Request for Applications

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

USAID/Tayar Nepal – Improved Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Project is a five-year project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by DAI Global LLC (DAI) since 2019 to strengthen the capacity of Nepal’s national and municipal institutions responsible for disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and response.  Tayar Nepal implements a two-pronged (Stronger Systems + Safer Settlements) approach that strengthens institutions and capacities at the national and local levels to strengthen Nepal’s resilience to natural & non-natural disasters. 

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 Senior Action Fund Manager, COP, DCOP, 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 the 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 package including grant budget estimates and review for allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and consistency, as well as compliance with USAID and DAI regulations and policies.
• Assess the administrative and financial capacity of grant applicants.
• Ensure proper negotiation of the terms and conditions for grants.
• Draft grant approval requests for USAID.
• Generate and review all aspects of grant agreements with grantees, including scheduling and facilitating 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. 
• Support in development of in-kind grant package and 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 and payment process. 
• Ensure complete backup documentation for cash payments to grantees is submitted to the project’s Finance Team.
• Work with grantees and other Tayar staff to ensure that activities are implemented in accordance with activity design and achieving the targets as agreed. 
• With the 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 with all regulations, policies, and procedures embodied in the Field Operations Manual.
• Coordinate the drafting of the Scope of Work and Request for Proposal in close coordination with the technical team. 
• 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 and complete the subcontract/Purchase Order agreement as per the format. 
• Issue and ensure required approvals and coordinate the signing of all subcontracts and their 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 Senior Action Fund Manager on grants and subcontracts information, progress, data, etc. for USAID reporting
• Travel frequently to 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 the supervisor

Qualifications: 

• A minimum of 8 years/master’s degree or 12 years/ bachelor’s degree of relevant experience, including at least 5 years of work experience in grants and subcontract management, preferably with international donor-funded projects, UN agencies, or NGOs (For excluded group a minimum of 6 years with master’s degree or 10 years with bachelor’s degree)
• 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

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 Senior Action Fund Manager.  The position is based in Kathmandu, with travel to priority Tayar municipalities.

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants should submit an updated CV to TayarRecruitment@dai.com  by May 31, 2023. 

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