Position Title:              Grants, Subcontracts, and Procurement Director

Project (Forecasted):   Women and Men in Agriculture (WAMA) Activity                     

Location:                      Kabul, Afghanistan

Reports to:                   Chief of Party

Contract Period:         October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2029 (5 years).

                                            Position is contingent upon successful award.

BACKGROUND

Since 2003, our Client has worked to rebuild Afghanistan's agricultural economy across all 34 provinces, transforming war-torn lands into productive farmlands. With over 20 years of deep experience in the region and a strong network of local professionals and leadership, our commitment to co-creating locally-tailored solutions has established us as one of the few trusted INGOs in the country. From farm production to export facilitation, our suite of proven and sustainable market-driven interventions throughout Afghanistan promotes inclusive economic growth, food security, and resilience to climate change.

PROJECT SUMMARY

The Women and Men in Agriculture (WAMA) Activity aims to improve food security and resilience in Afghanistan through increased agricultural productivity, diversification, and market development. The project will focus on strengthening value chains, enhancing climate resilience, and supporting gender equality by empowering women in agriculture. Key activities include providing technical assistance to farmers, facilitating access to markets, and promoting the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. The project will also implement a comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, collaboration, learning, and adaptation plan to ensure effective progress tracking and adaptive management. Overall, WAMA seeks to create sustainable agricultural growth, improve livelihoods, and enhance the resilience of rural communities in Afghanistan. Funding levels are anticipated to be between $50 - $60M over five years.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Grants, Subcontracts, and Procurement Director will oversee the management and administration of grants, subcontracts, and procurement activities for the Women and Men in Agriculture (WAMA) Activity. The Director will ensure compliance with USAID regulations, organizational policies, and best practices in the management of grants, subcontracts, and procurement processes. This role requires extensive experience in grants and procurement management within international development projects, particularly those funded by USAID.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Grants & Subcontracts Management

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive management system for grants and subcontracts, including policies and procedures that ensure compliance with USAID regulations and Client’s organization standards.
  • Oversee the entire lifecycle of grants and subcontracts, from solicitation and selection to award, monitoring, and closeout.
  • Ensure timely and accurate reporting of grant and subcontract activities, including financial and programmatic reports to USAID and other stakeholders.
  • Conduct due diligence assessments of potential grantees and subcontractors to ensure their capacity to manage funds and comply with donor requirements.
  • Provide training and technical assistance to grantees and subcontractors to enhance their capacity in grants and subcontracts management.

 

Procurement Management

  • Implement and oversee the comprehensive procurement management system in accordance with the existing firm’s Procurement Policy and USAID regulations.
  • Oversee the procurement process, from solicitation and selection to award and contract management.
  • Ensure timely and cost-effective procurement of goods and services necessary for project implementation.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement records and documentation.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies in all procurement activities.
  • Manage a robust procurement pipeline in coordination with finance to facilitate accurate reporting and forecasting.

Compliance & Internal Controls

  • Ensure all grants, subcontracts, and procurement activities comply with USAID regulations, organizational policies, and applicable laws.
  • Develop and maintain robust internal control systems to safeguard project assets.
  • Conduct regular reviews and audits to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement.
  • Implement corrective actions to address any identified issues.
  • Develop and implement risk management strategies and contingency plans.
  • Ensure systems and processes are resilient and adaptable to changing circumstances.

 

Team Management

  • Supervise and support the grants, subcontracts, and procurement team, providing guidance and professional development opportunities.
  • Ensure the team is adequately staffed and trained to meet project needs.
  • Foster a collaborative and efficient work environment within the team.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Advanced degree in business administration, finance, procurement, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in grants, subcontracts, and procurement management of international development projects, preferably USAID-funded projects.
  • Experience with agriculture projects is a plus.
  • Proven track record of managing large grants, subcontracts, and procurement portfolios and ensuring compliance with donor regulations.
  • Strong knowledge of USAID regulations and reporting requirements.
  • Experience in implementing and overseeing management systems and procedures.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Strong leadership and team management skills.
  • Proficiency in management software and Microsoft Office applications.
  • Fluency in English; knowledge of Dari or Pashto is an advantage.
  • Experience conducting due diligence assessments and audits.
  • Experience managing and developing teams in challenging environments.
  • Multiple Country work experience is required.

 

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Educational Background (15 points):

Advanced degree in business administration, finance, procurement, or a related field.

Relevant Experience (35 points):

Minimum of 8 years of experience in grants, subcontracts, and procurement management of international development projects, preferably USAID-funded projects.

Experience with agriculture projects is a plus.

Proven track record of managing large grants, subcontracts, and procurement portfolios and ensuring compliance with donor regulations.

Technical Expertise (25 points):

Strong knowledge of USAID regulations and reporting requirements.

Experience in implementing and overseeing management systems and procedures.

Leadership and Management Skills (15 points):

Strong leadership and team management skills.

Experience supervising and supporting teams.

Analytical and Reporting Skills (10 points):

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Proficiency in management software and Microsoft Office applications.

 

LOCATION

Throughout the assignment, the Grants, Subcontracts, Procurement Director will reside in Kabul, with periodic remote work as appropriate.

 

COMPENSATION

Compensation for this position will be based on past compensation.  Special allowances will be provided for time in the country.  Living quarters are provided at Interlink.  All transportation, security, and logistics are provided.  Three paid leave trips home per year.  Paid leave and holidays are provided.  For more details, please see the Client’s Personnel Plan which will be provided.  This plan will be provided along with a job offer.

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTION:   To apply, please submit the following documents to linda.aines@internationalink.net  with “Grants-Procurement Director - Afghanistan” in the Subject line and attach:   1.) Resume/CV that clearly shows you meet the Qualifications requirements, and  

2.) a list of at least three professional referees; list will include name, contact information, and work relationship to the referee.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is identified. 

 

Deadline for Application:   July 22, 2024   (no longer available-filled)

  • Proposal Writer for US based International Development organizatioon

    Position:  Proposal Writer Location:  Washington , DC --  hybrid position Expected Start Date:  As soon as available.   I am retained by a long term client to accept applications for this position.  Client organization has a mission to make the world a better, safer place.  They specialize in disaster risk management and provide resiliency expertise that sustains industries and safeguards communities around...

    Read More ...

  • ESL Teachers needed in kindergartens, primary & middle schools, in China

    Position:  ESL teachers in Kindergartens, primary & middle schools, and training centers Location:   Tianjin City, China Start Date:   Open since September 2020 (contingent on China border policies.) We are retained by International Education - Tianjin Yuming, in looking for high-energy candidates with positive attitudes to teach English in schools all across Tianjin, China (located just outside...

    Read More ...