COOPI is looking for a Grant Advisor in the DRC
Present in the DRC since 1977, COOPI has greatly increased the number of its interventions in the country, in response to the conflicts of the last 20 years. From Kivu, where there was the first intervention, COOPI’s activities extended to most crisis zones, in order to implement emergency programs for the benefit of displaced populations and victims of violence. war with a particular focus on nutrition, food security and child protection . In provinces emerging from crisis, COOPI is committed to implementing multi-year projects in order to ensure a transition from emergency to development and guarantee harmonious and sustainable development. COOPI promotes a relevant response to the needs of local populations through a coordination structure in Kinshasa and various operational bases in the provinces. Each year, COOPI implements around a dozen projects with funding from the European Union, the Humanitarian Fund, the ICC and UN agencies.
Job objective
Grant Advisor is the main responsible for the quality and compliance of the system as well as contract manager of the PMNS project in the DRC . It guides and guarantees the execution of project/contract performance, fundamentally ensuring internal coordination at the project level. It ensures that the execution of the actions necessary for the effectiveness, implementation and scope of the expected results and performance of the project fully respect the contract signed with the lessor.
Responsibilities
Departmental relationships at Project level:
- Make the link between the different departments in the project including: Finance and Administration, Program and Logistics to ensure that the teams are well supported to respect the terms of the contract signed with the lessor.
- Provide effective liaison, support and assistance between the department and the rest of the project group.
- Manage project performance, analyze risks of underperformance and develop mechanisms to avoid risks of project underperformance.
Institutional relations:
- Under the direction of the Head of Mission and in coordination with the Project Manager, the Finance Controller could participate in liaison with the lessor and the partners . He liaises with COOPI headquarters for this project under the supervision of the Head of Mission.
- Ensure compliance with the agreement between COOPI and its project partner, including performance in accordance with what was agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding.
- Alert the Head of Mission and the Project Manager of any risks linked to the partner’s performance and seek solutions to manage potential underperformance.
- Participate in the work team made up of the different sectors involved in the Project and composed of the Project Manager, the Financial Manager, the MEAL Manager, the Public Procurement and Logistics Specialist, the Nutrition Expert, and the representative of the partner in order to guide decisions based on compliance with the contract.
Project programming and management:
- Coordinate the preparation of the documentation necessary for the effectiveness of the Project (operating regulations, procurement plan, etc.).
- In coordination with the Project Manager, and possibly with the coordination of COOPI, propose the modifications or changes necessary to respect the established deadlines, as well as the adjustments that the project may require: modification of the budget, extension of the contract, etc. It is his responsibility to ensure that all necessary documentation is correctly presented to the lessor.
- Coordinate the preparation of methodologies for the permanent monitoring and evaluation system.
- Supervise and evaluate the work produced and the results obtained during the execution of project activities. In turn, it must maintain an instance of monitoring and evaluation of results in the project information system.
- Contribute to the preparation of agendas for donor missions, and coordinate the presentation of agreed Project monitoring reports.
- Produce periodic reports on the degree of progress and content achieved through the activities described.
- In order to respect the aforementioned objectives, he must: prepare technical reports according to the objectives of this contract and related issues; follow commitments linked to the monitoring and evaluation system of the various programs carried out in the area.
Economic-financial management:
- In support of the Financial Manager, he collaborates to ensure the supervision of the economic-financial management of the project.
Compliance and staff capacity building:
- Ensure the duties, responsibilities and obligations of the group in terms of quality compliance , including performance and compliance with contracts.
- Together with the Project Manager and the team, implement comprehensive quality compliance management systems in accordance with the project plans and compliance with the project documents (Monitoring and Evaluation Plan) approved by the lessor.
- Ensure that all staff are trained in the internal procedures of COOPI (for COOPI staff) and of the lessor for the group’s staff.
Visibility and communication:
- He coordinates the visibility and communication activities of the Project in compliance with the guidelines of the communication and fundraising office (UCF) and the PMNS.
Supervision of procedures:
- It ensures compliance with the procedures and contractual obligations of the PMNS lessors as well as COOPI procedures .
- And all other tasks necessary for the successful and timely completion of the project, or action requested by country coordination within the framework of intervention.
Candidate profile
Essential
- Diploma in economics, political sciences, or similar;
- At least 3 years of experience in economic/financial and/or operational management of development and/or humanitarian projects;
- Excellent ability to conduct internal audits ;
- Excellent writing skills and knowledge of the Office package;
- Experience in using accounting databases;
- Experience in financial reporting and internal control management;
- Excellent ability to work in basic conditions and adapt to life in the field;
- Good training and knowledge transfer technique;
- Excellent organizational capacity, flexibility, strong sense of initiative and autonomy in work;
- Excellent ability to work under pressure;
- Excellent ability to work in a team and by objectives; ability to train employees as needed;
- Ability to work in a sensitive and complex political and security context and in a multicultural environment;
- Good knowledge of the procedures of major development and/or humanitarian donors;
- Fluency in French , spoken and written;
- Interest and motivation to work in an NGO while respecting its values and principles.
Desirable
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills;
- Previous experience in World Bank funded projects
- Experience working in Sahel Africa and/or conflict/post-conflict contexts
COOPI reserves the right to close a recruitment before the deadline of the advertisement. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will take place on a continuous basis and the position will be closed as soon as it is filled, thank you for your understanding.
COOPI Cooperazione Internazionale is a secular and independent Italian humanitarian organization that fights all forms of poverty to improve the world. Founded in 1965, COOPI is now present in 33 countries in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Middle East, with emergency and development projects led by expatriate staff – on average more than 270 people per year – and national staff. The main institutional donors are the European Union – ECHO and INTPA – USAID, UN agencies, the Italian government, local authorities and other European governments.
