Job Overview/Summary
The Grants Manager, based in Maiduguri, Nigeria, will deliver expert grant management, strategic business development, and comprehensive reporting support across the organization’s Nigeria portfolio. In this role, the Grants Manager will collaborate closely with program, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), finance, operations, and senior management teams to uphold rigorous standards in both pre- and post-award grant functions. Responsibilities include ensuring donor compliance, facilitating timely reporting, leading high-quality proposal development, maintaining accurate project documentation, preparing donor briefs, and enhancing donor and internal visibility. Reporting to the Senior Grants Coordinator, the position will also require close coordination with grants, partnerships, and communications managers.
Oversee and execute key operational duties, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and maintaining high standards of efficiency and effectiveness. Develop and implement strategic plans to optimize performance, while fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. Manage cross-functional teams, delegate tasks appropriately, and monitor progress to guarantee timely and successful project completion. Provide leadership through clear communication, mentorship, and decision-making to support both individual and team growth.
We are seeking a skilled professional to oversee information management within our organization. The ideal candidate will be responsible for maintaining accurate, secure, and efficient systems to handle data collection, storage, retrieval, and dissemination. This role requires a strong understanding of data governance, compliance with regulatory standards, and the implementation of best practices for information security. Additionally, the position entails collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of information systems and optimizing processes to enhance productivity and decision-making.
Serve as the steward of institutional knowledge and program documentation, collaborating with pertinent sector supervisors and coordinators to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Maintain thorough electronic documentation for all programs, guaranteeing that IRC colleagues can readily access necessary records and information at any time.
Overseeing donor relations and managing communications strategies are integral components of this role, focusing on cultivating and maintaining strong connections with supporters while ensuring transparent and engaging interactions. This position involves developing tailored outreach initiatives, crafting compelling messaging, and leveraging multiple channels to enhance donor engagement and retention. Additionally, the role requires meticulous tracking of contributions, providing timely acknowledgments, and reporting on impact to stakeholders. Strong interpersonal skills, exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, and a deep understanding of donor motivations are essential for success in this position. Experience in nonprofit fundraising, stakeholder management, or a related field is highly desirable, along with proficiency in CRM systems and data analytics tools to optimize outreach efforts.
Collaborate with donors and prospective supporters, along with key operational partners, by participating in meetings and promoting IRC’s objectives through the cultivation of productive and mutually beneficial relationships.
In collaboration with pertinent team members, address donor inquiries regarding compliance requirements and provide necessary information upon request.
Make sure all pertinent staff members stay informed about donor communications, regulatory updates, and upcoming meetings or events.
Arrange and engage in donor visits and meetings, fostering strong relationships and ensuring productive interactions to advance organizational objectives.
Craft compelling external communication materials, such as informative fact sheets and timely program updates.
Ensures adherence to all legal, regulatory, and internal policy requirements by systematically monitoring, assessing, and managing risks associated with organizational activities. Develops, implements, and maintains robust compliance programs, policies, and procedures tailored to mitigate potential violations and enhance operational integrity. Conducts regular audits, inspections, and assessments to identify gaps, assess effectiveness, and drive continuous improvement in compliance frameworks. Collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including legal, operations, and senior leadership, to align practices with evolving regulatory standards and mitigate exposure to non-compliance risks. Provides guidance and training to employees at all levels to foster a culture of compliance awareness and accountability across the organization.
Maintain current, in-depth expertise regarding donor guidelines pertinent to the Nigeria portfolio, encompassing but not limited to: USAID, FCDO, ECHO, and UN OCHA.
Deliver training sessions for IRC staff focused on compliance protocols as well as requirements specific to various donors.
Diligently review grants to ensure adherence to internal and donor compliance requirements, promptly identifying and escalating any concerns that arise.
Grant management involves securing, administering, and ensuring compliance for sponsored funding, while business development focuses on identifying and pursuing new opportunities to grow revenue and expand organizational reach. Professionals in this role are responsible for researching funding sources, crafting compelling proposals, cultivating stakeholder relationships, and managing post-award reporting. Strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to align organizational goals with funder priorities are essential. Additionally, experience with grant databases, budget tracking, and regulatory requirements is often required, along with excellent written and verbal communication to articulate impact and secure support.
Under the guidance of the Senior Grants Coordinator, facilitate the creation of high-quality proposals and narrative reports in collaboration with pertinent teams, assuming a lead writing role as required.
Collaborate with headquarters divisions, including the Regional Unit, Awards Management Unit, and Technical Units, to verify that proposals align with internal criteria and fulfill donor expectations.
Assist program staff in evaluating funding opportunities to ensure alignment with IRC Nigeria’s strategic goals and the local environment, providing guidance on these opportunities as needed.
Collaborate closely with program coordinators and managers to ensure the prompt and meticulous preparation of high-quality new funding proposals and reports.
Collaborate effectively with colleagues in the grants unit to facilitate the proactive oversight of grants management processes across the entire portfolio.
Monitor and oversee the utilization of grant and project management tools to maintain precise tracking of opportunities, facilitate accurate reporting, and implement necessary programmatic adjustments throughout the duration of the project lifecycle.
Offer expert technical advice on IRC and donor regulations to uphold compliance throughout IRC Nigeria, while identifying and addressing potential issues in advance.
Oversee all reporting deadlines, ensuring precise coordination and consolidation of reports to uphold the highest standards of quality and compliance with donor specifications.
Serve as the central liaison for HQ grants administration and compliance teams, ensuring diligent management of submissions within IRC’s online opportunity management tracking system (OTIS).
Actively engage in Project Cycle Meetings alongside key project leads to uphold timely and high-quality project execution.
Execute any additional tasks deemed necessary by the Senior Grants Coordinator as part of your role.
Establishes and maintains key working relationships with stakeholders across departments, clients, senior management, and external partners to ensure seamless collaboration and alignment on organizational goals. Acts as a liaison, facilitating communication and resolving interdepartmental issues to support efficient operations. Requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust and rapport with diverse teams and individuals.
The Senior Grants Coordinator serves as the direct supervisor for this position.
Indirect and technical reporting responsibilities involve compiling, analyzing, and presenting data-driven insights to stakeholders across various departments. This role requires the ability to interpret complex information, distill key findings, and communicate them effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences. Candidates should possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in relevant reporting tools, and experience in translating intricate details into clear, actionable reports. Additionally, the position demands meticulous attention to detail, adherence to deadlines, and a proactive approach to identifying trends or anomalies within the data.
The role entails overseeing the Grants Officer, ensuring adherence to organizational objectives and compliance standards.
Key Internal Contacts:
Country Program encompasses Grants, Partnerships, Communications, Finance, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), Human Resources (HR), Supply Chain, Safety and Security, as well as Field Coordinators.
AMU and Technical Units across the Region/Global are seeking candidates to fulfill key roles in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Responsibilities include supporting technical operations, coordinating cross-functional initiatives, and ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in relevant technical tools, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced setting. Ideal applicants should demonstrate a commitment to innovation, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. Experience in technical project management or related fields is highly preferred.
Key External Contacts: Collaborates with partners, donors, and other relevant stakeholders to advance organizational objectives.
The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and must demonstrate a minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in [specific industry/role, if applicable]. Strong proficiency in [specific software/tools] is essential, along with excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are required to collaborate across teams and stakeholders. The role demands meticulous attention to detail, adaptability in fast-paced environments, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results. Prior experience in [specific function or industry-related task] is highly preferred, as is the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Familiarity with [specific regulations, standards, or methodologies] will be a significant advantage.
Education: Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field, such as engineering, computer science, or business administration. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education for exceptional candidates. Proficiency in industry-specific software and tools is often required.
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in international affairs, development, international political economy, or a closely related discipline is required.
With a strong background in the field, candidates should possess relevant professional experience in the designated industry or role. Prior employment should demonstrate expertise, proficiency, and a proven track record of success in similar positions. Employers seek individuals who have contributed meaningfully to their organizations through hands-on experience, problem-solving, and adaptability in dynamic work environments.
Seeking candidates with 2 to 3 years of hands-on experience in grants management, proposal development, and business development, as well as design expertise.
Proven technical expertise in designated areas, encompassing a comprehensive understanding of relevant tools, systems, and methodologies. Strong proficiency in applying technical knowledge to solve complex problems and optimize operational efficiency. Capable of leveraging specialized skills to support project objectives and drive innovation within the organization.
Proficient in donor compliance regulations, including those set forth by BHA, USAID, ECHO, FCDO, GAC, and other relevant authorities.
Experienced in successfully developing projects, drafting proposals, and producing donor reports.
Proven ability to communicate effectively, coupled with exceptional organizational acumen, meticulous time management, and robust analytical capabilities.
Proven ability to craft and refine content with precision, alongside meticulous attention to detail. Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in both writing and editing, ensuring accuracy and clarity in all deliverables.
Demonstrates meticulous attention to detail, the capacity to adhere to established procedures while exercising independent judgment, effectively meets deadlines, and excels in both autonomous work and collaborative team environments.
Effective leadership and managerial proficiencies have been clearly demonstrated.
Capable of adjusting to evolving demands and conditions with agility and resilience is essential.
Demonstrated capability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, adhere to strict deadlines, and perform effectively amidst uncertainty and high-pressure conditions.
Demonstrates the ability to adjust effectively to varied contexts, whether related to security protocols, cultural norms, environmental conditions, or public health concerns.
Dedication to advancing women’s rights and alignment with IRC’s vision, mission, and core values is essential, with a strong emphasis on cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Languages:
Proficiency in both spoken and written English is required.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
2 - 3 years
