Please Note: Although Solidarity Center has a vaccine mandate and safety protocols in place, staff have in Washington currently have the option of full-time telework. The Senior Award Specialist is a headquarters role; as such this individual will be expected to work on site three days per week once the immediate pandemic surge has passed (unless an ADA or health-related exemption is approved).
Location: Washington, D.C.
Deadline: Until filled
Solidarity Center is seeking experienced grant managers with an eye for detail and expertise in international development and US Government funding mechanisms to fill two newly-created Senior Award Specialist roles in its Department of Program Quality, Learning, and Compliance (PQLC). This department provides cradle-to grave administration of the organization's government grants, supporting programs worldwide through its three areas of expertise: proposal development; award management and compliance; and monitoring evaluation and learning (MEL).
The two Senior Award Specialists will provide expertise in grant management and compliance for assigned portfolios, which may include the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and/or the U.S. Department of State (DOS). Each Senior Award Specialist will serve as a focal point for assigned donors, while coordinating with management, collaborating with teammates and program staff, and backstopping for colleagues as needed. The Senior Award Specialists may be assigned global and/or bilateral awards with budgets up to $60 million.
Duties and responsibilities include:
- Collaborating with staff across the organization to ensure compliance with award terms and conditions
- Risk mitigation-focused problem-solving with program staff on daily project troubleshooting and on donor regulations and award-specific requirements
- Reviewing award agreements and modifications, preparing negotiation communication, and working with program staff to develop systems/procedures to ensure compliance
- Building relationships with donor points of contact, proactively engaging on award-related matters
- Facilitating internal collaboration and drafting, reviewing, editing, and/or submitting award-related communications
- Establishing and/or maintaining internal tracking systems for global awards
- Ensuring timely submittal and quality control of project deliverables including project design documents and narrative reports
- Drafting global-level narrative reports based on individual project reports
- Reviewing funder solicitations and providing guidance on potential compliance issues.
- Reviewing proposals, coordinating submissions, updating management on the process, and attending proposal review sessions with donors
- Analyzing changes to donor regulations and requirements
- Recommending changes to policies and procedures for efficiencies
- Coordinating with PQLC management in reviewing allegations of potential irregularities
- Participating in initiatives to identify staff learning needs and developing resources related to award management
- Training program staff on donor regulations, procedures and requirements
- Keeping abreast of best practices and new regulatory requirements regarding award management
Qualifications:
This position is ideal for a highly analytical, detail-oriented individual with strong communication and interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of the funding regulations in the assigned donor portfolio. The successful candidate will have a keen instinct for negotiation, an appreciation for following rules, and a sense of flexibility to accommodate complex program needs in difficult and/or changing environments. In addition, Solidarity Center looks for individuals who have a passion for social justice, experience with labor unions, and/or a background in human rights and democracy programs. Specific requirements include:
- Master’s degree in a relevant field or two additional years of professional experience
- Minimum of 10 years of award management and compliance experience with international organizations, with at least 5 years of negotiating/administering multi-million-dollar and/or multi-regional awards from Federal agencies, such as USAID, DOL, DOS, or the NED.
- Strong technical expertise in federal award management, with ability to interpret and apply 2 CFR 200 to complex situations, specifically cost principles, procurement standards, revision of budget and program plans, including prior approvals, conflict of interest, property standards and remedies for non-compliance
- Exceptionally strong grammar and written communication skills, including experience editing or writing proposals, reports or other technical documents
- Experience developing and/or promoting systems that comply with Federal regulations and U.S. laws, such as the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act and Executive Orders 12549 and 13224, and standards on anti-trafficking
- Experience providing support, training and guidance on the specifics of federal award management
- General knowledge of and/or experience with MEL concepts and practices
- Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and work on multiple tasks under tight deadlines with competing priorities and staff in different time zones
- Ability to interact and collaborate with host country-based, HQ and donor staff, including via video conferencing
- Ability to perform detailed work with a high level of accuracy
- Excellent judgment, problem-solving, critical thinking and analysis skills
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
This is a collective bargaining unit position, generously compensated with a gross annual salary starting at approximately $95,500 USD with a range up to more than $105,000 based on experience. A robust benefits package includes fully paid health insurance, a retirement plan and pension, life insurance, and ample paid time off for holidays, vacation, and medical leave. We also offer opportunities and funds for professional development.
The Solidarity Center cultivates the values of diversity, equality, and inclusion among its staff and partners. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable law. Candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. If you are a candidate with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for this role, please contact us at: [email protected]