Senior Grants Specialists

Overview

Credence Management Solutions is seeking a Senior Grants Specialists to support USAID’s humanitarian assistance efforts overseas in response to natural disasters and protracted crises. This includes early recovery efforts that restore and protect basic systems and services and invests in risk reduction programs that prevent or reduce risks associated with chronic and recurrent hazards.

The Senior Grant Specialist will support application/proposal review and award making processes. The position is responsible for conducting thorough reviews and cost analyses of complex project budgets submitted by potential partners. The Senior Grant Specialist will also negotiate and prepare all pertinent documentation for new grants and cooperative agreements to non-governmental organizations (NGO), interagency agreements, awards to public international organizations (PIO), and all amendments/ modifications thereto, and supporting documentation such as memoranda of negotiations for submissions to USAID Agreement Officers. 

Senior Grants Specialists are expected to manage a larger portfolio of awards than that of a mid-level and/or junior level staff. Senior Grants Specialists are relied upon to complete last-minute assignments within 3-5 business days and are expected to complete their work with minimal to no errors or required oversight.    

Responsibilities

• Conduct cost analysis of complex budget proposals in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and internal USAID policies to determine whether proposed costs are reasonable, allowable and allocable.
• Negotiate and prepare complex USAID grants, cooperative agreements, amendments/modifications and supporting documentation, memorandum of negotiation and/or other federal assistance instruments in accordance with ADS 303 and 308 for designated Agreement Officer’s signature.
• Interpret award provisions for awardees and for officials of the agency and provides appropriate advice and guidance. Advise program staff and external partners on their administration responsibilities contained in the award.
• Develop procurement and solicitation documents for USAID Annual Program Statements (APS) and Requests for Applications (RFAs) and posting final notification of federal opportunities on Grants.gov.  Respond to applicant questions during the proposal or application submission phase; prepare solicitation amendments, as required.
• Review documentation and provide recommendations on award-related issues, provide guidance and support on processing necessary approvals and modifications and assist in formulating the necessary documentation and obtaining necessary clearances to process recommendations/actions with the Activity Manager, AOR, and/or AO.
• Develop or revise templates, as required, associated with the administration of grants and cooperative agreements to include but is not limited to formal memos and letters, modifications, award documents, waivers and close-out documentation and standard operating procedures.
• Provide training, technical assistance, oversight, advice, expertise, and consultation to program officials, awardees, review panels, applicants, as needed.
• Conduct risk assessments of U.S. and non-U.S. applicants to determine awardee eligibility using A-133 audits and Recipient Contract Audits (RCA).
• Design the negotiation strategy and conduct extensive negotiations on cost and technical issues prior to award.
• Conduct Post-Award Orientation for USAID partners.
• Develop or revise award templates, including but not limited to formal memos and letters, modifications, award documents, waivers and close-out documentation and standard operating procedures.
• Utilize USAID management information systems including GLAAS, Phoenix and ASIST for award obligations and tracking.
• Lead unit initiatives designed to improve internal processes and maximize team performance.
• Perform all assigned tasks independently with minimal supervision and/or work in teams, as needed.

Qualifications

• US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain Secret clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree with 15 years of relevant experience; or MS/MA/MBA with 12 years of relevant experience; or JD/ABD with 10 years of relevant experience; or Ph.D. with 8 years of relevant experience; or less than BS/BA with 20 years of relevant experience
• Experience in the fields of acquisition and assistance/grants and/or financial analysis, law, accounting/auditing, systems or business analysis.  (See “Education” section for number of years of required experience).
• Experience working with USAID funded awards.
• Experience working with federal awarding agencies and/or international non-governmental organizations.
• Experience in managing, negotiating and resolving highly complex tasks, awards and award-related issues in an effective manner.
• Experience in writing and editing office communication products and/or professional materials and conducting presentation.
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge of applicable USAID Assistance Regulations such as Code of Federal Regulation (CFRs) and Automated Directive System (ADS) series; OMB Circulars and other directives governing grants and contracting.
• Ability to apply regulations, procedures, and policies to individual acquisition and assistance programs.
• Exceptional attention to detail and excellent analytical, critical thinking, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability and willingness to mentor junior staff and understanding of knowledge transfer to provide training for junior staff members.
• Must be able to work independently in a highly demanding environment and capable of handling tasks with varying deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills to express ideas verbally and in writing, document procedures, and professionally represent the organization to internal and external parties.
• Familiarity with financial management procedures and systems such as USAID Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS), Phoenix, ASIST or similar applications.
• Proficiency in basic Microsoft Office suite and/or Google suite (docs, slides, sheet).
• High level of integrity, professionalism and supports teamwork to deliver within short deadlines.

Prior to submitting your application, please ensure that all relevant experience and education is documented on your resume. There is no limitation to resume length; updates to resumes will not be accepted during the interview and selection process.