Localization Fund Manager

Location: Baghdad, Iraq  

Report to: Localization Fund Director 

Program Overview: Chemonics International, a US-based international development consulting firm, seeks a Localization Fund Manager 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 Manager reports to the Localization Fund Director 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 Manager 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 award. This position is open to Iraqi nationals residing in Baghdad Iraq. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Ensures compliance with USAID rules and regulations ADS 303 governing grants and ensures subcontracts and negotiation memos are drafted in accordance with Chemonics’ policies, procedures, and best practices. 
• Works closely with the Localization Fund Director and technical leads to support the implementation of all grants and subcontracts instruments and ensures the grant meets the project’s overall objective.   
• Provides capacity building to fund applicants and awardees to assist with proposals, due diligence requirements and project delivery plans. 
• Identify and report implementation issues and work with the Localization Fund Director and appropriate team lead to find and implement rapid solutions.  
• Collaborates closely with Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL team) to ensure activity results under grants and subcontract interventions are properly measured and tracked. 
• Work with activity leadership to ensure inputs are being delivered according to established work plans and that lessons learned are successfully incorporated from program implementation into new activity developments.   
• Works on the full lifecycle of grants, subcontracts, and procurements, including the release of solicitations, review of applications, execution of grant agreements and subcontracts and ensures the proper closure of all activities.  
• Prepares grant agreements, and issue subcontracts, purchase orders, task orders, and amendments, explaining terms, conditions, roles, and responsibilities. 

• Monitors individual grant and subcontracts budgets to ensure availability of funds and provides input for monthly budget projections to the finance team. 
• In coordination with finance and procurement staff, reviews and assesses applications ensuring completeness, grantee capability, evaluates the cost application for cost realism and cost effectiveness, finalizes grant and subcontracts documents, and submits for necessary approvals.  
• Provides regular updates on grants, subcontracts, and award implementation to Localization Fund Director 
• Provides training to project staff in procurement and subcontract policies and procedures.  
• Ensures that procurement requests are conducted in a timely manner and that procurement, grant, and subcontract-related files are maintained in a current and complete manner and are always audit-ready. 
• Provide technical support and oversight to two fund assistants who will be operating in a hybrid work environment. 
• Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in public administration, international relations, business, finance, or relevant field.  
• At least four (4) years of progressively responsible procurement, subcontracts, and grants management experience in terms of the job tasks and responsibilities outlined above required.  
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience with a USAID-funded project is strongly preferred. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail required. 
• Detailed knowledge of grants finance and subcontract budgeting for USAID or donor projects, including USG regulations for compliance and oversight. 
• Fluency in written and oral Arabic and English is required; written and oral fluency in Kurdish, and other local languages is preferred, but not required. 

Additional Information: 

This position is based in Baghdad, with a blend of office and field work. Occasional travel within Iraq may be required. Applicants should be prepared for the unique challenges and rewards of working in a dynamic and complex environment. 

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, color, 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.