Localization Fund Associate, Karbala, Re-Advertised

Location: Karbala, Iraq

Administratively – Reports to: Provincial Engagement Manager, Karbala.

Program Overview: Chemonics International, a US-based international development consulting firm, seeks a Localization Fund Associate for the USAID Iraq Together project. Iraq Together aims to provide more equitable, efficient, and sustainable public services in Iraq, as well as improving government responsiveness to citizens’ needs and demands. Objectives of this project include working with the Government of Iraq (GOI) to improve service delivery and strengthen democratic and participatory governance.

Position Overview: The Localization Fund Associate is responsible for supporting the Iraq Together Localization Fund which includes subcontract awards and a Grants Under Contract (GUC) program supporting local organizations responding to citizen’s needs and demands. The Localization Fund Associate will work with a variety of prospective awardees to ensure their understanding of the award application process, fund objectives, and expectations, and provide implementation oversight after the award. This position is open to Iraqi nationals residing in Karbala Iraq.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

50% Grant Management:

• Ensure activities and deliverables related to grants are achieved on schedule, in accordance with approved specifications, and within the allocated budget.
• Analyse, assess, and assist with budgetary and financial aspects of grant proposals, recipient financial management capacities and needs, and disbursement of grant funds.
• Assist in activities related to grant solicitation (RFA andor APS) and selection, grant awards, grant implementation, grant monitoring and evaluation, and grant close-outs
• Facilitate panel reviews/evaluations of grant applications
• Draft negotiation memo and grant agreements under the supervision of the fund manager.
• Work with the provincial team to ensure a smooth implementation of grants.
• Ensure that all grant-specified funds-related regulatory requirements are met in a satisfactory and professional manner according to ADS 303.
• In consultation with the Localization Fund Manager, create and oversee overall policies, practices, and procedures relating to all aspects of the grant lifecycle.
• When necessary, perform due diligence assessments to determine applicant management and technical capacity to administer grants.
• Liaise between project staff and grant recipients and ensure that recipients are provided with suitable technical advice and assistance in management, including financial management, financial sustainability, and advocacy.
• Monitor compliance of all agreements governing the award of grants and prepare necessary reports.
• Ensure the highest levels of honesty, integrity, openness, and transparency in administering grant award processes and procedures.
• Ensure that project-related files are maintained in a current and complete manner and are audit-ready at all times.
• Other duties related to grants as assigned by the Supervisor.

50% Subcontract Management:

• Ensure activities and deliverables related to subcontracts are achieved on schedule, in accordance with approved specifications, and within the allocated budget.
• Preparation of RFQs/RFPs, Negotiation memos, justification memos, receipt of quotations/proposals, bids or proposals, their evaluation, negotiation of certain conditions of subcontracts/POs in full compliance with USAID rules and regulations.
• Analyse, assess, and assist with budgetary and financial aspects of subcontract proposals, recipient financial management capacities and needs, and disbursement of subcontract funds.
• Oversee activities related to subcontract solicitation and selection, subcontract awards, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and close-outs.
• Work with the provincial team to ensure a smooth implementation of subcontracts.
• Ensure that all subcontract-specified funds-related regulatory requirements are met in a satisfactory and professional manner.
• In consultation with the Localization Fund Manager, create and oversee overall policies, practices, and procedures relating to all aspects of the subcontract lifecycle.
• When necessary, perform due diligence assessments to determine applicant management and technical capacity to administer subcontracts.
• Liaise between project staff and subcontract recipients and ensure that recipients are provided with suitable technical advice and assistance in management, including financial management, financial sustainability, and advocacy.
• Monitor compliance of all agreements governing the award of subcontracts and prepare necessary reports.
• Ensure that project-related files are maintained in a current and complete manner and are audit-ready at all times.
• Other duties related to subcontracts and procurement as assigned by the Supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience, preferably in grant or subcontract, or procurement management.
• Strong organizational, management, and administrative skills.
• Experience with NGOs and/or community-based organizations and an up-to-date understanding and knowledge of political and social conditions in Iraq is preferred.
• Ability/willingness to travel throughout the country periodically.
• Experience managing activities and/or contracts for international organizations is highly desired
• Ability to work in a professional and cordial manner with fellow staff members, visitors, partner institutions including international and local NGOs, governmental entities, support organizations, and the general public.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritize multiple work assignments in an extremely fast-paced environment, meet deadlines, and exercise good, professional judgment.
• Possess creativity and analytical capacity to manage compliance issues and assist other staff in ensuring the implementation of activities.
• Strong analytical ability.
• Ability to effectively use computer software, including MS Word and Excel.
• Fluency in written and oral Arabic and English is required; written and oral fluency in Kurdish, and other local languages is a plus, but not required.

Application Instructions:

To apply please fill out this form: Iraq Together Job Application Form (smartsheet.com)

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.  

“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted due to high volume of applications received.”