The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is recruiting a Finance and Grants Officer with demonstrated experience in fast-paced and international environments handling a portfolio of multiple and complex grants.   

Vacancy Summary - Finance and grants officer

Department	Finance and Administration
Location	Nairobi, Kenya	Line Manager	Director, Finance & Administration
Expected Start Date	1 November 2024	Duration of contract	1 year, reviewed annually.

About ACTS

The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is a leading Intergovernmental STI policy Think Tank which was established in 1988. Its mandate is to strengthen the capacities and policies of African countries and institutions to use science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development. ACTS is based in Nairobi through a host agreement with the Kenya Government and enjoys international status. It has representation from Ghana (current chair), Ethiopia, Malawi, Cote d’Ivoire, UK, Sweden, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO).

ACTS is currently implementing it seventh strategic plan (2022 - 2026) and pursuing the following five programmes: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Security; Climate Resilient Economy (CRE); Science, Technology, Innovation, Knowledge and Society (STIKS); Digital Economy; and Gender Youth and Inclusive Development. These programmes are delivered through policy research, policy engagement, capacity building and technology brokerage.

Job Specifications

The Finance and Grants Officer will generally support grants management activities of various projects undertaken by ACTS and work primarily on the on-going Research and Innovation Management project within the Science Granting Council Initiative (SGCI).  The Research and Innovation Management project is a three-year multi-country project supporting 81 research and innovation projects across 17 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Key Responsibilities of the Finance and Grants Officer:

• Work with the relevant heads of programs to conduct due diligence on sub-grantees, implementing partners, and consultants’ contracts before any contract/grant agreement is issued;
• Prepare contracts, grant agreements and the necessary amendments as required for review and approval in line with the policies;
• Prepare monthly reports on all open contracts, grant agreements and contractual payments
• Guide on the on boarding of consultants and grantees in line with the procurement policy and documentation requirements;
• Track and report progress of implementation of projects by sub-grantees, consultants and partners;
• Review the financial reports from sub-grantees and partners and consultants’ invoices and ensure that they are in compliance with the contractual reporting requirements and the set budgetary- allocations.

Minimum Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business related fields (Finance or Accounting, Project Management, Economics, Economic and Statistics)or related field with CPA (K) qualification
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in grants management preferably in an international fast paced environment.
• Demonstrated project management experience related to implementing and managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience in procurement especially in management of contracts and grants.
• Ability to analyse contracts/ grants/ any other specialised procurement and anticipate any future contractual challenges, taking into account the wider organisation and policy context;
• Ability to review the financial reports from sub-grantees, consultants and partners
• In-depth understanding of contracts management (legal, execution, obligations, responsibilities and rights).
• Demonstrated capacity to think strategically, to lead and work within diverse teams, and to work in multi-cultural settings with a high degree of independence.

 Minimum Competences 

Skills	Knowledge	Behaviours
Communication skills: Writes effectively and efficiently in a professional approach relevant for policy makers and/or academic audiences Multi-tasking and problem solving to adapt well to situations Ability to work well in a team offering hands-on support; Project management Analytical skills Attention to details Proficiency with grants databases, and grant tracking systems is desirable Proficiency in French desired but NOT a must.	Research management Monitoring and Evaluation	Recognizes the importance of delivering results through teamwork, Taking responsibilities for actions and taking initiative Demonstrates respect for others inside and outside the workplace

 

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume and scanned copies of academic certificates as a single document, including contact details for 2 references to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 16:00hrs East Africa Time on Friday  18^th October 2024.