Summary
The Senior Specialist, Grants & Contracts will provide support for Save the Children US, Save the Children International, and WDC-based business team counterparts. The Sr. Specialist is responsible for providing capacity building, guidance, management and implementation support for an assigned portfolio of SC’s awards, with a specialization on USAID contracts support. S/he will update, create and administer relevant training materials and resources for use throughout the lifecycle of the award. S/he will serve as a key resource knowledge hub on interpretation of CAS compliance requirements, policies, rules and regulations related to USAID and other major donors and will provide input on systems and policies across the finance division as they relate to USG contract requirements.
Essential Duties, Responsibilities and Impact
- Infrastructure: Work with G&C leadership, SCI, and other departments to ensure contracts are managed efficiently; update policies; develop organizational capacity to administer contracts with a specific focus on USAID and other government clients, develop relevant rules and regulations. (10%)
Contract Administration: Support assigned award portfolio; prepare and negotiate contracts, subcontracts and RFPs; Review of cost proposals, solicitations, prime contracts and other related contract documents; provide feedback and identify risk factors on cost proposals, solicitations, prime contracts, subcontracts, modifications, FAR and AIDAR references; maintain contract tracking system; review and approve award-related information in the organization’s award management and financial systems; update and maintain templates and manuals; Liaise, and when needed provide guidance to business teams, finance and billing team as needed on contract reporting issues. (45%)
Training and Technical Assistance: Update, develop and deliver formal and informal Contracts trainings and resources, including innovative and interactive communications tools, share best practices; provide timely support. Focus on transferring knowledge on contracts administration and associated rules and regulations within and across teams to build increased organizational capacity. Take detailed rules, regulations, policies, etc. and clearly explain fundamental points to various audiences using a variety of training and capacity building methods (30%)
Compliance: Maintain knowledge with USG and other major funder rules and regulations; communicate changes to SC US and SCI; monitor procurement under contracts to ensure compliance (15%)
Required Background and Experience, Skills and Behaviors
Demonstrated technical skills and experience:
- BA or BS in Contracts Management, International Studies, Public Administration, Business Administration, or other relevant degree
- 5-9 years’ experience in contracting activities through the award lifecycle
- Proven experience conducting contract readiness assessments and implementing CAS compliance requirements
- Proven experience in the compliance function in the area of grants, contracts, procurement and subcontracts especially US federal (FAR and AIDAR, Uniform Circular). European governments, Global Fund, and other donors helpful.
- Advanced knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and AIDAR required. Knowledge of federal assistance regulations preferred.
- Experience in budget review, contract negotiation, subcontract management, procurement, performance auditing and dispute resolution
- Contract management / administration experience required, preferably during implementation
- Proven experience in training and capacity building of internal and external teams required. Experience developing compelling online training modules (in coordination with e-learning vendors) preferred.
- Strong strategic planning, communications, and organizational skills required.
- Ability to prioritize workload and multitask in a high-paced, demanding environment
- Strong analytical and research skills.
- Knowledge of federal audit requirements/process for grants and contracts preferred.
- Sense of humor is a must.
- Ability and willingness to travel approximately 25% of the time (US and international).
BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES
- Demonstrates Save the Children’s core values of accountability, collaboration, integrity, ambition, and creativity.
- Leading: takes initiative to actively identify areas for learning to develop self and others; aligns performance to deliver results;
- Engaging: Balances focus on tasks with attention to building relationships, identifying, monitoring, and strengthening partnerships, and networking with key stakeholders internally, cross functionally and externally; Proven ability to work effectively independently and in multi-cultural team environments.
- Communicating with Impact: Excellent written and verbal English language skills. Proven ability to communicate effectively with individuals and group at all levels.
- Thinking: Actively applies technical and professional experience; in close collaboration with others, able to solve problems, make decisions, and facilitate implementation and encourage acceptance of change for success while building trust; applies innovative solutions and encourages others to seek opportunities that adapt to new environments.
- Service Orientation- Anticipates and responds promptly to internal/external customer’s needs. Solicits customer feedback.
Save the Children invests in childhood – every day, in times of crisis and for our future. In the United States and around the world, we are dedicated to ensuring every child has the best chance for success. Our pioneering programs give children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. Our advocacy efforts provide a voice for children who cannot speak for themselves. As the leading expert on children, we inspire and achieve lasting impact for millions of the world’s most vulnerable girls and boys. By transforming children’s lives now, we change the course of their future and ours.
Save the Children is committed to conducting its programs in a manner that is safe for the children it serves and helping protect the children with whom Save the Children is in contact. As a humanitarian agency, Save the Children is obliged to create and maintain an environment that aims to prevent the sexual exploitation and abuse of children and promote the implementation of its child safeguarding policy. All representatives of Save the Children – employees, volunteers, interns, consultants, Board members and others who work with children on Save the Children’s behalf – are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with this commitment and obligation.
Save the Children provides an attractive benefits package including competitive salaries, a matching retirement plan, health and welfare benefits, life insurance, an employee assistance program, generous time off and much more. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status, or status as a veteran. Save the Children complies with all applicable laws.
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