Action Fund Manager

Action Fund Manager 

USAID Tayar Nepal Improved Disaster Risk Management Project 

Scope of Work

DAI works at the cutting edge of international development, combining technical excellence, professional project management, and exceptional customer service to solve our clients’ most complex problems. Since 1970, DAI has worked in 150 developing and transition countries, providing comprehensive development solutions in areas including crisis mitigation, democratic governance and public sector management, agriculture and agribusiness, private sector development and financial services, economics and trade, water and natural resources management, and energy and climate change. Clients include international development agencies, international lending institutions, private corporations and philanthropies, and host-country governments. More information about DAI can be found on the DAI website (www.dai.com). 

Project Background

The USAID/Nepal Tayar Nepal – Improved Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Project, also known as Tayar Nepal Program, is a five-year project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by DAI Global LLC (DAI). The Tayar Nepal Program’s goal is to strengthen Nepal’s ability to prepare for and respond to disasters. In a country prone to a myriad of natural disasters, at the national level Tayar Nepal aims to build the capacity of disaster risk reduction & management (DRRM) institutions, including the newly created National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Authority (NDRRMA).  Locally, Tayar Nepal supports urban municipalities to develop risk-sensitive land use plans and support the prioritization and implementation of a set of technical assistance packages to improve strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience. Tayar Nepal employs two-pronged Stronger Systems + Safer Settlements approach that strengthens institutions and capacities at the national, provincial and local levels to strengthen Nepal’s resilience to natural & non-natural disasters. This will be accomplished through working on three key components: 1) Improving National Level Systems and Institutions; 2) Building Capacity at the Provincial and Municipal Levels and 3) Strengthening disaster response and recovery and supporting activities.

Position Overview

The Action Fund Manager is responsible for managing a portfolio of Tayar Action Fund programming including grants and subcontracts. In collaboration with the COP, DCOP, Director of Operations, and other members of the Technical  team, the Action Fund Manager will ensure the effective design, implementation, and close-out of grants and subcontracts, managing activities through the entire grant and subcontract life cycle. Duties may include but are not limited to issuing grants and proposal solicitations, review, award, implementation, compliance, payments, strengthening grantee capacity, and managing the subcontracts to perform as per agreed scope of work.

Essential Duties

Grants Management

• Work closely with the technical team in the activity design process including, but not limited to, supporting the development of solicitations, facilitating the process of evaluation of grant applications to ensure adherence to grants management policies, and advising on appropriate grant mechanisms. Work with partners to develop grant budget estimates and review for allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and consistency, as well as compliance with USAID and DAI regulations and policies.
• Assess administrative and financial capacity of grant applicants.
• Ensure proper negotiation of the terms and conditions for grants.
• Draft approval requests for USAID.
• Generate and review all aspects of grant agreements with grantees, including schedule and facilitate meetings to define roles, responsibilities, and timelines for grantees.
• Provide guidance on policies and procedures for Tayar staff as well as grantees to ensure adherence to grant management policies.
• Serve as the Tayar focal point for grantees. Share information with grantees ensuring cohesion and supporting collaborative engagement. Attending meetings and events hosted by partners. Provide updates to and collaborate with Tayar staff on grant monitoring. 
• Monitor and track procurement activities for in-kind grants and delivery status of goods/services.
• Monitor submission of and review grant deliverables. Coordinate with other members of the team for approval.
• Ensure complete backup documentation for cash payments to grantees is submitted to project’s Finance Team.
• Work with grantees and other Tayar staff to ensure that activities are implemented in accordance with activity design.
• With grantee and Tayar team, solve issues that arise during grant implementation.
• Ensure that all grant activities are properly documented from the start of implementation to grant close-down using DAI operations and grant management systems (TAMIS) etc.
• Perform regular spot audits of grant files to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance.

Subcontracts Management

• Ensure compliance to all regulations, policies and procedures embodied in the Field Operations Manual.
• Coordinate the drafting of Scope of Work and Request for Proposal.
• Provide orientation sessions to potential subcontractors on RFP, if necessary.
• Coordinate the process of opening and evaluation of proposals.
• Document the entire process of selection of subcontractors.
• Issue and ensure required approvals and coordinate the signing of all subcontracts and its modifications 
• Provide advice to Tayar Program Team on subcontract process and requirements.
• Conduct periodic audits of subcontractor files (physical, digital and TAMIS).
• Lead the closing process.

General responsibilities

• Assist Director of Operations on grants and subcontracts information, progress, data, etc. for USAID reporting
• Travel frequently to Nepalgunj and priority municipalities to oversee grant and subcontract activities and compliance. Provide feedback to project staff to improve management.
• Assist and collaborate in external or internal audits as necessary
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Level of Effort, Location and Reporting

The level of effort is 260 days per year.  The employment contract will be on a yearly basis, with possible extensions until the close of the project. The Action Fund Manager reports to the Director of Operations.  The position is based in Kathmandu, with travel to priority Tayar municipalities.

Qualifications: 

• University degree in relevant field required. Masters preferred.
• At least 12 years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years of grants and subcontracts management, preferably with international donor-funded projects, UN agencies, or NGOs.
• Demonstrated understanding and experience working with grantees and subcontractors and grants and subcontractor procedures
• Ability to professionally communicate across all levels of an organization and the external
• Skilled in strategic thinking and planning
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and fluency in English

Interested applicants should submit an updated CV to TayarRecruitment@dai.com  by June 18, 2021

Women and persons with disabilities, marginalized and disadvantaged communities are encouraged to apply.