Localization Fund Associate, Najaf

Reports to: provincial engagement lead, Najaf.

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 reports to the Localization Fund Manager and is responsible for supporting the Iraq Together Localization Fund which includes subcontract awards and a $5 million 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 Najaf Iraq.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• The Localization Fund Associate will ensure that activities and deliverables related to funds are achieved on schedule, in accordance with approved specifications, and within the allocated budget.
• Analyses, assesses and assists with budgetary and financial aspects of fund proposals, recipient financial management capacities and needs, and disbursement of funds.
• Oversees activities related to fund grant/contract solicitation and selection, grant/sub-contract awards, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and close-outs.
• Work with the provincial team to ensure a smooth implementation of grants and sub-contracts.
• Ensures that all sub-contract-specified funds-related regulatory requirements are met in a satisfactory and professional manner
• In consultation with the Localization Fund Manager, creates and oversees overall policies, practices, and procedures relating to all aspects of the grant/subcontract lifecycle
• When necessary and appropriate, perform due diligence assessments to determine applicant management and technical capacity to administer awards
• Effectively liaises between project staff and fund recipients, and ensures that recipients are provided with suitable technical advice and assistance in the fields of management, including financial management, financial sustainability, and advocacy
• Monitors compliance of all agreements governing the award of grants and subcontracts under the fund and prepares necessary reports
• Ensures the highest levels of honesty, integrity, openness and transparency in administering fund and grant award processes and procedures
• Ensures that project related files are maintained in a current and complete manner and are audit-ready at all times.
• Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience, preferably in grants, subcontracts, and 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.