Grants and Business Operations Manager, Africa Regional Program Team

Job Title: Grants and Business Operations Manager, Africa Regional Program Team

ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSE

Established more than 80 years ago on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people, Freedom House is a nonpartisan non-profit organization that works to defend and expand freedom globally to help secure a world where all are free. Around the world, repressive regimes are preventing billions of people from exercising their fundamental rights. We identify and analyze threats to freedom, mobilize decision makers to respond to those threats and seize opportunities for progress, and support activists and organizations working to defend and expand freedom. We are dedicated to ensuring that the United States serves as a positive model of democratic practice at home and a consistent champion of freedom globally. By gathering authoritative data and leveraging our global networks, Freedom House is an unwavering beacon in protecting human rights and promoting democratic governance.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Business Manager for the Africa Regional Program team reports to the Africa Program Director and oversees all administrative and financial aspects of the regional portfolio, working closely with the Regional Program leadership and Grants Administration & Compliance. This includes reviewing and approving grants, subawards, and procurement; budget formulation and monitoring; financial analysis and reporting; as well as monitoring grant compliance with USG, other funders, and Freedom House rules and regulations through the grant lifecycle. The position has a leadership role within the regional team, supporting the Director and Deputy Director by, for example, advising on funder requirements, projected and available resources, and the overall administration of the team. The position is part of a cohort of Business Managers across the International Programs Division, all of whom work closely with Grants Administration & Compliance on overall grants management and reporting, as well as with Operations on administrative requirements. This position also closely collaborates with Freedom House’s Finance Department and may engage with funders on communications related to compliance and finance.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND EXPECTATIONS

• Finance & operations – Working closely with Regional Program leadership and Business Development for USG proposals, oversee all financial and operational aspects of Freedom House’s portfolio in the assigned region, including budget development, monitoring and management of donor award budgets, annual projections, contract review/administration, standing up and/or closing awards, as needed, and monthly financial analyses. The manager also reviews and approves procurements, and some sub-awards, and may participate in hiring project staff and track and report on staff levels of effort.
• Compliance & grant management – Ensure that grants are executed in compliance with funder requirements through their full lifecycle—from pre-award planning to final reporting. In close collaboration with Grants Administration & Compliance and country teams, prepare and submit the quarterly federal financial reports in Payment Management System (PMS) and SAMS Domestic. Also contribute to reporting to private donors, as relevant, and support audit requests.
• Subaward management – Support program team in budget agreement negotiations with sub-recipient; originate or review subaward agreements (contracts, letters of agreement, and other contractual documents) for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with donor requirements; assist program staff in monitoring sub-awardees for compliance with funder requirements, spending alignment with programmatic priorities, as well as Freedom House policies and procedures; work with program staff to review sub-recipient narrative and financial reports to ensure alignment and accuracy; approve payment requests, subaward agreements and modifications; track and file subaward-related data including quarterly reports, cost share, host government taxes, financial status, year-end subaward cash, contribute to the monthly subaward accrual process, etc. In close cooperation with Grants Administration & Compliance, prepare and review quarterly projections and draft monthly Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act Subaward Reporting System (FSRS) reports.
• Knowledge management – Collaborate with Grants Administration & Compliance tomaintain an organization-wide grant manual on compliance and financial management that includes workflow charts, instructions, templates, and checklists. Ensure internal control processes inside the Regional Program. Identify and support training and other learning opportunities recommended and/or provided by Grants Administration & Compliance, according to team needs and responsibilities. In close cooperation with Grants Administration & Compliance, develop and deliver financial trainings to build the team’s knowledge of grants administration and compliance and to integrate it into their everyday functions. Partner with other Business Managers and the Grants Administration & Compliance team to share learning and best practices.
• External representation – May serve, as needed, as the point of contact with funders and/or partners regarding Regional Program grants, sub-grants contracts, agreements, and other operational and compliance requirements as needed.
• Internal collaboration – Serve as key liaison and issue escalation point between programs, Operations, Finance, HR, and Grants Administration & Compliance, partnering to achieve the best outcomes for the Regional Program and the entire organization; collaborate with Business Development and Fundraising on the budget formulation for proposals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Coursework in business, finance, international relations, international development, and/or USG policies and procedures is desirable.

Experience:

• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience, including directly managing financial and compliance aspects of grants.
• Proven financial and/or project administration experience in increasingly responsible roles.
• Experience with financial management of USG-funded programs preferred, particularly at a non-profit organization.

Technical Skills:

• Knowledge of grants administration, and ability to analyze and respond to grants-related USG issues.
• Experience with budgeting and financial management and analysis.
• Understanding of OMB compliance regulations, including 2 CFR 200, USAID ADS, and other USG rules and regulations related to assistance awards.
• Familiarity with the MS Office suite of applications.

Personal Attributes and Characteristics:

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Strong ability to plan, organize, prioritize work, and multitask to meet tight deadlines.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and exhibits unquestionable integrity, honesty, and forthrightness.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a client-service focus, and the ability to respond promptly to inquiries in a courteous and professional manner.
• Must be able to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external partners, and funders, and be able to translate complex financial issues into easily understood concepts.
• Strong work ethic and desire for personal and professional development. Demonstrates a strong desire for personal excellence and can inspire others to achieve as well. Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.
• Deeply committed to nonpartisanship, exhibiting a strong and sustained commitment to the mission of Freedom House.
• Committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all feel that they belong.
• Works as an effective team member, successfully balancing individual and team responsibilities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds—particularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color, individuals from the LGBTI+ community, and people living with disabilities—to apply.

• Freedom House provides a competitive benefits package, including a 403(b) retirement account with generous matching, commuter benefits, flexible hours, floating holidays, high employer contributions to medical, dental, and vision programs, basic and voluntary life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending account, and more.
• Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. Salary is at least $70,000/year, depending on experience.
• Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States.
• As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Freedom House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

General Working Conditions:

• General working office environment or telecommuting.
• May require some long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks.
• Potential travel to field offices less than 5% of the time

Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or telecommuting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.