JOB TITLE: GRANTS & CONTRACTS OFFICER

Job Announcement

For External Use

Location: Pristina, Kosovo

Group/Practice/Unit: Education

Who We Are

IREX is a global development and education organization. We strive for a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world—where individuals reach their full potential, governments serve their people, and communities thrive. With a projected annual portfolio of more than $100 million and more than 600 staff worldwide, we work with partners in more than 100 countries in four areas essential to progress: cultivating leaders, empowering youth, strengthening institutions, and increasing access to quality education and information.

Summary of Position

IREX seeks a qualified Grants & Contracts Officer to support a five-year USAID-funded Private Sector-Led Workforce Development Activity in Kosovo. The activity will seek to harness the leadership of the private sector as a change agent to develop sustainable and innovative models to develop the Kosovo workforce in partnership with technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions.

Under the guidance of the Finance & Operations Manager, the Grants & Contracts Officer will oversee the activity’s grants and contracts management, and compliance and logistics support, always ensuring adherence to IREX and donor policies and procedures. 

We are doers. Our decades of on-the-ground experience help us create greater impact, practical recommendations, and lasting partnerships.

Are you the next member of our team?

Your Background & Skills

• Kosovar residency/work authorization is required.
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in international development, finance, accounting or relevant discipline.
• At least 4 years of experience in finance compliance management, preferably on programs with significant grantmaking or subcontracting components
• Experience working on USAID funded programs strongly preferred
• Good command of the AIDAR, FAR, ADS 303 and 302, 2 CFR 200 and 700, and 22 CFR 226 and familiarity with USAID’s System for Award Management (SAM) database desirable
• Experience working in high priority growth sectors (Wood Processing, ICT, Agribusiness) an asset.
• Knowledge of local laws, regulations, and reporting processes.
• Demonstrated ability to track and manage partner budgets and alignment with donor regulations.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret regulations and procedures and clearly communicate them to others.
• Ability to collect and input data- into computerized databases and spreadsheets and analyze data and information.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member, take initiative, meet deadlines, and maintain flexibility; Ability to make decisions and solve problems under pressure.
• Proven organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail, including the ability to prioritize.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
• Fluency and comfort (both oral and written) in English is required.
• Positive attitude and willingness to support and assist colleagues.

Your Daily Tasks

• Implement day-to-day budget, field finance, grants and compliance, and compliance activities consistent with IREX and donor policies and procedures.
• Ensure that the award, management, and closing of grants and subcontracts meet all IREX and USAID requirements. 
• In coordination with program staff and IREX headquarters staff, develop and issue requests for applications (RFA) for grants under contract, facilitate grant review committees, negotiate grant budgets, and establish milestones/deliverables, and issue agreements to grantees. 
• Assist in preparing, advertising, distributing, and providing feedback to grantees during evaluation of proposals, quotations or applications, analysis of cost and price factors, and negotiations.
• Draft subaward and subcontract agreements, and modifications which includes budget presentations, cost allocations, work plans and other requirements.
• Establish and maintain productive and collaborative working relationships with partners, grantees and program stakeholders.
• Conduct due diligence reviews including reviews of audits (where available) and IREX’s due diligence form, and conduct required vetting. 
• Identify compliance gaps and recommend solutions including areas such as internal policies and procedures.
• Provide guidance and support to Private Sector-Led Workforce Development Activity in Kosovo grantees and subcontractors, including for budget review, subaward and contract formation, and guidance on applicable rules and regulations 
• Support the technical team in all aspects of grants and contracts management to ensure timely and accurate completion of deliverables.
• In coordination with the Finance and Operations Manager and program staff, review grantee and subcontractor interim and final financial reports and back-up financial documentation for authenticity and compliance with agreement requirements. 
• Under the direction of the Finance and Operations Manager, update, as necessary, the project’s grants manual, ensuring all changes are approved by the Chief of Party, IREX HQ, and USAID. 
• Input grant and subcontract related financial data into USAID databases as requested. 
• Oversee the proper filing of grantee and subcontractor documentation to ensure audit readiness. Contribute to the activity’s reporting, knowledge management and information sharing
• Prepare and request payments to grantees and subcontractors according to IREX and USAID regulations. 
• Travel to grantees and subcontractors within Kosovo for grant and subcontract management and monitoring. 
• Coordinate communication and monitoring activities between grants/subcontracts, finance, and program staff, as needed. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Application submission instructions:

1. CV that emphasizes relevant experience for this assignment. Please include the country where you are currently located as well as countries/regions where you have experience, and relevant language skills.
2. Cover letter: Please submit a cover letter summarizing your qualifications and states. It should be to 1 page.

Use this Grants & Contracts Officer link to apply for this position. This position is open until filled. For best consideration, apply by June 30, 2022

We conduct background checks on all successful candidates.

This position is not eligible for Immigration Sponsorship.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity.

All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. AA/EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled