion, tracking activities, and filing grant documents.

Reporting and Supervision:

The Grants Specialist will report to the Procurement/Grants Manager

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide advisory assistance to grant applicants;
• Assist in the evaluation of grant submissions for technical and budget soundness and compliance with donor regulations, recommending award actions;
• Provide support to Grants Manager to ensure that pre-award documents are complete appropriately;
• Coordinate the issuance of awards and maintain grant documentation through the development and upkeep of a grants database;
• Support the tracking of grant activities to monitor timely grants implementation;
• Support project grants using Creative’s online grants management system, the System for Managing Activities, Reporting and Tracking (SMART);
• Support grantees and colleagues in the use of SMART through training and mentoring, as needed;
• Coordinate and prepare scheduled and special reports, studies and analyses regarding the grants program, as needed;
• Provide support to Grants Manager on closeout of grant activities; and
• Work closely with Creative Associates’ headquarters grants department, as needed.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in management, business administration, or accounting desirable;
• At least two (2) years of experience with grants management, preferably in Nicaragua;
• At least three (3) years of experience working in international development;
• Understanding of USAID regulations and procedures pertaining to grants management, and ability to interpret and explain USAID regulations;
• Understanding of 2 CFR 200, ADS 302 and 303;
• Demonstrated ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects;
• Ability to analyze cost proposals and prepare reports and recommendations on grantee selection;
• Ability to analyze budget line items for compliance with budget guidelines;
• Proven records maintenance and database management skills;
• Understanding of cost-share and/or leveraging preferred; and
• Fluency in Spanish is required; fluency in English is desired.

Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position contingent upon donor funding.