Activity Associate, USAID Africa Trade and Investment (ATI) Program

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the management and track buy-in activity implementation progress by personnel, consultants and subcontractors, ensure it adheres to the approved workplan and deliverable schedule, and troubleshoot deviations with supervision of an Activity Manager;
• Support development and review of technical deliverables and contribute to subsequent learning;
• Support on all matters related to the buy-in, including but not limited to contractual, operational, MEL, reporting, and financial matters;
• Support the development of calls for applications/proposals and all related solicitation documentation; work with the Technical team to integrate technical guidance and requirements.
• Under supervision of the Activity Manager and relevant grants and procurement personnel, provide procedures and policy guidance and interpretation for program staff as well as grantees and subcontractors to ensure adherence to the Activity policies.
• Assist the grants and procurement teams in chairing technical evaluation committees and recording committee member evaluations and feedback.
• Assist the review and analysis of proposal budgets to ensure the costs are allowable, allocable, reasonable and consistent.
• Assist the grants and procurement teams in carrying out pre-award responsibility determination of prospective grantees.
• Provide background information to the grants and procurement teams in preparation of negotiation memos for submission to USAID; supporting the development of first drafts.
• Assist to review grant/subcontract invoices and grant financial reports for accuracy and eligibility.
• Prepare grant/subcontract modifications.
• Provide assistance to grantees and subcontractors in areas of submitting proposals, achieving and maintaining compliance with USAID regulations, reporting, and other areas in which partners may require support.
• Ensure assigned buy-in activities are managed in accordance with USAID regulations and DAI Procurement policies;
• Liaise with implementing parties to ensure proper MEL data capture and data quality to contribute to overall ATI project MEL reporting; and
• In tandem with relevant technical staff, generate buy-in scopes of work and budgets as needed
• As needed, support the project’s procurement and operational staff in administrative and operational needs
• Coordinate and schedule travel for project staff and consultants
• Travel to regional offices as required
• Carry out any other tasks as requested by the Activity Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• B.A. Degree and 7+ years experience
• Familiarity with USAID rules and regulations regarding project management, including project inventory, disposition, and operational procurement
• Ability to identify time sensitive demands & inquiries and respond effectively
• Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints
• Demonstrated knowledge of internal controls and audit processes (e.g. procurement, local subcontract agreements, etc.)
• Demonstrated report writing skills in English is required.
• An articulate individual who possesses excellent communications and personnel management skills and who can relate to people at all levels of an organization
• An extremely well organized and self-directed individual with sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus