Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has over 30 years’ experience assisting governments, communities, and the private sector. As a not-for-profit, independent research institute based in North Carolina, USA, RTI has roughly 5,000 employees with global experience implementing international development projects. RTI’s Sustainable Growth & Resilience (SG&R) technical unit within the International Development Group brings together RTI experts and capabilities across food security, agriculture, energy, environment, water, governance, and economic opportunity. SG&R will leverage RTI’s experience designing and delivering multisectoral programming and technical solutions to respond to climate change, build resilience, and promote economic growth around the world.
Project Description
The purpose of the USAID-funded Western Kenya Sanitation Project (USAID WKSP) is to create a financially sustainable, transformative, replicable, and locally owned sanitation marketplace in the eight counties of western Kenya. The main objectives of the project are (1) increased access to and uptake of market-based improved sanitation and fecal sludge management (FSM) products and services; and (2) increased access to and uptake of market-based improved menstrual hygiene management (MHM) products and services at the household level. The target counties for this activity are: Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, and Siaya.
Position Description
RTI is seeking a Grants Officer for the USAID WKSP project. The Grants Officer will support and contribute to the day-to-day administration of USAID WKSP grants ensuring compliance to regulations and best Practices. The Grants Officer will also ensure monitoring and capacity building of the grantees is extensively conducted to reduce risk in the mismanagement of the active signed agreements.
The position will be based in Kisumu and will report to the Grants Manager.
- Facilitates capacity-building initiatives for grantees by collecting necessary paperwork for the purpose of monitoring technical and financial alignment.
- Assists in the preparation and documentation of the grants award cycle for grants, ensuring that the technical prerequisites required for capturing relevant information in the solicitation process are readily available.
- With the support from the Grants Manager monitor, upload and continuously update grantee information on the Grants Management System (GMS).
- Provides support to grantees in reviewing DA1 processing requirements and tracking foreign tax reporting.
- Supports the monitoring and regular verification of assets held by grantees.
- Aids in reviewing grantees’ budgets for accuracy and reasonableness, ensuring that budgets are well-supported with precise budget narratives for onboarding purposes.
- Documents identified gaps during routine monthly and weekly monitoring to facilitate capacity-building efforts.
- Maintains a financial management filing system for SAF and GUC activities, including the accurate tracking of fund reimbursement, liquidations, and burn rates, and ensures there are no delays in fund disbursement.
- Collaborates with the Grants Manager to ensure that deliverables remain on schedule.
- Ensures that grantees comply with periodic requirements as per grant agreement clauses.
- Establishes sound mechanisms in accordance with RTI policies and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to facilitate grant fund disbursement and the justification of expenses.
- Analyzes grantees’ funding requests and technical reports as needed.
- Provides support for day-to-day operational activities to ensure that the grants mechanism offers the necessary support to the project team.
- Work with project and grantee staff to ensure compliance with RTI and donor requirements.
- Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications
To be considered for this position with USAID WKSP, candidates should meet the following requirements and qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree and 3 years of experience, Master’s degree and 1 years experience in a Business-related field, Finance, or Accounting from a recognized institution.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) part II certification is an added advantage.
- Work experience in an organization related to donors or donor-funded projects.
- Experience with USAID or other international donor agency regulations required.
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office, indicating a strong command of essential software for the role.
- Strong analytical and review skills, with a keen eye for detail and a systematic approach to documenting review outcomes.
