Grants and Compliance Manager

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian non-profit organisation that advances children's rights and equality for girls. We support children's rights from birth until they reach adulthood, and enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We believe in the power and potential of every child, but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination.

Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges girls and vulnerable children face. We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 85 years and are now active in more than 70 countries, driving changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.

Deadline for application submission: 10th June, 2023.

Location: Abuja

Role Purpose

The role of the Grant and Compliance Manager is to contribute strategically to the overall management of Plan International Nigeria’s grants portfolio, support the finance unit in budgeting for quality project implementation. The role will require the job holder to coordinate and be accountable for all grants activities at Country level, ensure achievement of Country grant portfolio growth plans, ensure high quality and timeliness communications with donors and managing effective working relationships with the National Offices and bilateral and multilateral organizations at County level. Furthermore, provide oversight and analysis of the financial health of assigned projects while ensuring compliance to donor requirements.

Dimensions of the Role

The role reports to the Director of Partnerships and Business Development, leads the grants team and supports other field staff to ensure the grants are implemented and reported in line with the contractual agreement.

Accountabilities

Management:

• Lead the modification, implementation and monitoring of grant policies, objectives, activity plans, timelines and make recommendations for the effective management of grants and compliance
• Contribute to the collective and informed decisions made by the Country Leadership team (CLT) on issues related to grant management and compliance.
• Facilitate the establishment and implementation of standards of accountability, effectiveness and efficiency in the achievement of organizational grant objectives.
• Represent Plan International in external engagements that are related to grant and compliance.
• Participate as a member of the Country Leadership Team (CLT)

  Grant Administration and Management:

  • Continue to maintain an overview of available budgets, budget versus actuals, pre-empting future realignments and advising on course correction and responding to information requests.
  • Work collaboratively with Project Managers, to prepare, review, submit, and oversee project budgets and forecasts, ensuring alignment with project activities.
  • Work closely with finance team to develop and implement a standardized package for quality financial management grant-funded projects including standard KPIs, budget and reporting guidelines, Gift in Kind treatment, procurement and asset management plans, compliance training, project start-up and closing procedures.

    Ensure that Grants Coordinators and Officers:

    • Keep relevant grant sections of SAP up to date, for allocated projects.
    • Ensure Grant/FAD files & filing systems (both electronic and hard copies) are properly maintained.
    • Support the effective start-up of new grants (system set-up, FAD activation, start-up workshop etc)
    • Hold monthly calls with project managers to monitor progress on grants & hold quarterly updates with NO colleagues on project
    • Conduct regular field office visits to support grant monitoring, compliance and reporting
    • Update key grant management systems, including donor reporting trackers and grant status report.
    • Receive and review narrative and financial reports on a timely basis, and submit before the NO or donor deadline.
    • Work closely with project manager and finance staff to keep an overview of financial progress of active grants through regular review of expenditure against approved budget.
    • Support the effective closure of grants (including assets transfer, final evaluation, audits and reporting, and final system closure).

      Internal and External Donor reporting:

      • Act as the primary point of contact for all grant management-related communications to/from the National Organizations; including donor opportunities, responding to donor queries; requests for visits, etc.
      • Ensure Donor Financial reports and related financials are finalized and submitted on time, per donor requirements/formats, ensuring alignment with narrative reports.