Chemonics Funds Management Lead Jobs in Kenya

Chemonics Funds Management Lead Jobs in Kenya

The Research and Information Systems in Africa (RISA) Fund programme is a multi-country project funded by the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) focusing on strengthening research and innovation systems in target countries, combining the fund manager requirements of two current funds under the RISA umbrella: Strengthening Research Institutions in Africa (SRIA) and African Technology and Innovation Partnerships (ATIP).

RISA seeks to strengthen research and innovation systems by developing a portfolio of well-designed, evidence-based sub-projects in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Rwanda, and Ethiopia.

The RISA programme has three objectives:

Research institution and system strengthening (SRIA). To support research organisations to have the capabilities necessary to produce relevant, high-quality research and to create an enabling environment for researchers and research organisations.

Innovation system strengthening (ATIP). To strengthen the enablers for the scaling of new and emerging technologies with the high potential for poverty reduction and inclusive growth.

Strengthening synergies between research and innovation systems (SRIA and ATIP). To identify and support linkages between research and innovation systems that will improve their integration and coordination.

RISA will focus on identifying research and/or innovation system strengthening priorities in each of the focus African countries; procuring appropriate suppliers to deliver research and innovation system strengthening projects; and managing the overall research and innovation systems strengthening fund portfolio. The project is a funds management programme that will issue grants and funding awards to local institutions and partners in Africa.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

The Funds Management Lead (referred to in the prime contract with FCDO as Management Accountant) will be responsible for the compliant management of awards offered by the RISA Fund. The Funds Management Lead will work as an integral member of RISA’s Senior Management Team (SMT) to design the fund management procedures, processes and controls that will enable efficient management of the programme, working closely with the Team Leader, Project Director and other Chemonics staff.

The Funds Management Lead will be the primary party responsible for the implementation of FCDO-approved fund activities, working in coordination with other critical team members as needed to provide information and updates on funds concept development and activity implementation either verbally or in writing.

The Funds Management Lead also conducts due diligence on grant (award) recipients, and works closely with members of the RISA team to develop awards and associated budgets that are realistic and appropriately planned to successfully meet proposed objectives.

Under the guidance of RISA’s Team Leader, this person will be responsible for the following duties:

Overall:

Under the direction of the Team Leader and Project Director, ensures full compliance with all applicable FCDO and Chemonics policies, practices and procedures for the RISA programme, including fund solicitation and selection procedures, fund awards, implementation, and close-out.

Provides FCDO and Chemonics award-making policy guidance and interpretation for both RISA downstream partners and staff involved in funds management.

Responsible for the updating and revising of RISA's grants manual and templates throughout the life of the programme. Ensures grant manual procedures are followed and correct templates are consistently used.

Leads the development, implementation and administration of RISA Fund award policies, procedures and practices.

Ensures effective liaison between RISA staff – including technical

advisors, finance and country technical leads -- and downstream partners.

Supports Team Leader, PMU, and MEL team in measuring, tracking and reporting on Value for Money across the entire Fund.

In collaboration with the Team Leader and Finance Manager, provides training and ongoing coaching to country technical leads on award-level financial management.

Perform other duties as needed.

Award-Making:

Analyses and evaluates for compliance RISA Fund concepts, proposals and agreement/award documents to ensure adherence to established funds management policies and best practices, ensuring that technical inputs from FCDO and RISA country technical leads are in the final award agreements and supporting documents.

Ensure proper negotiation of the terms and conditions for agreements/awards under the RISA fund, and review and analyse budget estimates. Reviews and approves draft budgets.

Leads grantee capacity assessments using a due diligence form and leads in grant kick-off meetings to serve as a resource for any questions related to grant administration and compliance.

Reviews and recommends approval by Team Leader on grant packages and payment requests for compliance with Chemonics' procedures and client regulations.

Monitors grant disbursements and payment schedules, liaising closely with the RISA country technical leads who will be trained on how to conduct preliminary reviews, and with the Finance Manager to make grant payments in a timely and compliant manner.

Work closely with Finance Manager to monitor overall grantee compliance with financial management and award agreement obligations as stipulated in the grant agreement.

Maintain proper and complete documentation of funds management files and award files, including grants procurement and solicitation, grant cycle implementation and management, and closing in accordance with RISA’s grant file checklist.

Qualifications

The qualifications for the Funds Management Lead include:

Degree or relevant professional experience in international development, economics, or similar field;

Experience working with FCDO or any of its predecessors would be desirable;

Demonstrable experience of working in Africa, across multiple locations preferred. Culturally sensitive and aware of African counties, customs and ways of working;

Funds/grant management experience, including risk management and compliance;

Financial Management or accounting experience;

Fluency in English is required, and an additional language spoken with the region would be advantageous but not necessary.

Duration and Location of Assignment

The Funds Management Lead is a long-term position under the RISA programme. This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. The Funds Management Lead may be required to travel within and outside of Kenya to provide training to grantees and implementers or conduct internal control checks and audits.

Reporting:

The Funds Management Lead will report directly to the RISA Team Leader or their designee for the duration of this assignment

How to Apply

Please send an updated CV and application letter outlining your suitability for the role to: RISARecruitment@chemonics.com. Please include “Funds Management Lead” in the subject header.

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