CGIAR – Grants Business Partner

We are looking for a highly skilled professional to fill the position of Grants Business Partner with the CGIAR System Organization. An integral member of our Financial and Digital Services Unit, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a world free of poverty, hunger, and environmental degradation.

This is an exciting time to be joining the System Organization as CGIAR undertakes a transformation into a more integrated “One CGIAR” that will allow us to achieve greater impact with our research. One CGIAR is a dynamic reformulation of CGIAR’s partnerships, knowledge, assets, and global presence in key areas where innovation is needed to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. It is centered around collaborating more closely in a way that enables us to deploy scientific innovations faster, on a larger scale, and at a reduced cost so that they can have a greater impact where they are needed the most. The transition to One CGIAR will have profound implications on the way CGIAR and its constituent parts are structured and operate: with unified governance, an integrated structure, a new research modality, and more pooled funding, One CGIAR will be better positioned to achieve its mission.

THIS IS AN INTERNAL VACANCY OPEN TO CURRENT EMPLOYEES/PERSONNEL OF CGIAR CENTERS/ALLIANCES AND ENTITIES ONLY.

Job Summary:

The Financial and Digital Services Unit is responsible for providing efficient and seamless financial management including accounting, procurement, and grants administration; as well as ICT and Business Analysis solutions across the CGIAR System Organization. In the context of CGIAR’s reformulation of its governance and management structures into a more integrated and cohesive One CGIAR, the System Organization is expanding its grants portfolio. Against this background, the Grants Business Partner position is designed to provide additional capacity by leading on effective grants management and monitoring.

An integral member of the Financial Services function, the Grants Business Partner oversees the current and projected portfolio of bilateral grants and is responsible for strengthening the CGIAR System Organization’s effective design, implementation, and monitoring of grant agreements. The position guides budget holders and project managers on grants management policies, procedures, and internal control systems to ensure compliance with funder and grant requirements and conditions.

The position requires a suitably qualified and experienced grant/fund management professional with excellent project management skills. A high degree of attention to detail and strong financial management and interpersonal skills are essential in this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Negotiate and manage grant agreements with funders, responding to queries from respective funders and taking a lead role in ensuring grant audit engagements and recommendations are responded to and implemented as appropriate.
• Design, negotiate, and manage grant agreements with implementing partners, ensuring accountability and compliance with the System Organization and Funders’ policies and procedures.
• Support project managers in developing and monitoring project budgets and support the development of funding proposals, providing guidance on internal process and policy requirements and compliance with funders’ requirements; endure the timely and correct submission of required documents per funder requirements.
• Prepare/contribute input to the development and/or review of financial reports as they relate to grants/projects performance.
• Review and strengthen the management of up-to-date grants database(s) and appropriate internal control systems that facilitate effective grant tracking/monitoring processes and efficient management of grant procurement and close-out procedures.
• Foster or contribute to highly collaborative teamwork and communication within designated Unit, the System Management Office, and across the CGIAR System as a whole; proactively participating in knowledge and capacity building initiatives to support the delivery of the Organization’s business and work plans.
• Undertake other tasks as appropriate to further advance relevant strategies and initiatives and as assigned by the Controller.

Requirements

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Advanced degree in Accounting, Financial Management, Business Administration, or related field. A masters’ degree or equivalent is an advantage.

• At least 8 to 10 years’ experience in a similar position responsible for grants or donor management in an international setting. Working experience in development/ agricultural/ environmental research is an advantage.
• In-depth understanding of the global investment landscape and actors, and key funders’ requirements.
• Experience with budgeting and budget development, financial management, and reporting skills.
• Strong project management skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and a team player with the ability to establish and nurture effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary, and complex environment.

• Excellent written and oral communication, editing, and reporting skills in English. Working knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic, or another major language that would enhance effective collaboration across the CGIAR System global operations is an advantage.
• Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office software packages (MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint at a minimum) and comfortable with the use of knowledge or contracts management tools/systems.

A detailed job description is available here.

Benefits

The selected candidate will be employed by the CGIAR System Organization if based in Montpellier, France; or will be hosted or seconded by another CGIAR Center/Alliance if based elsewhere. The modalities for engagement will be determined in consultation with the successful candidate and the relevant Center/Alliance as necessary.

The CGIAR System Organization is an equal opportunity employer and offers competitive compensation with favorable taxation arrangements (as applicable in the location) and, subject to eligibility, comprehensive employee benefits comprising extensive insurance coverage, a retirement plan, an education grant, and relocation support at the start of the appointment and upon conclusion of appointment for staff members and eligible dependents. All benefits are denominated and paid in Euros if based in France or mapped to the employing CGIAR Center/Alliance compensation package if based elsewhere.

System Organization appointments are typically for a fixed term of 3 years, with a possibility of renewal subject to the System Organization’s needs and funding.

Submitting Your Application

All applications should be submitted online to be assessed through our automated recruitment and selection system. If you require assistance or face challenges in submitting your application, please send an email to SMO-HR@cgiar.org with the position title in the subject line. Please note, we will not accept applications through this email.

Please ensure that your resume and cover letter do not contain your marital status, age, or photograph, and are in English. Documents provided in a language other than English will not be considered.

Candidates are required to provide at least 3 referees we can contact (name, organization and position, relationship to you, telephone number, and email). At least 2 of the provided referees must be a former or a current direct supervisor. Referees will only be contacted with the prior consent of the candidate and all reference checks are treated as strictly confidential.

CGIAR is committed to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary, collegial working environment, with a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and flexible working arrangements. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities. If you require accommodation due to a disability, please email your request to SMO-HR@cgiar.org and include “Diversity and Inclusion Accommodation” in the subject line.

All received applications will be acknowledged; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Closing Date for Applications: 20 December 2020