Grants and Subcontracts Specialist at Palladium International

Project Overview and Role:  

The Kenya Feed the Future Private Sector Activity (KPSA) is a $48 million, USAID-funded, Palladium implemented project that will accelerate inclusive economic growth in Kenya through partnerships with large agricultural firms, health firms and other sectors. Using a systems approach, KPSA will provide a suite of customized, high-impact services that increase the productivity of firms such as SMEs, smallholders, Business Advisory Service Providers (BASPs) and Financial Institutions (FIs), increase market linkages, and mobilize finance to support targeted sectors. From 2024 – 2029, KPSA will use its Inclusive Growth Platform to mobilize $400 million in finance, create new jobs, increase exports and sales, and increase access to healthcare services.

The Grants & Subcontracts Specialist will support the management of all USAID subaward grants and contracts under KPSA to ensure that subaward activities are carried out in compliance with USAID and Palladium policies and procedures.

Roles and Responsibilities 

• Assist in conducting contract and subaward solicitations and advertisements
• Support competitive procurement processes, draft agreements, and develop related subaward documentation
• Assist in the dissemination of contract and subaward Review Guidelines for evaluators, including scoring formats
• Conduct due diligence and aid the negotiation of agreements with sub awardees
• Support the administration, compliance, and implementation procedures of subawards, and ensure compliance with USAID grants regulations including procurement regulations
• Assist fund transfers after reviewing financial reports and ensuring compliance with subaward agreements (in coordination with technical staff)
• Maintain grants records in the grants management system
• Maintain subcontracts and consultant registry
• Conduct tracking and reporting, ensuring timely usage of funds as per annual work plans
• Provide guidance to sub awardees for the Branding and Marking Plan and Monitoring and Evaluation of grant implementation practices
• Provide feedback or inputs into grants under contract manual as required
• Support contract and subaward close out and final reporting
• Any and all other project-related tasks as required by the Chief of Party, project leadership, and Palladium HQ

Position Requirements: 

• Degree in relevant subject (Business, Economics, Finance, Procurement, etc.)
• 2-3 years experience in contracts, subawards, or grants management
• Experience in grants solicitation or subcontract procurement solicitation or management
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency and the ability to operate spreadsheet and word-processing programs at a highly proficient level
• Proactive problem-solving, decision-making, and good judgement skills
• Attention to detail and ability to perform multiple tasks and balance competing priorities effectively and efficiently
• Ability to communicate effectively with managers, colleagues, service providers, and clients
• Experience working on USAID or other donor-funded programs of a similar size and technical area preferred
• Knowledge of USAID policies, procedures, and reporting requirements preferred
• Experience working for large donor organizations such as USAID preferred
• Kenyan candidates are preferred
• Written and oral proficiency in English required