Grants and Procurement Officer

DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world. DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

Scope of Work

USAID BIODIVERSITY (Jal Jangal)

Grants and Procurement Officer

USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal) will conserve nature, enhance human well-being, and safeguard Nepal’s biodiversity to improve the health of ecosystems, fight environmental crime, and improve the ability of communities to prepare for and adapt to impacts caused by climate change and natural disasters. The activity will achieve measurable conservation targets within the biodiversity-rich, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems in and around the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape, Kailash Sacred Landscape, Terai Arc Landscape, and the proposed Karnali Conservation Landscape while increasing resilience to climate change and contributing to the inclusive and sustainable development of the Nepali people. To accomplish this, USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal) will implement activities aligned with three mutually interrelated and reinforcing objectives: Improve the health of ecosystems (Objective 1), Strengthen environmental crime control and natural resource safeguards (Objective 2), and enhance the climate resilience of natural and human systems (Objective 3).

1.     Objectives of the assignment 

The Grants and Procurement Officer will be responsible for assisting the relevant Landscape Team Leader in field offices, the Grants and Procurement  Manager and Procurement Manager based in Kathmandu with the administration of grant activities and procurement of goods and services for 1) Dhangadhi 2) Pokhara 3) Surkhet and Kathmandu offices. This position requires travel to remote districts from the respective field offices. 

2.     Tasks & Responsibilities

Grants Responsibilities 

• Coordinate with the Landscape Team Leader to identify potential technical areas and geographies that merit support through Grants.
• Draft Requests for Applications (RFAs) and other solicited and unsolicited proposals, as outlined in USAID Biodiversity Grants Under Contracts Manual
• Facilitate the review and evaluation of grant applications and budgets to ensure cost reasonableness in compliance with USAID Biodiversity Grants Under Contracts Manual, referenced USAID regulations and policies, as well as DAI policies and procedures, systems, and internal controls. 
• Support grant activities as directed by the Grants and Procurement  Manager and provide administrative assistance in grants management processes.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms and conditions in accordance with the DAI contract, Grants Under Contracts Manual, and applicable Nepali law.
• Maintain thorough records in TAMIS. 
• Assist in compliance training for local grantees on USAID assistance regulations and DAI grant policies and procedures.
• Support the facilitation of Grant Selection Committees in compliance with the required evaluation process.
• Maintain accurate grant documentation and facilitate the timely processing of grants.
• Assist Landscape Team Leader and Grants and Procurement Manager with grant implementation from execution and signing of the award, monitoring of and documenting grantee activities, administrative actions, as necessary, and final reports.
• Review grant deliverables and vouchers for payment prior to disbursement
• Assist the Grants and Procurement Manager with grant closeout procedures.
• Submit progress and status reports as required.
• Facilitate the timely processing of grants.

Procurement Responsibilities

• Aid the procurement team in database entry, procurement tracking, and reporting.
• Solicit bids and quotes from vendors in adherence with program policies for items needed.
• As required, serve on procurement evaluation committees in accordance with DAI policies/procedures and thresholds, ensuring that the committee works collaboratively to make a final selection of vendors, suppliers, and sub-contractors
• Maintain the integrity of the procurement system and files in compliance with DAI practices and policies, and USAID rules and regulations.
• Contribute to the procurement activity tracker and provide regular updates on its status to the Procurement Manager and relevant technical staff.
• Review procurement documents in TAMIS as well as hard copy files to ensure that all backup documents are included in compliance with the USAID Biodiversity Field Operations Manual, and revise/correct as required.
• Create payment request on timely manner for all the procured items in DAI System.
• Report accurate financial data to the Procurement Manager on planned procurement activities.
• Assist with the preparation of source selection memos to provide clear justification for the selection of vendor/local subcontractor.
• Help other USAID Biodiversity staff in becoming more familiar with and understanding DAI policies and procedures related to procurement.
• Assist staff in the preparation of clear SOWs/procurement specifications.
• Assist activity staff in coordinating meetings, facilitating discussions, and developing briefings in support of the source selection process.
• Assist the Procurement Manager in ensuring integrity, fairness, and openness in the procurement process as well as adherence to policies, procedures, and controls.
• Assist the Procurement Manager in ensuring that DAI, USAID, and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and procedures are followed and enforced.
• Identify and qualify potential suppliers (and products/services) through market research efforts.
• Ensure that beneficial, ethical, and open supplier relationships are created and maintained according to procurement policies.
• Monitor, track and expedite all USAID Biodiversity procurement activities and delivery status of goods/services and communicates with vendors as needed.
• Evaluate vendor performance.
• Provide accurate information for inventory management and 
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor. 

3.     Qualifications  

• Grants and procurement experience, preferably with an international donor-funded organization. For a candidate with a master’s 4 years of professional work experience is required, for a candidate with a bachelor’s 8 years of relevant technical experience is required. (Subtract one year of relevant experience—3 years with a master’s degree or 7 years with a Bachelor’s degree—for persons of excluded groups)
• Experience with USAID grants and procurement policy and regulations is strongly preferred. 
• Ability to perform high-level duties and maintain privacy and discretion with minimum supervision. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• An energetic, forward-thinking, and creative individual with high ethical standards and appropriate professional image
• An extremely well organized and self-directed individual with sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus
• Ability to respond effectively to time sensitive demands & inquiries.  
• Demonstrated exceptional customer relations (both internally & externally)
• Commitment to values: integrity, responsibility, excellence, and global citizenship
• Excellent writing, speaking, and reading skills in English and Nepali are required.

Application link

https://fs23.formsite.com/OLJTgx/5dljblbhyu/index

Application instructions:

Please select the position and location for which you are interested in applying for, fill out the required information and upload your CV. Only shortlisted applicants will receive notifications on the next steps.

Interested candidates should submit their application no later than 6 December 2024. 

Women and persons from excluded groups are encouraged to apply.

Consistent with DAI’s commitment to attracting and retaining staff from all races, ethnicities, castes, and backgrounds, DAI may adjust eligibility requirements to allow for applicants from excluded groups.  In these cases, the Scope of Work and vacancy announcement will indicate the minimum requirements according to the Country Compensation Plan as well as the revised minimum requirements for applicants representing an excluded group. DAI promotes workforce diversity and in Nepal, DAI considers excluded groups to be women, Dalits, indigenous, ethnic minority groups, Madhesi, Muslims, persons with disabilities, people living in remote areas, and sexual and gender minorities.