Company Overview

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with foundations, investors, governments, corporations, communities and civil society to formulate strategies and implement solutions that generate lasting social, environmental and financial benefits.

For the past 50 years, we have been making Positive Impact possible. With a team of more than 2,500 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of more than 35,000 technical experts, Palladium has improved – and is committed to continuing to improve – economies, societies and most importantly, people’s lives.

Palladium is a child-safe organisation, and screens applicants for suitability to work with children. We also provide equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or marital status.

Project Overview and Role

Background
Improving Market Systems in Agriculture for Rwanda (IMSAR) is a 4-year DFID funded programme that aims to increase the income of poor households operating in targeted agricultural markets, through adopting a market systems approach to attract investment and stimulate inclusive growth.

Purpose
To take responsibility for the IMSAR contract management process including the issuance and checking of due diligence documents for all sub-contractors, grantees, recruits, vendors etc and development (in collaboration with the Palladium Head Office Grants and Compliance team) and utilisation of relevant contracts for programme consultants, contractors, sub-contractors and vendors. Ensure that all contracting and due diligence meets the needs and expectations of the client, the Department for International Development (DFID), and Palladium International Ltd (and Palladium Rwanda Limited).Responsibilities

Scope of Work
The Grants and Compliance Manager will be an integral part of the IMSAR team. S/He will:

• Work with the technical and support teams in ensuring all grantees, have completed due diligence forms and that these have been checked using the appropriate world compliance check mechanisms;
• Be responsible for ensuring that the delivery and supply chain mapping is maintained and up to date at all times for all sub-contractors, grantees, vendors and consultants;
• Be responsible for ensuring that all partners, sub-contractors, etc, adhere to and abide by the clients’ contractual terms and guidelines;
• Develop a due diligence register to ensure follow up checks and capacity building for partners can be actioned in accordance with the DFID Terms and Conditions; and
• Develop and manage the relevant due diligence, consultancy or contractual instruments and lead the technical team in drafting contracts and developing, where appropriate, milestones for monitoring of delivery.

IMSAR staff work as an integrated team. The Grants and Compliance Manager will also be expected to contribute to other aspects of the programme and Palladium Rwanda Limited as directed by their Line Manager or the Operations Manager.

Specific Responsibilities
The Grants and Compliance Manager will be responsible for:

• Ensuring the existence and implementation of clear programme contracting guidelines are drafted and included in any operations/grants manual;
• Ensuring fair and proper negotiations for all programme contracts including service agreements, grant agreements, subcontract agreements and consultant agreements;
• Responsible for drafting grant agreements and amendments to all contract documents before sending to the Operation team and/or Palladium HQ Contracts and Compliance team for approval;
• Working with technical team members to identify potential consultants and ensure that appropriate due diligence documents are administered and checked;
• Ensuring the existence and utilisation of effective grant contracts and grants tracking and management systems;
• Ensuring the effectiveness of the working relations between the project and the Contracts and Compliance team in the Palladium International Limited Head Office;
• Ensuring that all contractual instruments are in line with the latest relevant Department of International Development and Palladium International Ltd instruments;
• Ensuring all subcontractors and subgrantees of partners are fully aware of DFID’s and Palladium’s contractual requirements;
• Working with partners, grantees, subcontractors, vendors, etc. to ensure that they are fully aware of the requirements of the contracts which they are signing. This will be done through regular meetings, regular correspondence, face to face meetings, etc.;
• Developing and managing a due diligence tracker to support with the follow up work and meetings with partners to ensure compliance to the DFID Terms and Conditions;
• Ensuring all contracts meet relevant legal requirements after discussions with the Palladium International Limited Head Office Contracts and Compliance team;
• Maintaining all relevant due diligence and contracting information in a filing system to be agreed with the IMSAR Team Leader and Operations Manager;
• Supporting with external audits and internal spot checks to ensure IMSAR remains compliant with the standards of DFID and Palladium International Limited;
• Assistant in capacity building within the Palladium Rwanda team and IMSAR’s partners and provide training reports to the Team Leader every quarter;
• Working with the team to prepare financial forecasts in relation to the partner disbursements;
• Working within and supporting the finance team when appropriate and necessary, and especially in the absence of the Finance and Administration Manager; and
• Working with the Finance and Administration Manager to review and approve payments by checking invoices against the contractual agreements.

Working Relationships
The Grants and Compliance Manager will report to the Team Leader and will engage actively with the Finance and Administration Manager and Senior Market Managers. S/he will work closely with the Palladium Operations team and, where necessary, with the Grants and Compliance Manager in Palladium’s London HQ. Externally, the Contract and Compliance Manager will establish good working relationships with programme counterparts.

S/he will also be required to forge effective working relationships with other members of the IMSAR team and perform other duties as and when required.Requirements

Essential Qualifications
The Grants and Compliance Manager should have:

• A First degree or similar qualification in Finance, Law, Business, Economics or Social Sciences required. A Master’s degree may be advantageous;
• At least 8 years of experience in international development, with at least five years of experience of working on grants program or in a similar role; Experience working with DFID is advantageous
• Previous contract development and grant management experience required;
• Well-developed organisational skills and the ability to combine attention to detail with a view of strategic priorities; and
• Knowledge of contracting regulations, contract procedures and reporting requirements.
• Must be fluent in Kinyarwanda and English
• Only Rwanda nationals or those they do not require sponsorship to work in Rwanda will be considered for the role.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:

• Preparing and presenting grant & compliance reports and presentations in a well-designed and attractive format with superior attention to detail.
• Demonstrated creativity, ability to think systematically, willingness and ability to incorporate innovative solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work cooperatively, tactfully and diplomatically with culturally diverse groups of people.
• Willingness and ability to assign and review the work of grantees’ staff and to use participatory management skills with various partners.
• Proven team leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff.
• Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues both locally and internationally.
• May require constant sitting; working at a computer, focusing for extended periods of time and performing office work in the field and/or in remote conditions.
• Working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to manage and execute multiple tasks with little supervision while meeting strict deadlines.

Location

The post is located in Kigali. The position may require up to 25% domestic travel throughout Rwanda.