Plan International seeks to recruit a grants coordinator

Plan International is an independent non-profit development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.

We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 75 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.

 

Purpose : 

• To support in the fundraising building relationship with new and existing donors ;
• To ensure compliance in grants management by facilitating the process of funds start-up, reporting, documentation and funds closure and ;
• To support in the management of grants in SAP.

 

Dimensions of Role:

• The role will have a primary focus on existing CNO supported projects and new initiatives which will consist of 90% of GPC’s time including both business development and management/compliance, and a secondary focus on providing overall support to the country team with 10% of GPC’s time ;
• Keeping the GSM informed on the management of all risks associated with the delivery of a defined portfolio of emergency and development projects funded by Canadian and multi-lateral donors ;
• In addition to supporting the GSM, the role acts as an interface between the CAR and Nigerian refugees ERMTs, the Program Technical Team, Country Director and the relevant NO (National organization) ;
• Support greater integration, learning, sharing and dissemination, timely and effective delivery of programs in terms of financial compliance and quality programming of assigned portfolio ;
• Support Resource mobilisation process through proposal development (technically and/or financially) ;
• Works closely with relevant managers to ensure timely support to program delivery and good planning of activities that require logistical, finance, administrative, HR or security support ;
• Develop and deliver project documentation, grant reporting and agreements in a timely fashion ensuring appropriate review cycles by CNO Program and Compliance Managers.

 

Typical Responsibilities – Key End Results of Position :

• What” is done and “why”, but not “how”; include indicators for success ;
• What are the outputs and deliverables?

 

Business Development :

The Grant Portfolio Coordinator will provide support with on-going business development as well as increasing resource mobilisation opportunities with donors.

 

Indicators will include :

• Support provided for on-going business development opportunities, including liaising with donors and following up on potential leads ;
• Oversight provided to project design and proposal preparations for institutional and public funding in conjunction with Emergency response  and program teams at CNO level ;
• On-going surveillance maintained of the developing humanitarian emergency situation in the East and Far North regions of Cameroun and adjust activities accordingly ;
• Support provided on FAD finalisation and administration and ensure Plan protocol is followed with the proposal development process, ensuring that the CNO is given adequate time to provide feedback on proposals and on the draft agreement before finalised ;
• Follow up with donors on projects that have potential for continued funding ;
• Liaise with key donors, building relationships and developing business development opportunities: UN agencies (UNHCR, UNICEF, UNFPA, WFP, FAO, etc.) Canadian Embassy, host government and other key stakeholders where necessary.

 

Program planning and delivery  :

Project work plans are reviewed, updated and monitored based on the changing environment and other future funding opportunities.

Indicators will include :

• Clear project work plans are in place for each grant and revised regularly ;
• Project results are achieved, and appropriate benchmarks, targets and performance indicators are established and monitored ;
• Risks to quality implementation and compliance are reviewed on a regular basis with clear mitigation strategies developed in a timely manner including resources required.  Programmatic strategies within the grant portfolio are of high quality, based on best practice and in line with donor standards ;
• A clear plan to strengthen program and compliance quality in the grant portfolio exists and is implemented to a high standard ;
• Well-documented, accurate quality narrative reports are produced in line with donors’ reporting requirements, including review by CNO ;
• Projects have an efficient knowledge management system/approach in place that helps learning, sharing, scaling up, and innovation ;
• CNO portfolio is increased through Grants effective management and proposal development ;
• Ensure strong alignment with the Plan International Cameroon Country Strategic Plan ;
• Grants appropriately set-up and monitored in SAP.

 

Financial management :

The projects’ budgets and financial reports are reviewed, updated and monitored based on the changing environment and other future funding opportunities.

 

Indicators will include :

• Donor compliance requirements are met in a timely manner and grants are well positioned for donor audits ;
• Grants’ budgets and forecast are developed, implemented and monitored in coordination with the Finance team to the highest quality in accordance with donor compliance requirements ;
• Accurate financial reports are produced and submitted in line with donors’ requirements ;
• Financial reports are reviewed to ensure alignment between expenditures and progress reports.

 

Communications and working relationships :

Appropriate internal and external Working Relationships (and partnerships) are in place to support quality grant delivery and compliance, and other future funding opportunities.

To maximize overall program impact through the optimized contributions of others, the post holder will be required to initiate, develop and maintain a range of working relationships, including with donors, implementing partners and other development organizations.

Effective working relationships within Plan are also essential. The post holder will have frequent communication with CO and PU teams, CMT members, as well as Plan Canada.Indicators will include :

• The grant portfolio coordinator is engaged in strategic partnerships with civil society, INGOs, UN and government entities as appropriate, to maximise the use of our resources for the implementation of quality programs ;
• The terms for partnerships are clearly documented and monitored regularly for compliance ;
• Donors express satisfaction with the progress of projects and contract compliance ;
• Increased business development opportunities based on consistent coordination and follow up with key donors ;
• Strong relationships with CNO staff developed and clear communications on grant management.

 

Dealing with Problems :

The position involves a high degree of complexity in resolving a wide range of challenges which typically occur in the management of a complex grant portfolio with different management lines, geographical locations, a large and diverse workforce, and a range of contractual obligations, specifically grant contracts. The post holder will demonstrate the ability to solve problems, thinking strategically while introducing innovations as needed to meet the demands of a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable operating environment while ensuring Plan systems and policies are adhered to.

 

Communications and Working Relationships :

• Working contacts inside and outside the organization; include the purpose and level (high, medium, low) of the contact ;
• The position holder will work very closely with the following people ;
• In-country and NO level.

 

The position holder will work very closely with the following people :

• In-country :
  • • PU staff ;
    • Technical Advisors ;
    • Country Management Team  members ;
    • Finance staff ;
    • Donor representative.
• With Plan Canada :
  • • Emergency Program Manager – business development ;
    • Program & Compliance Managers.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives :

Gained through education, training, & experience

 

Qualification and Experience :

• Degree in social sciences or equivalent ;
• Experience of grants compliance requirements for more than one development aid donor ;
• Sound understanding of integrated development issues and critical analysis of child poverty ;
• In-depth knowledge of child-rights programming ;
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of the complexities of working in conflict and fragile situations and how to effectively deliver commitments while minimizing security risks ;
• Demonstrated experience in emergency programming and understanding of relevant international humanitarian frameworks ;
• Knowledge of development issues, trends, challenges and opportunities and implications to community development ;
• Demonstrated knowledge of strategic work planning processes ;
• Knowledge of effective participatory Monitoring, Evaluation and Research systems and processes ;
• Ability to work independently and as a team player who demonstrates leadership and is able to support and train local and international staff.

Skills :

• Exceptional conceptual and strategic thinking skills ;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with colleagues at long distances ;
• Fluency in English and French ;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including presentation and public speaking ;
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills ;
• Strong team building  and motivational skills ;
• Good negotiation and influencing skills ;
• Solid experiences in grant implementation with a variety of donors ;
• Leadership analysis/coaching skills ;
• Strong inter-personal skills in a multi-cultural environment ;
• Solid project management skills ;
• Minimum of 5 years humanitarian aid experience in complex disasters context ;
• Experience in project management and grant management in a development context, including managing multi-million dollar budgets ;
• Experienced in engaging with the international donor community and developing donor reports for grants ;
• Strong understanding of the humanitarian emergency operating context, including Sphere, the humanitarian system, donors, security, civil military liaison and program management.

Behaviours :

• Creates strong sense of purpose within the portfolio and with stakeholders ;
• Holds self and others to account to deliver on agreed goals and standards of behaviour ;
• Sees contribution of own part of the organisation in wider Plan International and external context ;
• Balances future vision with practical delivery ;
• Sound judgement and decision-making in complex situations ;
• Can reach out and influence large groups of people ;
• Creates highly motivated team of unified purpose ;
• Modifies own view to get the best outcome for the organisation ;
• Supports learning in diverse teams ;
• Remains calm and positive under pressure and in difficult situations ;
• Aware of impact on others and adjusting own behaviour accordingly ;
• Humble and service oriented.

 

Physical Environment and Demands :

• May be “typical office environment”;
• Note if heavy lifting, climbing, excess travel, etc.

 

Travel requirements :

This position requires 30% of travel within Plan program units and outside the country, 70% office related activities in CO

 

Level of Contact with Children :

• Low contact :     No contact or very low frequency of interaction ;
• Mid contact :     Occasional interaction with children ;
• High level :        Frequent interaction with children.

Mid contact- the job responsibilities of this position require the post holder to have occasional contact with children during field visits.

 

Next Step:

To apply for this job, kindly click on “Apply”. Your application should include :

• A cover letter ;
• A comprehensive CV including details of three referees, one of whom should be your current of most recent supervisor.

Plan International Cameroon operates in an equal opportunity environment and actively encourages diversity.  Only applications received in French or English will be treated and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Plan international has a child protection and gender equality policies that are integral part of the recruitment process.

Apply here