Grants Manager - Grants Manager for Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure in Ukraine Activity in Ukraine Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure in Ukraine Activity

1. Activity Background:

The purpose of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure in Ukraine Activity is to strengthen the resilience of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure from cyberattacks by establishing trusted collaboration between key cybersecurity stakeholders in the government, private sector, academia, and civil society. The activity aims to achieve this goal by implementing the following activity components: 

Component 1: Strengthen the cybersecurity enabling environment 

The legal, regulatory, and institutional framework for national cybersecurity in Ukraine needs to be strengthened and aligned with international standards and best practices. This component will strengthen the cybersecurity resilience of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure sectors by addressing legislative gaps, promoting good governance, enabling collaboration between stakeholders, and supporting cybersecurity institutions. This component will also build the technical capacity of key sectors through increased access to cybersecurity technology and equipment.  

Component 2: Develop Ukraine’s cybersecurity workforce 

Ukraine suffers from a severe shortage of cybersecurity professionals. This component of the USAID Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure in Ukraine Activity will address workforce gaps through activities that develop new cybersecurity talent and build the capacity of existing talent. These activities will address the entire workforce pipeline, the quality of education received by cybersecurity specialists, and industry training programs to rapidly upskill Ukraine’s workforce to respond to immediate cybersecurity vulnerabilities. 

Component 3: Build a resilient cybersecurity industry 

A growing cybersecurity industry in Ukraine will contribute directly to national security and prosperity. This component will seek to build trust and collaboration between the public and private sector to develop innovative solutions for future cybersecurity challenges; spur investment and growth in the broader cybersecurity market in Ukraine through greater access to financing; support smaller cybersecurity companies to rapidly increase the number of local cybersecurity service providers; and offer mechanisms for Ukrainian firms to connect with industry partners to enable better access to innovations and business opportunities.  

Together the above components will improve short-term cybersecurity resilience in Ukraine and establish a solid foundation for long-term cybersecurity independence and leadership. Lessons and best practices from key critical infrastructure sectors will extend to all parts of the public sector, as well as to the private sector and civil society. 

1. Role’s Purpose:

The Grants Manager reports to the FinOps Director and is responsible for proficiently managing and administering a sizable and complex array of grants. The Grants Manager will also play a pivotal role in ensuring integrity, fairness, and openness in grant processes as well as adherence to policies, procedures, and controls. The Grants Manager administers a grantee selection process in full compliance with grants management standards, leads in the provision of technical and administrative support in building the capacity of local sub?grantees to effectively manage grants; and oversees implementation of a grant award. and is responsible for the solicitation, development, and implementation of USAID Cybersecurity (CCI) grant activities, ensuring compliance with all applicable USAID and DAI regulations, policies, and procedures. The Grants Manager maintains all grant management documentation and records related to the solicitation, awarding, implementation, monitoring, and closeout of grants in the CCI management systems and tracks individual grants’ progress, payments, and closeout according to the Grant Agreement. The Grants Manager serves as the focal point for all contractual, budgetary, financial, compliance, and capacity development issues on individual grants and works closely, throughout the grant cycle, with the corresponding Technical Managers, who serve as the focal point for all technical/programmatic issues under the respective grant.

1. Tasks/responsibilities:

• Serve as a key team member on Grants development as an integral part of the work activities to achieve activity objectives and results 
• Contribute to compliance with approved Grants Manual, referenced USAID regulations and policies, DAI policies and procedures, systems, and internal controls 
• Update Grants Manual, as needed, in coordination with COP and DAI Home Office for USAID approval; identify and suggest improvements to DAI grants management procedures throughout the activity to be more effective and efficient in preventing, detecting, identifying, and correcting noncompliance with applicable rules and regulations 
• Assist with the solicitation of grants, including the development of APS and RFA. 
• Assist with developing grant materials and templates  
• Work with local organizations and grantees to ensure successful implementation and compliance with the grant agreement, as well as to support their sustainable development as an organization 
• Work with the Technical Managers to coordinate the identification, solicitation, and selection process of eligible grantees 
• Monitor compliance with contract terms and conditions following the DAI contract and applicable Ukrainian law 
• Contribute to procedures and policy training, guidance, and interpretation for activity staff as well as grantees, in consultation with the DAI Contracts Manager as appropriate 
• Support analysis and evaluation of grant applications and concept papers and serve as the non-voting Chairperson for more grant application selection committees 
• Assist with developing and maintaining grant budget/fund monitoring tools 
• Submit progress and status reports as required 
• Assist with negotiating the terms and conditions for grant agreements, ensure the proper type of grant selected, and review and select the correct standard provisions 
• Assist with troubleshooting grants management challenges with grantees, technical staff, COP, and USAID as requested/as needed 
• Assist with preparing and submitting grant applications to the client for approval.
• Supervise Grants Officer 
• Other duties as assigned by the Grants Director that are consistent with the overall focus of the assignment.

 Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, or related field.
•  9+ years of relevant professional experience and progressive responsibility in grants management, finance and accounting, and/or project operations, preferably on USAID-funded international development programs. 
• 3+ years of experience in the administration of large and complex USAID-funded grant programs.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and budgeting skills, operational and compliance focus, and accuracy in the management of budgets, cash flow, and large amounts of data.
• An energetic, creative individual with high ethical standards and appropriate professional image. 
• Ability to respond effectively to time-sensitive inquiries.  
• Strong interpersonal skills, written and oral communication skills.
• Strong computer skills (MS Office).
• English language proficiency
• Ukrainian – native speaker

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran. 

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting discrimination in all forms, nurturing respect for our interpersonal relationships, and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work.  DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. 

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.”

DAI promotes workforce diversity and encourages persons from excluded groups, including persons with disabilities, to apply.

Position is Kyiv-based, long-term

Contract length: 12-month employment agreement with a possibility of extension.

Benefits: all benefits envisaged by the Labor Code of Ukraine, medical insurance for employees and immediate family members.

Qualified candidates should send their CV and cover letter to [email protected]. by October 3, 2024 6:00pm Kyiv time. Interviews will be conducted on the rolling basis. Only short-listed candidates will receive notice requesting additional information.