Grants Management Consultant

Overview

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, governance, and post-crisis stabilization. Based in Chevy Chase, MD (metro DC area), Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.The Grants Management Surge Support Consultant will provide remote and in-country support for Creative. The Consultant will work with Creative HQ Grants Department and Creative projects in need of support during start-up, implementation and close-out.Responsibilities

Start Up Tasks:

Support recruitment and onboarding efforts for grants staff (review CVs, shortlist candidates, participate in interviews, conduct trainings)Support the development of project grant manuals (develop drafts based on Creative templates, provide comments and observations, address comments)Support the development of a grant operationalization strategy based on project workplansLaunch initial grant activities and guide project teams through the process (market research, developing NOFOs, reviewing applications, conducting evaluations, negotiations, due diligence) from Pre-award to awardProvide support for market research effortsEnsure project staff are prepared for grant kick-off meetings

Implementation Tasks:

Provide surge support as needed to projects including serving as Acting Project Grant ManagerSupport the update of operational Plan ensuring it’s aligned with Project’s workplan, including review (update) tracking systemConduct file checks during project implementationReview grant packages for internal Creative approvalsConduct ad-hoc trainingsAnalyze project activity cycles and provide recommendations

Close Out Tasks:

Conduct document reviews ensuring all minimum required documentation per Creative manuals and policies are in grant filesIdentify risks to Creative and propose solutionsReview financial documentation of grants to ensure costs billed are in line with donor cost principlesSupport the reconciliation and deobligation of grant fundsReview grants data in various systems (SMART, SharePoint, and donor databases) to ensure documents and data are consistent across platformsIdentify any gaps in documentation and support the development of notes to fileSupport the coordination and planning of grant close out targets with HQ Grants and project leadershipCoordinate closely with other support departments (at HQ and in projects)Support HQ Grants’ oversight in the compliant use of SMART (Creative’s grant management platform)Support Creative’s HQ Grant Department initiatives such as: updating templates, work instructions, and toolsOther similar tasks to be mutually agreed between Creative and the Consultant

Qualifications

Work experience with international development organization(s); specific experience with project grant management strongly preferredExperience delivering and facilitating grant trainingsExperience drafting grants work instructions, procedures, and templatesProven ability to lead teams, organize tasks, and communicate effectivelyFamiliarity with USAID grants rules and regulationsAbility to be flexible per changing demands and prioritiesAbility to travel on short notice for up to 6 weeksFluency in oral and written communication skills in English required; advanced working proficiency in French, Spanish, and/or Arabic is a plus

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