The Regional Program Manager for SESAME Marketing and Exports (SESAME) project is a member of the Africa regional team of Lutheran World Relief. S/he works under the supervision of the Deputy Regional Director for Operations to provide grants management and administrative support for SESAME, a multi-year USDA project that will increase agricultural productivity and expand trade of sesame seeds in Burkina Faso. S/he assumes overall responsibility for managing all systems related to grants management and administration. S/he provides guidance and oversight to the Burkina Faso field offices in coordination with International Finance through reporting, regular communication with field staff, grants management training, and monitoring trips. S/he ensures compliance with USDA. S/he simultaneously works with other departments to contribute to LWR’s strategic partnerships and external relations efforts.
Responsibilities:
Program & Grants Management:
• Serve as primary contact with donor contact persons responsible for administering the donor’s grant.
• Serve as the main point of contact for the monetization agent, referring recommendations on monetization and sales processes to IPD leadership.
• Serve as liaison between all internal parties (field staff, International Finance, etc.) to track the timely fulfillment of deliverables and project objectives as per donor agreements and approved proposal documents, as well as compliance with donor rules and regulations.
• Coordinate the review and approval of award agreements and amendments.
• Develop sub-award agreements and monitor sub-grantee implementation and compliance with these agreements.
• Develop training workshops, systems and tools for LWR and sub-grantee management of the grant and compliance with donor requirements.
• Coordinate and consolidate internal reports from the field team, sub-grantees, and International Finance to produce quality reports per the agreement with the donor.
• Backstop project senior staff for the timely completion of project audit and evaluation processes: assist with project consultant identification; support the project Finance Director and the Regional Finance and Administration Manager to execute contracts in conformity with LWR procurement policies and procedures; and ensure receipt and review of project audits and evaluations by appropriate headquarters staff.
• Process wire transfer to sub-grantees.
• Maintain LWR’s project information management system and maintain files such that they meet audit requirements.
New Business Development:
• Coordinate, manage and further develop relationships with the region’s funding agencies. Communicate grant related updates and developments as appropriate; participate in NBD positioning meetings and/or conference calls.
• Support DRDs in coordinating with the NBD unit and field staff on regional business development initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for expanded and/or new funding through current restricted awards and/or donors.
• Backstop proposal development process as needed.
Intra and inter-departmental functions:
• Collaborate with other Regional Program Managers to ensure standardization of policies and procedures related to restricted award management.
• Be responsible and accountable for engaging US Lutherans effectively in the work of LWR and ensuring that LWR’s work in marginalized communities is of the highest quality and integrity.
• Contribute to documentation of LWR’s programming for internal and external audiences.
• Engage in ongoing professional development.
• Comply with LWR’s safety & security procedures and protocols.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Qualifications
Commitment to LWR’s core values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners.
Master’s degree in a field relevant to international development is strongly preferred.
Minimum of five years’ experience working on grants management for an international development and relief organization, including a minimum of 3 years working directly with management of USDA awards. Experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa a plus.
Demonstrated familiarity of US Government, including USDA regulations and grant procedures.
Familiarity with monetization preferred.
Familiarity and a background in M&E preferred.
Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality US government and foundation grant proposals and reports.
Experience in managing agreements with donors and sub-award recipients.
Experience in designing and facilitating training sessions for a diverse and multi-cultural audience.
Advanced proficiency in French and English (writing, reading and speaking) in order to communicate effectively with field staff, partners and local donors.
Experience working on multicultural teams of varied specialties.
Strong time management skills; ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
Strong analytical ability and excellent writing skills.
Ability to effectively represent organization to external donors.
Ability to travel up to 35 percent of her/his time, including adverse conditions and/or disaster zones.
Overseas experience in relief and development programming is preferred.
Experience with and commitment to working in a very diverse workforce.
Familiarity with Lutheran theology, church structures, and church member motivations and sensitivities preferred.
Ability to effectively represent organization to internal and external audiences.
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