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Project Overview and Role:

The Feed the Future Ghana Mobilizing Finance in Agriculture (MFA) Activity is a $19 million, USAID-supported project that aims to improve access to finance for agribusinesses in Ghana. To accomplish this, MFA will engage business advisory service providers to improve their capacity to support agribusinesses, as well as deploy incentives to financial institutions that expand their lending to agriculture. The finance facilitated will enable farmers to purchase agricultural inputs, boost production, invest in processing, or undertake other activities to expand their businesses. From 2020 to 2024, MFA will unlock $261 million in finance, driving sustainable agricultural lending and promoting inclusive growth.

The role of the Grants Assistant position is to support the Procurement and Grants team in all tasks related to monitoring Procurement and Grants management, including conducting competitions, monitoring technical GUCs and subcontracts, related compliance and reporting activities, due diligence, spot checks of sub-awardees and sub-award closeout. The Grants Assistant reports to the Procurement and Grants Expert.

 Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The Grants Assistant’s primary tasks include the following:

• Conduct pre-award due diligence/organizational assessments of bidders, including review of the bidder’s accounting and financial systems and internal controls
• Review grants/subcontracts financial reports and supporting documentation provided by recipients, and ensure that the financial information provided is accurate, complete, verifiable, reliable, in accordance with the grants agreement/subcontract, and meets the USAID and project’s financial reporting requirements.
• Recommend and provide instructions and guidance to award recipients to ensure that their accounting and financial systems and internal controls are in compliance with Project and USAID requirements, as needed.
• Answer questions from recipient organizations and provide clarification and guidance on preparation of grant/subcontract financial reports and supporting documentation, as needed
• Provide guidance to recipient organizations on USAID audit requirements
• Ensure sound financial management of grant funds/subcontracts
• Assist with the preparation of templates and report formats for grant/subcontract financial reporting
• Maintain grant/subcontract financial reporting files and documentation
• Participate in training sessions as appropriate
• Work closely with grantees/subcontractees to meet targets and timeframes, and ensure compliance for all grants/subcontracts.
• Support closeout of grants and subcontracts
• Any other tasks as required by the Chief of Party, the Deputy Chief of Party, Procurement and Grants Director, or Procurement and Grants Expert

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated contracting and procurement experience especially with USAID-funded projects; Experience supporting Grant Under Contract (GUC) awards under USAID policies.
• Strong knowledge of USAID policies and procedures, specifically in grants, procurement, accounting, and financial compliance.
• Microsoft office suite proficiency and the ability to operate spreadsheet and word-processing programs at a highly proficient level
• Proactive problem-solving, decision-making, and good judgment skills
• Demonstrated ability and commitment to manage confidential information
• Attention to detail and ability to perform multiple tasks and balance competing priorities effectively and efficiently
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to communicate effectively with managers, colleagues, service providers and clients
• Professional and mature demeanor and conduct
• Ghanaian nationals preferred.

Experience/Education

• A degree or equivalent in finance, management, international development, business administration, social sciences, or related field
• At least three years of experience in a Grants role, preferably with USAID