Deputy Director, Contracts and Grants

About the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES):IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions, and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for all. As the global leader in the promotion and protection of democracy, our technical assistance and applied research develop trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. IFES is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental organization with an international focus has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies. Since our establishment in 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries.

The greatest assets of IFES are our global team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pay, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment that is mission-focused. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High-Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork and Collaboration.

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:

The Deputy Director, Contracts and Grants will support the daily operations of C&G team and oversee the management of awards (both contracts and grants) with the US Government, other bilateral and multilateral donors such as FCDO and GAC, the UN, European Union, multilateral development banks, as well as foundations and other private sector donors. The Deputy Director will support one or more of IFES' regional programmatic areas and its country offices. The Deputy Director, with oversight from the C&G Director, will help to build and manage a strong team of Contracts and Grants professionals to support all IFES' programmatic areas and its global country offices.

• Serve as a subject matter expert in administering complex grants and contracts and provide options and recommendations to successfully mitigate risks and resolve issues.
• Support the daily operations of the C&G team including direct supervision and development of professional department personnel, including managers and administrative staff.
• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance the C&G department's role in supporting IFES and promote a solutions oriented team culture.
• Serve as the main point of contact in administering and negotiating different types of contracts and sub-awards.
• Support administering the submission of proposals and negotiation of federal and non-federal new awards and modifications.
• Provide guidance and interpretation of award terms and conditions, USG and non-USG regulations, and advise IFES staff worldwide on matters related to preparation and administration of contracts and sub-awards of all types.
• Ensure compliance with the donor regulations, award terms and conditions, and IFES policies and procedures for contracts and grants management.
• Conduct training on donor rules, award administration, and policies and procedures for contracts and grants management.
• Keep appraise of and monitor changes to, and provide interpretations of, USG and relevant non-USG regulations as they pertain to IFES' programs.
• Coordinate with other teams and business units within IFES on a variety of common issues and to cultivate internal relationship and enhance cross-departmental communication.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with donors and IFES staff.
• Establish and/or enhance the Unit's operational procedures and policies for contracts and grants management.
• Support activities of Finance teams in the areas of fiscal management, audit, and financial reporting for IFES' awards.
• Serve as the acting C&G Director in the absence of the Director.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

POSITION SCOPE:

Manage all phases of work involved in the selection of acquisition and assistance awards. Manages and/or performs highly technical or complex work, requiring ingenuity and capacity to evaluate and respond to new and changing issues. Demonstrate insight, judgment and initiative to resolve unusual challenges. Performance and outcomes are subject to senior management oversight. Provide operational leadership and technical oversight to assure successful achievement of goals and objectives.

DECISION MAKING/PROBLEM SOLVING:

Identify risk factors with potential to disrupt achievement of operational goals and sets appropriate course of action in response. Consult with internal and external stakeholders to identify, propose and build consensus around best solutions. Lead solution implementation after approval. Demonstrate insight, judgment and initiative to resolve unusual challenges. Complex decision-making subject to management review.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Supervise a team of contracts managers and professionals.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:Bachelor's degree, in business, international relations, finance, or related field. Master's degree a plus.

EXPERINCE:Minimum 12 years of experience in administration of USG and non-USG awards (both acquisition and assistance) preferably in international development with an NGO and/or for-profit in the development sector including minimum of 8 years of experience with the administration of USAID assistance awards, and hands-on experience with the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) Knowledge of FAR/AIDAR is a plus. Experience with managing and supervising a team/department.

RELATED SKILS OR KNOWLEDGE:Proficiency with Microsoft Office required; strong attention to detail and exceptional judgment skills, strong analytical, written and verbal communication skills, proven organizational skills and a capacity to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines. Demonstrated leadership, management and team mentoring skills. Team player with excellent interpersonal and negotiating skills.

LANGUAGE SKILS:Fluency in English required. Proficiency in Arabic, French, and/or Spanish a plus.

TRAVEL:Travel may be required up to 10%.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:Standard office work environment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

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