Grants Specialist (Grants and Contracts Admin II)

Company Description

EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC)

EDC is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms. EDC designs, implements, and evaluates programs to improve education, health, and economic opportunity worldwide. Collaborating with both public and private partners, we strive for a world where all people are empowered to live healthy, productive lives.

EDC’s approach to equity, diversity, and inclusion is grounded in EDC’s commitment to respect the dignity of each individual. EDC has a commitment to promoting equity and access to high quality education and health services that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. EDC expresses its commitment to increasing equity through its strategies, services and products, which contribute to building capacity and transforming lives.

Job Description

USAID’s Inclusive Development and Equitable Assistance (IDEA) Leader with Associate Award is a five-year global activity. IDEA will enhance capacity among organizations of marginalized and underrepresented groups and/or people in vulnerable situations as they advance their own development goals and are more intentionally engaged in international development efforts. IDEA partners with marginalized and underrepresented groups and/or people in vulnerable situations, USAID, and other key stakeholders to shift the global discourse on equity and inclusion and implement more equitable and inclusive policies, planning, and practices across USAID missions and offices to advance inclusive development and inclusive localization.

The role:

The Grants Specialist (Grants and Contracts Administrator II) will work closely with the Grants Team on the IDEA grants program, ensuring efficient, effective, and transparent management and compliance. The Grants Specialist (Grants and Contracts Administrator II) will assist the Grants Team and the IDEA team in the development and rollout of the Grants Program. They will lead the development of requests for application (RFA), support the grantee selection process, and conduct pre-award assessments for selected grantees. The Grants Specialist (Grants and Contracts Administrator II) will also assist the Grants and Subawards Manager in conducting regular monitoring of grant implementation, including the review of grantees’ progress toward milestone completion and submission of activity reports, deliverables, expenses, and supporting documentation to ensure compliance with the terms of the grant agreement both financially and programmatically. The Grants Specialist (Grants and Contracts Administrator II) will also play an integral part of the Grants Team and IDEA team in supporting capacity strengthening activities.  

The ideal candidate will be based in or near Washington, DC; however, US-based telecommuters will be considered. The Grants Specialist (Grants and Contracts Administrator II) will report to the Grants and Subawards Manager.

You will:

• Assist in developing the overall shape and structure of IDEA grants program, particularly as relevant Buy-Ins and Associate Award opportunities for grants become known, in close collaboration with the Grants and Subawards Manager, the Grants Coordinator, the general IDEA team, relevant EDC entities and departments, and partners.
• Assist the Grants and Subawards Manager in directing the competitive grantee selection process, which includes RFA development and grant proposal evaluation.
• Support in developing the IDEA Subrecipient Monitoring (SRM) Plan and completing the SRM checklists for partners according to the frequency associated with their risk level.
• Assist in reviewing grantees’ milestones and supporting documentation, including invoices, for financial data accuracy and compliance. This includes ensuring all grant activities comply with USAID and EDC regulations and policies. 

• Assist in planning/preparing grants capacity strengthening activities for selected grantees to better equip them to be able to apply for and manage USAID grants. This may include training in compliance, financial management, reporting requirements and project implementation. 
• Support the Grants Team in conducting a detailed review of grantees’ milestones and supporting documentation.
• Assist with timely closeout/extension of each grant in compliance with IDEA grants manual and procedures.

Qualifications

Education:

• A bachelor’s degree is required, while an advanced degree is preferred.

Skills and Experience

• At least five years of progressively and directly relevant experience in similar positions.
• Extensive Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations especially 2CFR200.
• Previous grant capacity building is highly preferred. 
• Extensive knowledge and experience in grants management, especially managing USG funded programs.
• Experience in project budget review and monitoring and cost controls.
• Excellent social skills at all levels, cultural sensitivity, ability to work under pressure and with a team, negotiate diplomatically, and the ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary work environment.
• Ability to prepare and conduct presentations.
• Proficient in using Microsoft SharePoint and Office 365.
• Availability to work and travel in the Award’s implementation regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East and North Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe and Eurasia.

Additional Information

EDC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce and ensuring an equitable and highly inclusive work environment. EDC is a smoke-free workplace, and offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Research shows that individuals from historically marginalized groups find themselves meeting many of the criteria of a job posting, yet doubting if they should apply. At EDC, we value and strive for a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.  Equity and excellence are inseparable.  If you meet some of the preferred requirements but not all of them, and feel aligned with our vision and mission, we encourage you to apply.

Total Rewards:

EDC offers the following comprehensive benefits package for all eligible employees:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 12 paid holidays
• Generous vacation benefits for full- and part-time employees
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition and transportation reimbursement
• Robust retirement plan with TIAA/CREF (Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association/College Retirement Equities Fund)
• Paid sick time and up to 16 hours of personal time annually
• Parental leave
• Employee assistance program

This position offers an anticipated full-time equivalent annual base salary range of approximately $58,500 to $73,000.  Salary offers are made based on market analysis and internal equity.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the EDC job opportunities website as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by e-mailing Liz Christensen or by calling her at 800-225-4276 or 617-618-2329.