Vacancy: Grants Manager, Apply by 10 February 2020

Gender Links, a dynamic Southern African NGO based in Johannesburg, promoting gender equality and justice, seeks the services of an experienced, creative, highly motivated and committed Grants Manager.

Key Requirements:

Grants Management

• Oversight of grant calls, assessment, due diligence and budgets.
• Identify and develop strategies and systems to optimise the grants administration process.
• Direct involvement in grant submissions by coordinating with grant seeking organisations’ writers or coordinators. Oversee if the grants are implemented according to the operational and financial needs of the organisation.
• Supervise grantee organisations to ensure proper coordination of work, which is aligned to the proposals submitted.
• Keep grantees informed about upcoming deadlines and deliverables, thereby ensuring smooth completion of work responsibilities.
• Monitor paperwork and other related documents connected with grant-funded programmes.
• Provide training to the grantees on grants management and reporting requirements.
• Donor Reporting – Prepare Donor Narrative and Financial Reports.
• Manage the sub-agreement close out process.
• Any other assigned duties related to the grants function.

Financial management, oversight and accounting

• Compliance with financial policies; donor reporting and statutory requirements by implementing partners.
• Analysis and reporting on budget trends.
• Monitor grantees expenditures against approved budget and programme objectives and ensure Grants Officers have completed the Cash Request Checklist for each Cash Request;
• Ensure each sub-recipient has available funds, within the limitations of their sub-agreement, at all times.
• Mentor implementing partners by providing feedback on the finance reports and recommending improvements on financial reports and/or internal control processes.
• Performing periodic site visits to Implementing Partners.
• Preparing donor financial reports.
• Preparation of the audit files and supporting documents for the statutory and donor audits.
• Keeping abreast with and ensuring compliance of relevant statutory and donor policies and compliance requirements.
• Ensuring compliance with Gender Links’ zero tolerance for corruption policy.

General management

• Oversight of grants coordination.
• Managing partner relations
• Managing donor relations

Qualifications and experience:

• Postgraduate degree or Tertiary education with specialised certification in Accounting/Commerce; or Professional qualification at level 2, e.g. CIS, CIMA.
• At least ten years of professional experience with at least three of these in an NGO environment.
• Proven experience of managing grants and knowledge of donor finance systems and reporting requirements.
• Good knowledge and experience of Sage Pastel Evolution (non-negotiable).
• Ability to coach and mentor organisations that may have new finance systems.
• Excellent project management skills with proven experience in managing and supervising advocacy projects.

 Skills and attributes

• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Good understanding of the organisation’s overall business and its objectives.
• Strong knowledge of planning and strategising financial and budgeting issues.
• A multi-tasker with strong ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to prioritise work, meet deadlines and produce quality results on time with attention to detail.
• Proficient in using computers with related knowledge of software programs and Internet.
• Proven financial, fund raising and report writing skills.
• Ability to work within a team and provide support to the support staff.
• Ability to perform in a cross-functional team approach and job responsibilities.
• Excellent networking and inter-personal skills.
• Excellent verbal, analytical, writing and editing skills.
• Proficiency in at least two South African languages.

The post is based in Johannesburg and will require flexibility to travel within South Africa. A valid driver’s license is a requirement for this position. The candidate must be a South African or have permanent residence in South Africa. A highly competitive remuneration package will be offered, commensurate with the skills and experience of the successful candidate.  The offer will be subject to three months’ probation.

Interested candidates should submit their CV’s, references, a summary of their key achievements, and letter of motivation using the online application form  by close of business on Monday 10 February 2020. For more information on GL go to www.genderlinks.org.za. Only short listed candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted during the week of 18 February 2020. They will involve an oral interview and a relevant finance exercise.  The successful candidate will be expected to start as soon as possible, and preferably by 1 March 2020. GL reserves the right to re-advertise, should a suitable candidate not be found.