Grants and Compliance Officer, Eurasia
National Endowment for Democracy
Location : Washington, D.C.
Position description
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) seeks to advance democracy and freedom. NED seeks to empower its partners to inform, organize and mobilize constituencies for political reforms as a means to build and sustain democracy.
At NED, you will join a team of committed individuals who are mission and values driven. We are looking for individuals who will deliver their talents in support of our work. Our values include:
- Respect
- Empathy
- Accountability
- Adaptability
- Excellence
Position Summary:
The Grants & Compliance Officer (GCO) works under the primary supervision of the Senior Grants Manager. This matrixed position will work under the secondary supervision of the Risk Management and Monitoring Senior Manager for specific tasks. This position encompasses both grantee risk management and grants administration responsibilities. The GCO provides hands-on (cradle-to-grave) management and monitoring of an assigned grant portfolio, working closely with colleagues to provide effective and collaborative due diligence and oversight of grant programs with a grantee-centric approach to support the successful implementation of programs.
This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC., and is part of the bargaining unit.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure the smooth administration of assigned grants portfolio, including timely review of grantee reports, payment approvals, quick response to grantee inquiries, efficient problem-solving, and ensuring all requirements are met to facilitate timely closeouts.
- Monitor grantee performance and compliance throughout the grant lifecycle, including working with grantees to develop remediation strategies for identified internal control or compliance issues.
- Participate in pre-award proposal review and due diligence, providing input into the assessment of eligibility and grants administration capacity of prospective grantees to determine appropriate funding mechanisms and award terms and analyzing proposal budgets for allowability, allocability, and reasonableness.
- Draft new grant agreements and amendments.
- Conduct internal control reviews of grantees, to develop appropriate monitoring strategies that minimize compliance risk, enhance grantee capacity, and support the successful performance of programs
- Advise grantees on NED procedures and grant requirements; deepen understanding of the grantee experience through virtual communication or occasional travel.
- Serve as an internal resource on operating environment for grantees which may include providing guidance and awareness of the evolving legal, banking, and security context in assigned regional portfolio.
- Participate in staff working groups as opportunities arise, to review and improve processes, procedures and internal trainings.
- Represent NED at conferences and other related events.
- Participate in the orientation of new staff, helping to mentor staff at lower levels.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (international studies, relevant area studies, nonprofit administration, accounting, etc.).
- At least 4-6 years ofgrants and/or contract administration or compliance/auditexperience in a nonprofit organization or foundation.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Federal grant regulations.
- International experience relevant to NED’s operation and mission is an asset.
- Strong written, reading, and spoken Russian required.
- Familiarity with or an interest in the assigned region.
- Strong judgement in determination of grant compliance.
- Able to communicate effectively regarding budget and grant compliance terminology.
- Ability to analyze abstract ideas and to propose possible solutions and approaches.
- Attention to detail and ability to multi-task, set priorities, and organize time efficiently.
- Strong ability to be a team player and self-starter, comfortable in a supporting role, working independently, and in a multicultural environment.
- Ability to work with discretion.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel; knowledge of Grantmaking software is helpful.
- Ability to travel internationally on an occasional basis.
- Authorization to work in the United States.
- Alignment with NED’s Core Values, cited above.
Talent in Action
Consistent with NED’s talent statement, and grounded in our values, the successful individual in this role will demonstrate the following competencies in the delivery of their work while supporting NED’s efforts to advance democratic change.
- Purpose-Driven
- Reliable
- Expertise
- Respectful collaboration
- Curiosity
- Results-oriented
- An optimistic mindset