Grants Manager

Job Description

The Grants Manager, stationed in Maiduguri, Nigeria, will provide support for grant administration, business expansion, and reporting across Nigerian operations. This role involves close collaboration with program staff, M&E, finance, operations, and senior leadership to ensure effective management of pre- and post-award grant functions. The position holder will focus on donor compliance, timely reporting, high-quality proposal development, project documentation, donor briefings, and internal/external visibility. Reporting to the Senior Grants Coordinator, the Grants Manager will work in tandem with other grants, partnerships, and communications professionals.

Key Responsibilities:

Information Management


Serve as the primary custodian of program documentation and institutional knowledge, coordinating with relevant sector supervisors and coordinators.
Maintain comprehensive digital records for programs, ensuring accessibility for IRC colleagues.


Donor Relations and Communications


Engage with current and potential donors and operational partners, representing IRC's interests through positive and constructive interactions, including attendance at meetings.
Address donor requests for compliance information and respond to related inquiries as needed, in coordination with relevant colleagues.
Keep staff informed of all donor communications, regulatory changes, and relevant meetings or events.
Coordinate and participate in donor visits and/or meetings.
Create external communication materials such as fact sheets and program updates.
Compliance
Maintain up-to-date, comprehensive knowledge of donor guidelines relevant to the Nigeria portfolio, including but not limited to USAID, FCDO, ECHO, and UNOCHA.
Provide training to IRC staff on compliance and donor-specific requirements.
Closely monitor grants for internal or donor compliance issues, flagging concerns promptly.


Grant Management and Business Development


Coordinate the development of high-quality proposals and narrative reports with relevant teams, serving as lead writer when necessary, with support from the Senior Grants Coordinator.
Collaborate with HQ units (Regional Unit, Awards Management Unit, Technical Units) to ensure proposals meet internal standards and donor requirements.
Assist program staff in evaluating funding opportunities aligned with IRC Nigeria's strategic objectives and local context, providing advice as needed.
Work with program coordinators and managers to facilitate the timely development of high-quality new funding proposals and reports.
Collaborate with other grants unit members to proactively support grant management processes across the portfolio.
Monitor and support the use of grant/project management tools to ensure accurate tracking of opportunities, reporting, and programmatic adjustments throughout the project lifecycle.
Offer technical guidance on IRC and donor regulations to ensure compliance across IRC Nigeria, proactively addressing and resolving issues.
Manage all reporting deadlines, coordinating and consolidating reports as necessary to ensure high-quality documents that meet donor requirements.
Serve as a point of contact for HQ grants administration and compliance colleagues, including maintaining submissions on IRC's online opportunity management tracking system (OTIS).
Actively contribute to Project Cycle Meetings in collaboration with relevant project leads to ensure timely, quality implementation of projects.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Senior Grants Coordinator.


Key Working Relationships:


Reports to: Senior Grants Coordinator
Direct reports: None
Internal contacts: Grants, Partnerships, Communications, Finance, M&E, HR, Supply Chain, Safety and Security, Field Coordinators, Base Managers, AMU, Technical Units, and others as appropriate
External contacts: Partners, donors, and others as appropriate


Qualifications:


Bachelor's degree or equivalent in international affairs, development, international political economy, or related field
2-3 years of experience in grants management and proposal/business development/design
Familiarity with donor compliance regulations (BHA, USAID, ECHO, FCDO, GAC, etc.)
Proven track record in project development, proposal writing, and donor reporting
Strong communicator with excellent organizational, time management, and analytical skills
Fluency in English, both spoken and written
Exceptional writing and editing skills with meticulous attention to detail
Demonstrated ability to follow procedures, use initiative, meet deadlines, and work independently and cooperatively with team members
Adaptability to changing requirements and circumstances
Capacity to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and work under pressure in a challenging environment
Ability to adapt to different contexts regarding security, culture, climate, or health issues
Willingness to travel
Commitment to women's rights and IRC's vision, mission, and values, including sensitivity to cultural settings