About the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES):

IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions, and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for everyone. As the global leader in the promotion and protection of democracy, our technical assistance and applied research develops trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies.

The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pays, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High-Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork, and Collaboration.

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE: 

The Contracts & Grants Manager manages all phases of work involved in the selection of acquisition and assistance awards (both contracts and grants) with the US government, other bilateral and multilateral donors such as FCDO, GAC, the UN, European Union, multilateral development banks, as well as foundations and private sector donors. When needed, the Contracts & Grants Manager will build and manage a strong team of professionals to support one or more of IFES’ regional programmatic areas and its regional field offices and sites. S/he will support the assessment, design, and implementation of appropriate business process improvements related to IFES’ delivery of effective C&G operations.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the main point of contact in administering the facilitation, submission, and negotiation of federal, non-federal, and international grants, cooperative agreements, proposals, contracts, sub-awards, leases, procurement, service agreements, and consulting agreements and modifications.
• Manage full-cycle contract award administration.
• Track changes to, research, interpret, and advise on USG and non-USG regulations, especially Title 2 of CFR, FAR, AIDAR, and other donor regulations.
• Review, improve and contribute to policies and procedures for the Office of Contracts and Grants.
• Conduct training on grants and contract compliance issues for headquarters and field staff with the goal of enhancing IFES’ global knowledge and capacity to effectively manage an expanding C&G portfolio.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships that focus on finding solutions with donors and program staff.
• Support Program Teams in ensuring that procurement processes are cost-effective, efficiently designed, and in compliance with IFES Procurement policy, US Government, and donor regulations.
• Coordinate with the Business Development team as well as the program and finance staff in formulating proposals, awards, and any changes.
• Support activities of Finance staff in the areas of fiscal management, audit, and financial reporting for IFES awards.
• Ensure the timely processing of all contracts and grant closeouts.
• Other duties as assigned.

POSITION SCOPE:

Manage all phases of work involved in the selection of acquisition and assistance awards. Manage work activities with internal and external partners to integrate efforts toward the achievement of departmental objectives. Performance and outcomes are subject to senior management oversight.

DECISION MAKING/PROBLEM-SOLVING: 

Identify risk factors with the potential to disrupt the achievement of operational goals. Consult with internal and external stakeholders to assess, propose, and build consensus around the best solutions. Lead solution implementation after approval. Demonstrate insight, judgment, and initiative to resolve unusual challenges. Complex decision-making is subject to management review.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:

Submitting proposals and negotiating final awards/grants.

RELATIONSHIPS: 

Collaborate with internal and external partners in planning and implementing project activities. Collaborative relationships require highly developed influencing skills, involving active listening, creativity, and problem-solving to assure desired outcomes. Maintains effective working relationships with members of other departments, vendors, partners, sub-contractors, and donors.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

May supervise a team of entry-level and/or professional-level staff. Manage, coordinate, and monitor the activities of others to assure goals are met. 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS 
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, International Relations, Finance, or related discipline.

Experience: Minimum of 8 years of experience in international development with an NGO and/or for-profit in the development sector, with at least 4 years of full-cycle grant/contract administration. Demonstrated experience with the administration of USG and non-USG contracting and grant-making, procedures, regulations, and policies required. Experience with USAID is required. Experience with the Department of State, and other international development donors (FCDO, GAC, DFAT, etc.) is highly desirable.

Related Skills or Knowledge: Experience with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and Teams is required. Proven organizational skills and capacity to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines. Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills. Team player with excellent interpersonal skills. Supervisory experience is preferred. Excellent negotiating skills.

Language Skills: English required.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment: Standard office work environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Monthly Benefit Allowance paid directly to all employees
• Employer-paid life and AD&D insurance at 3x base salary
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 1:1 employer match up to 6%
• Employer-paid Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
• Generous vacation (starting at 3 weeks and increasing with time of service), sick leave, and personal leave
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Pet Insurance 
• Employee Assistance Program

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