Grants and Compliance Manager

Kenya (On-site)

Job Description

Position Title: Grants & Compliance Manager
Project: Thabat Enhancing Community Resilience – World Bank Funded
Reports To: Deputy Project Director, Operations 

Location: Kenya/ Sudan- National Contract. 

Note: All candidates must be legally authorized to work in Kenya prior to application.

Position Summary

The Grants & Compliance Manager will oversight grants and compliance activities under the Thabat World Bank–funded project. The role ensures that all financial, programmatic, and operational activities are fully compliant with World Bank regulations, donor contractual requirements, and organizational policies.

A critical responsibility of this role is to establish and maintain a robust reporting and tracking system that monitors donor deliverables, deadlines, and compliance obligations. The position involves proactive monitoring of grant processes across multiple states, the implementation of rigorous compliance systems, and the provision of technical guidance to hub and state-level teams in Medani, Darfur, and other project locations.

In addition, the Grants & Compliance Manager will lead sub-granting processes, including the design and management of Requests for Applications (RFAs), conducting due diligence assessments of sub-grantees, and ensuring ongoing monitoring to uphold accountability and adherence to both donor and organizational standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Grants Management & Compliance

• Maintain an up-to-date compliance tracker for all donor deliverables, deadlines, and obligations.
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of high-quality narrative and financial reports in line with donor requirements.
• Track and follow up on all World Bank requests and actions throughout project implementation.
• Develop, implement, and oversee grant management systems to ensure compliance with World Bank and organizational requirements.
• Provide regular compliance updates and risk analysis to the project management unit.
• Coordinate Semi- Annual Audit preparations including but not limited to Audit ToR, preparation of audit trial and supporting documentation. 

2. Reporting & Tracking

• Establish and manage a centralized reporting system for donor deliverables and program milestones.
• Consolidate reports and data from state-level teams, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Monitor progress toward grant deliverables, identifying potential delays or risks, and coordinating corrective actions.
• Maintain documentation and records in compliance with audit and donor requirements.

3. Sub-Granting & Partner Oversight

• Lead the full cycle of sub-grant management, including development and dissemination of RFAs.
• Conduct due diligence and organizational capacity assessments of potential sub-grantees.
• Draft, review, and monitor sub-grant agreements to ensure clear deliverables and compliance obligations.
• Provide training and ongoing support to sub-grantees on compliance, reporting, and World Bank requirements.
• Monitor sub-grantee performance, conduct compliance visits, and address any issues of non-compliance.

4. Capacity Building & Technical Support

• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to hub and state-level teams on grants management and compliance.
• Design and deliver training sessions on donor compliance, reporting, and documentation standards.
• Strengthen internal systems to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability across all project locations.
• Foster a culture of compliance, learning, and continuous improvement within the project.

5. Risk Management & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and address compliance risks related to grants and sub-grants.
• Recommend and implement improvements to policies, systems, and procedures.
• Ensure the project is audit-ready at all times and coordinate audit processes as required.
• Integrate lessons learned and best practices into future grants and compliance processes.

Skills & Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of World Bank regulations, donor compliance frameworks, and financial reporting standards.
• Excellent analytical, risk management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• High proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with grant management systems; experience with World Bank reporting platforms (e.g., STEP, Client Connection) is an asset.
• Fluency in English required.

Qualifications

 Professional Experience

• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in grants management, compliance, and donor reporting within large-scale, donor-funded projects.
• Demonstrated experience working with World Bank–funded projects. 
• Proven expertise in sub-grant management, including RFAs, due diligence assessments, agreement development, and compliance monitoring.
• Experience coordinating donor audits and managing compliance documentation.
• Strong track record of providing technical assistance and capacity building to multi-level project teams and local partners.
• Experience working in multi-state or fragile/conflict contexts is highly desirable.

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions. 
• Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission.  Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

What we offer

CRS offers U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan.  Benefits packages for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment/in-country office where the candidate will perform the role.  CRS´ work culture is a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.