Senior Grants Analyst at Management Sciences For Health - MSH

Overview

The Senior Grants Analyst will play a critical role in the successful implementation of the Tobacco Policy Action Fund for Africa (TOPAFA) initiative under Management Sciences for Health (MSH). The incumbent will provide comprehensive support throughout the grant cycle, ensuring that grantees across eight African countries are adequately funded and equipped to implement their tobacco control programs effectively. The role involves providing support and leading tasks related to grant management, financial forecasting, compliance monitoring, consultant management, ensuring alignment with donor requirements and organizational policies.

Responsibilities

Grant Cycle Management:

• Support end-to-end grant cycle management, from pre-award assessments to close-out.
• Collaborate with grantees to develop detailed work plans, budgets, and timelines that align with program objectives and funding requirements.
• Conduct financial reviews and risk assessments to ensure grantees have the capacity to manage funds effectively.
• As assigned, prepare Grant Negotiation memorandum, telling the story of each grant's purpose, process, and timeline.

Financial Forecasting and Compliance:

• Lead financial forecasting and budget monitoring for all grantees, ensuring timely fund request and adherence to approved budget.
• Monitor grantee expenditures and coordinate with Finance teams to prepare grant program financial reports.
• Ensure compliance with donor regulations, organizational policies, and local laws across all eight countries.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks associated with grant implementation, providing technical assistance to grantees as needed.

Grantee and Consultant Management:

• Provide direct support to grantees in financial management, reporting, and compliance to build their capacity for sustainable grant management.
• Support the administration of recruitment, contracting, and process for management of consultants in each of the eight African countries, ensuring their work aligns with the program’s goals and facilitate payment of their fees and entitlements.
• Support coordination with MSH country office focal points as applicable and consultants to provide on-the-ground support and ensure that grantee activities are progressing as planned.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Support the preparation of project mid-term and annual reports.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all grant-related activities, including financial transactions, compliance documentation, and consultant deliverable.

Capacity Building and Technical Assistance:

• Design and deliver effective training sessions on financial management, compliance, and reporting for grantees.
• Provide ongoing technical assistance to enhance grantees' capacity in managing funds efficiently, and compliance with grant requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with grantees, consultants, government focal points, and other key stakeholders ensuing effective communication and collaboration.
• Represent MSH and the TOPAFA program in meetings, workshops, and conferences, and other engagement.

Qualification

• A Master’s degree in Finance or Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in Contract and Grants Management, Financial Analysis, or a similar role for international development organizations, preferably at the country or regional level.
• Minimum 5 years of direct experience in the management of grants issued to government agencies/institutions and local NGOs at country level or regional level.
• Strong knowledge of Financial Management, Budgeting, and Forecasting principles.
• Proven ability to monitor compliance and manage risks associated with grant funding.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities under tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Proficiency in using financial management software and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Travel Requirement: Willingness and ability to travel to grantee countries within Africa as needed, up to 30% of the time.
• A master’s degree in finance or bachelor’s degree in finance, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in contract and grants management, financial analysis, or a similar role for international development organizations, preferably at the country or regional level.