USAID SOERA seeks a Grаnts Dіrector

Deloitte is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as a Grants Director in support of USAID/UKaid SOERA. This is a full-time position, to be based in Kyiv, Ukraine. 

Project Background and Summary:

The purpose of Ukraine SOERA is to strengthen public sector business operations and transparency, improve governance and oversight, advance privatization of selected SOEs, and develop a strategic management model for enterprises remaining in state ownership. Smart SOE reform and targeted privatization in Ukraine will increase private sector participation, stimulate broad-based economic growth, and reduce corruption. During the war and Ukraine’s recovery, SOERA is prioritizing support to maintain critical public services to citizens, support relocation and resilience of public infrastructure and facilities, enhance strategic communications to the public and external stakeholders, and help plan and execute effective, efficient, and accountable reconstruction.  

Objective:

The Grants Director will provide strategic leadership and oversight across all program objectives by managing the grants lifecycle, from solicitation to closeout. They will lead the development of competitive grants programs, ensuring compliance with USAID/USG regulations, and industry best practices, while also driving innovation and programmatic success through effective partnerships with grantees. The Grants Director will supervise the Grants Manager and collaborate closely with the Deputy Chief of Party, Operations, and Deloitte home office grants teams. This position will also ensure that the grant-making process contributes to achieving project goals and objectives. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all grants management activities to align with program objectives and USAID policies.
• Lead the development, release, and management of solicitations, including Requests for Applications (RFAs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and Requests for Quotes (RFQs), ensuring compliance with Deloitte, USAID, and USG policies (FAR, AIDAR, CFR, and OMB).
• Conduct high-level price, cost, and reasonability analyses and ensure competition requirements are met as per USAID guidelines.
• Work closely with the technical teams to develop Scopes of Work (SOW) for grants and other necessary documentation, ensuring alignment with program goals.
• Supervise the Grants team to ensure timely and efficient grants management, including application evaluation, award processing, and documentation.
• Ensure robust and ethical relationships with grantees through market research, due diligence, and compliance with ethical procurement standards.
• Lead the evaluation committees for grant applications, ensuring fair and transparent assessments aligned with program objectives and grantee capabilities.
• Oversee the negotiation and finalization of grant agreements, ensuring all grant modifications are properly documented.
• Support the Grants Manager to ensure grantees submit required reports, verify milestone achievements, and ensure proper documentation is collected throughout the grant period for compliance and audit readiness.
• Monitor grant performance, including financial and programmatic compliance, and work with the DFAC to process payments in a timely and accurate manner.
• Provide leadership in handling any challenges related to grants, such as compliance issues, performance concerns, or disputes with grantees.
• Act as the primary liaison with Deloitte home office and USAID for grants-related matters, ensuring clear communication and timely reporting on grants progress and outcomes.
• Monitor and report on the overall effectiveness of the grants program, proposing process improvements and innovations to maximize program impact. 

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree (or higher) preferred, minimum bachelors in applicable field required.
• Minimum 1 year of Grants Director experience, with supervision, and over 5 years of overall Grants oversight experience preferably in USAID projects.
• Experience in managing USAID funded projects, including a demonstrated understanding of applicable grants-related USG & Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) regulations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, using diplomatic and tactful language, even in stressful, time-sensitive situations.
• Demonstrated experience in vendor/subcontractor negotiations and customer-service oriented
• Proven experience leading a team and managing a diverse portfolio of grants.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to conduct cost, price, and reasonability analyses.
• Fluent Ukrainian and English.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage competing. 

Candidates are requested to send a CV, cover letter and 2-3 professional references to [email protected] no later than October 31, 2024. Please indicate the following in the subject field of the email: “SOERA Grants Director – Application”. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.