Reports to Head Grants and Contracts. The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the Office of Sponsored Research (OSR). Oversight includes closely working with grants staff to facilitate reporting, reconciliation of receivables and payables, monitoring modifications and ensuring updated grant database and record maintenance. He/she will actively work with the Grants Management Specialists and Grant Management Officers in following up departmental tasks and ensuring tasks are tracked, followed up and executed. This role will also provide capacity building and support to existing Grants and Contract staff.

 Main Duties:

• Manages the CIDRZ research awards portfolio by ensuring that project teams and other stakeholders are served with day-to-day information in award management.
• Tracks and supports project teams to ensure they meet reporting requirements on time and to a high standard.
• Leads the coordination of all grants and contracts related meetings to facilitate smooth delivery of project outputs.
• Reviews awards Budget to Actual reports ahead of discussion in department meetings and following up on award burn rates.
• Reviews invoices and financial reports before submission to funders and ensure that invoices and reports are sent out to sponsors in good time 
• Supports the development of realistic project budgets, re-budgets and justifications as required
• Responsible for constantly identifying areas for cost savings and efficiencies so that assigned projects can have the greatest impact possible within its given budget.
• Supports the review of contracts and agreements for awarded projects; and work with Grants Management Specialists and Officers to maintain and reconcile award account receivable with Finance department, send reminders for all outstanding invoices and follow up to ensure all outstanding invoices are paid and correctly recorded in ERP
• Works with Grants Management Specialists and Officers to maintain and reconcile award account payable and ensuring uncollected invoices are followed up, settled and correctly captured in ERP
• Reviews and get an in-depth knowledge of the CIDRZ current grant management policies to ensure they are complying with relevant requirements.
• Ensures that staff follow grants management policies, directives, standards and procedures as required
• Circulates notices for current and closing projects; re-budgeting forms and issues on donor regulations/guidelines as deemed necessary
• Supports the review, completion and execution of assigned grantee notice of grant awards (NGAs), Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) and subcontracts. S/he will also assist to identify and resolve budget, compliance and/or other issues that may be noted, and they will work with the relevant units to ensure that subcontracts and agreements of all assigned projects are fully executed timely
• Works closely with grants and other relevant staff in ensuring project closeout processes are adhered to as per funder guidelines.
• Be the project point of contact for sponsor and all assigned projects and ensure that all queries and requests from the sponsors are attended to in a timely manner.
• Participates in regular meetings as required, with funders, Ministry of Health (MOH), or other stakeholders as requested.
• Develops collaborative relationships with other implementing partners/stakeholders and work with partners to identify areas for increased coordination
• Monitors awards milestones, funding mechanism and reconciliation of bridge funding support.
• Coordinates and facilitate the resolution of all grants and contracts related issues
• Promotes team building and work collegially as part of the study team. 
• Plans and implements orientation for all new staff in the office of sponsored research
• Mentors and builds capacity in research grant management

Qualifications:

• Grade 12 Certificate
• A master’s degree in business administration/accountancy or finance
• Strong communication skills
• Advanced Proficiency in Microsoft office programs, particularly Excel and Word a MUST
• Proficiency in Sage X3 and GrantVantage accounting and grant management software is preferred
• Experience in financial & project management and at least five years of experience in a management position
• Ability to multi-task and work with teams
• Excellent report writing, budgeting and computer skills

Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.