The application deadline is on February 7, 2025. Please submit both a resume and a cover letter to be considered.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Ford Foundation Nairobi office seeks a fixed term Grants Officer for 6-9 months to provide interim support with monitoring ongoing grants and ensuring the highest standards of compliance and grant governance. The Grants Officer will facilitate timely reporting on renewal and/or closure of grants and identify new grant making opportunities for the Foundation in close collaboration with the Regional Director and Programs team.

The Grants Officer is a part of the Programs team and collaborates with the Regional Director, Program Officers and Foundation staff to implement the East Africa regional strategy supporting civic engagement and governance in Kenya Uganda and Tanzania. The Grants Officer will also support other program activities including program convenings, evaluations and learning activities.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

• Actively assess where grants in the assigned portfolio are positioned in their lifecycle and ensure timely action to meet grantmaking benchmarks.
• Work with grantees in close coordination to review progress, determine grantee performance and identify key milestones for timely grant reporting, renewals and/or closures
• Partner with Regional Director, Program Associate, Grant Manager to update grantee documentation on grant closures with a key focus on regulatory compliance requirements
• Provide a responsive channel to grantees with the Foundation staff for time sensitive needs
• Identify key program insights and opportunities from existing grants that can provide inputs for strategic communications and reputation building.
• Undertake targeted research to identify unique grant making opportunities for the Foundation – as identified in program team priority setting.
• Support program convenings including internal convenings and engagements of Foundation staff with practitioners, researchers and other philanthropists on issues of shared concerns
• Participate actively in learning and evaluation initiatives undertaken by/for grantees including program evaluations underway
• Mine rich insights on drivers of grant effectiveness from grantee interactions and grant documentation in partnership with Grants Associate
• Engage with Foundation staff as an enabling team member to strengthen grant making and delivery on outcomes

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

• 5 years work experience in philanthropy, grantmaking and/or programming related to social justice, human rights, civic space and/or digital governance
• Understanding of social justice, human rights, civic space and/or digital governance questions in East Africa
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and organizational capabilities, and a team player
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines and work in high pressured environment and willingness to handle complex and detailed-oriented workload
• Ability to work effectively with program and other Foundation staff, grantees, and internal and external consultants, both in the U.S and overseas.
• Ability to work independently and analytically, exercising discretion and good judgment
• Proficiency with word processing and spreadsheet applications (e.g. Word/Excel) essential
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Ways of working and engaging that aligns with the Foundation’s mission, core values and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Baccalaureate degree in related field of study or equivalent experience

HELPFUL BUT NOT REQUIRED

• Familiarity with Google Suite apps and online Grants Management systems (e.g. FLUXX).
• Working knowledge of Kiswahili

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position is primarily a sedentary role. However, the person in this position may need to occasionally move about inside the office to liaise with internal staff, access files, office machinery and a copy machine/printer.

The Ford Foundation is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its programs, and operations. As part of this commitment, the Foundation will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact, talentacquisitionhr@fordfoundation.org

SALARY: Compensation is based on experience and on the Foundation’s commitment to internal equity.

LOCATION: Nairobi, Kenya. We operate in a hybrid model and require staff to be in the office three days per week.

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Fixed-Term for 6-9 months

WORKING AT FORD

• Commitment to creating diverse teams where everyone feels represented and respected and to embedding equity and inclusion practices across our work and philanthropy at large
• A hybrid working model and flexible work arrangement policies offer colleagues the opportunity to engage in meaningful ways and the space to maintain a healthy work-life balance
• Professional development and ample opportunities to build your expertise and expand your network
• Comprehensive benefits package designed for your well-being and work-life needs, including medical, dental, and vision benefits effective on your first day
• Generous time off, including personal, vacation, sick, extended holiday time off, and wellness days
• Generous parental leave policy, including birth, surrogacy, adoptive, foster parents, and resources for backup child and elder care that support our colleagues’ ability to attend to family responsibilities
• Comprehensive retirement benefits options (with employee and employer contributions of up to 13%), allowing you to invest in your financial future with confidence

Learn more about what it’s like to work at the Ford Foundation.

Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at The Ford Foundation, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law. The Ford Foundation does not discriminate against formerly incarcerated individuals.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements