2349 - Grants Officer, Middle East and N. Africa (MENA)
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a 501(c)3, bipartisan organization that serves as America’s leading foundation for freedom, providing support for democratic activists, civil society organizations, and independent media throughout the world. We seek a dynamic, and savvy Grants Officer to help strengthen the impact of our work and mission.
Position Summary:
The Grants Officer works under the supervision of the principal and/or the Senior Manager, Grants Administration. This position provides hands-on (cradle-to-grave) management of an assigned grant portfolio, working closely with colleagues to provide effective and collaborative due diligence and oversight of grant programs.
The mission of the Grants Administration department is to provide effective and efficient grants management, guiding grantees through the grant lifecycle to support their successful implementation of projects, in support of NED’s mission. The department strives to promote consistent implementation of policy and procedure, flexibility, responsiveness, innovation, and collaboration in the administration of NED’s grantmaking program.
This is an opportunity to join an ambitious institution and team committed to the cause of our time. The ideal candidate will be energized by the idea of being part of an expanding team supporting our brave partners on the frontlines of the fight for freedom and democracy around the world.
Responsibilities:
- Participate in proposal review and risk assessment processes, providing input into the assessment of the eligibility and grants administration capacity of prospective grantees.
- Analyze proposal budgets for allowability, allocability, and reasonableness.
- Draft new grant agreements and amendments.
- Ensure the smooth management of grants portfolio, including timely payments, quick response to grantee inquiries, and efficient problem-solving.
- Maintain an up-to-date grant portfolio, sending all reminders, follow-ups, and closeouts.
- Approve grantee financial reports, payment requests, and conduct resolution of invoice review findings.
- Facilitate grantees’ understanding of grant, reporting, and audit requirements.
- Ensure that grants awarded follow US Government or other donor regulations and/or other special requirements.
- The level of responsibility and independence in assigned tasks will increase with experience.
- Other responsibilities and projects as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, relevant area studies, nonprofit administration, or related field is required.
- 2+ years of experience, in grants and/or contract administration experience in a nonprofit organization or foundation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel; knowledge of other relational database helpful.
- Arabic language desired.
- Familiarity with Federal grant regulations and international activities/issues relevant to NED’s operational environment.
- Familiarity with or an interest in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Attention to detail and ability to multi-task, set priorities, and organize time efficiently.
- Strong ability to be a team player and self-starter, comfortable in a supporting role, working independently, and in a multicultural environment.
- Ability to work with discretion.
- Ability to travel internationally on an occasional basis.
- Authorized to work in the United States.
This position is part of the NED Bargaining Unit.
To Apply:
The NED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics covered by applicable law. The NED is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for all qualified individuals and bases all employment decisions on qualifications, merit, and business need. The NED believes that diversity and inclusion among our team members are critical to our success as an organization operating globally and seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.
For more information, please visit our website at www.ned.org or careers@ned.org.