Vacancy #: 7414 Unit: ESARO - Water Programme Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Location: Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya Reporting to: Regional Programme Coordinator / Country Representative, IUCN Tanzania Work percentage: 100% Grade: P1 Expected start date: 01 March 2026 Type of contract: Fixed-term (up to 24 months) Closing date: 07 February 2026 BACKGROUND THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION
BACKGROUND:
IUCN and UNEP-DHI will jointly implement the Climate Resilient Eastern African Transboundary Water Management for Environmental Sustainability (CREATES) project, operating in the Sio-Malaba-Malakisi (SMM) and Mara transboundary river basins across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, and supporting selected regional water organisations from 2025 to 2030.
The project will be delivered through a Project Management Unit (PMU) based in Nairobi, Kenya, supported by two Basin Coordinatorsโone stationed at the NELSAP office in Kakamega (SMM Basin) and the other in Musoma (Mara Basin)โalongside other technical staff. The PMU will be managed on a day-to-day basis by the Team Leaders (TLs).
The Grants Officer will be employed by IUCN and will provide grant management support for activities implemented by both IUCN and UNEP-DHI, as agreed with the TLs/PMU and in alignment with the overall project work plan and responsibilities. JOB DESCRIPTION SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under close supervision of the Senior Finance Officer, CREATES and Grants and Contracts Manager, ESARO, the Grants Officer will be responsible for establishing, overseeing, and monitoring the entire grants management cycle for the CREATES project, ensuring efficient implementation and full compliance with both donor and IUCN policies. This role involves developing and operationalizing fit-for-purpose granting and sub-granting systems, policies, and procedures that reflect the specific needs and contexts of the SMM and Mara River basins. The Grants Officer will ensure adherence to financial, administrative, and contractual requirements across all phases of the grant lifecycleโincluding calls for proposals, due diligence, pre-award assessments, contracting, reporting, and risk managementโin close coordination with basin teams, implementing partners, and other stakeholders.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
CREATES Grant Management Systems Development;
Lead the design and operationalisation of a fit-for-purpose grant and sub-grant management system for the CREATES project.
Develop tools, templates, and guidelines for soliciting, evaluating, and selecting sub-partners in alignment with project objectives and donor requirements.
Coordinate and conduct due diligence assessments for potential sub-grantees, focusing on both technical capacity and financial management systems.
Establish and maintain a risk management and monitoring framework for all sub-awards, in coordination with basin teams.
Ensure that all PMU and basin staff are adequately informed and trained on donor compliance regulations and IUCN procedures to facilitate timely and compliant implementation.
Deliver targeted capacity building to sub-grantees and local partners to strengthen grants management and reporting capabilities.
Grants Compliance Management;
Support the review and processing of grant agreements, amendments, cost extensions, and no-cost extensions, ensuring full adherence to IUCN and donor protocols.
Ensure all grant-related financial reporting and expenditures strictly comply with the terms and conditions of signed agreements.
Serve as the primary point of contact for sub-grantees on all grant compliance matters.
Review financial and narrative reports from sub-grantees to ensure quality, accuracy, and compliance prior to submission to the Project Management Unit or donor.
Support to Project Implementation and Portfolio Development;
Contribute to the strategic and operational planning of CREATES, particularly in relation to grant-funded activities and community engagement.
Assist in the development of annual work plans and budgets, ensuring synergy between grant-funded initiatives and overall project delivery.
Analyse sub-grantee performance and funding history and generate periodic reports to inform project management and strategic decision-making.
Other Responsibilities;
Perform any other duties related to grants management or project implementation as may be assigned by the Senior Finance Officer or Grants and Contracts Manager (ESARO), in line with the evolving needs of the CREATES project. REQUIREMENTS โข POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Education;
A university degree in Project Management, Development Studies, Business Administration, Public Administration, Environmental Studies, or other relevant fields.
Strong proficiency in standard office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet-based communication and collaboration tools.
A masterโs degree in a related field will be an added advantage.
Work Experience;
Minimum five years of relevant experience, preferably in project or grant management within the development or environmental sectors, including:
Demonstrated expertise in the design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of donor-funded environmental or natural resource management projects.
Proven experience working with or supporting community-led initiatives, livelihood projects, or local capacity development programs.
Hands-on experience in budget development, financial tracking, and compliance for projects funded by bilateral, multilateral, or philanthropic donors.
Experience in stakeholder engagement, network building, and facilitating collaboration among partners.
Strong commitment to continuous learning, with a demonstrated capacity for adaptability and self-development.
Proactive, results-driven, and innovative
Language Requirements;
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Swahili.
Core Competencies;
Transparency: Demonstrates integrity, builds trust, and supports informed, accountable decision-making.
Inclusiveness: Promotes a respectful, tolerant, and supportive work environment, embracing cultural and individual diversity.
Professionalism: Upholds the values, goals, and standards of IUCN with diligence, ethics, and competence.
Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities and supports the implementation of the IUCN One Programme approach.
Functional Competencies;
Strong alignment with IUCNโs core values: Transparency, Inclusiveness, Professionalism, and Accountability.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related applications.
Excellent communication, reporting, organisational, and analytical skills.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.
A strong team player with a passion for working in multicultural and multi-country environments.
Willingness and ability to travel frequently and engage with stakeholders at national and sub-national levels, particularly in remote basin areas. APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the \"Apply\" button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
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Created in 1948, IUCN is now the worldโs largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.
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