The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is recruiting a Research Fellow (Grants Management). 

Vacancy Summary - Research Fellow (Grants Management)

Department	Finance and Administration and Programs	Grade	RF II
Location	Nairobi, Kenya	Line Manager	Program Heads
Expected Start Date	March 2023	Duration of contract	3 years, reviewed annually.
Salary	20,000 – 30,000 USD p.a. or equivalent in KShs gross1

¹ This is inclusive of all benefits.

About ACTS

The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is a leading Intergovernmental STI policy Think Tank founded 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. ACTS’ governing council depicts its 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 its seventh strategic plan (2022 - 2026) and pursuing the following five programmes: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Security (AFNS); Climate Resilient Economies (CRE); Science, Technology, Innovation, Knowledge and Society (STIKS); Digital Innovation and Knowledge Economy (DIKE); and Gender Youth and Inclusive Development (GYID). These programmes are delivered through policy research, policy engagement, capacity building and technology brokerage.

Job Specifications

The Research Fellow (Grants Management) will support grant management activities of various projects undertaken by ACTS including the on-going Research and Innovation Management project within the Science Granting Council Initiative (SGCI).  

Key Responsibilities of the RF (Grants Management)

• 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.
• Support fund raising activities.
• Prepare contracts, grant agreements and the necessary amendments as required for review and approval in line with the policies.
• Support development of Requests for Proposal, placing advertisements and opening tenders, evaluation of the tenders and negotiating contractual terms in line with the approved policies.
• Convene and coordinate proposals evaluation committees for all bids/tenders.
• 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.
• Review contracts for all consultants, partners, market actors and suppliers and prompt users of the expiry or near expiry of the contracts and grants.
• Work with the Monitoring, Research & Evaluation (MRE) team to prepare the (Value for Money) VFM report as guided by the donor reporting guidelines.
• Track and report progress of implementation of projects by sub-grantees, consultants and partners.
• Review the financial reports from sub-grantees, consultants, partners, market actors for the grants issued and ensure that they are in compliance with the contractual reporting requirements and the set budgetary- allocations.

Minimum Requirements

• A Master’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 5 years’ experience in grants management preferably in NGO / IGO set up.
• Experience in procurement especially in management of contracts and grants.
• Working experience with international donors / funders.
• Ability to analyse contracts/ grants/ any other specialised procurement and anticipate any future contractual challenges taking into account the wider organisation and policy context.
• Strong relationship management and communication skills.
• Resourcefulness and ability to work well in a team offering hands-on support.
• In-depth understanding of contracts management (legal, execution, obligations, responsibilities and rights).

 Minimum Competences 

Skills	Knowledge	Behaviours
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 Project management Analytical skills Attention to details Proficiency in French desired but not a must.	Research management Gender equality and inclusivity	Recognizes the importance of delivering results through teamwork, taking responsibilities for actions and taking initiative Demonstrates respect for others inside and outside the workplace

 

Desirable competences

Knowledge	Experience
African STI actors and institutions including African government policy processes	Working with or advising African science granting councils or African ministries of science, technology and/or innovation and/or Ministries of Education Conducting MEL projects Managing and reporting on international development partner funding

 

More Information

For more information on any of the above please email Dr. Agnes Lutomiah, Head of Programme, STIKS and Research and Innovation Management Project Coordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume and scanned copies of academic certificates as a single document, including contact details for 3 references to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 16:00hrs East Africa Time on Saturday 15^th April 2023..