GRANTS MANAGEMENT OFFICER

Organizational Context

The Partnerships Division (DPA) coordinates UNESCO's public and private partners, including bilateral donors, UN organizations, regional institutions, civil society, philanthropy, foundations, and corporations. Its mission is to diversify and expand UNESCO's donor base and provide support to Programme Sectors, Field Offices, and Category 1 Institutes. The division is responsible for developing strategies for partnership and resource mobilization, and it manages grant agreements.

Job Purpose

Under the overall authority of DIR/DPA and direct supervision of the Head of the Agreement Management Unit, the incumbent will lead the review of donor funding agreements. This role involves supporting and guiding implementing units in managing funding agreements and contributing to the development of grant policies and procedures. The position requires active participation in negotiations with donors, ensuring compliance with UNESCO's regulations and rules, and advising on potential risks associated with non-standard clauses. The role also includes coordinating consultations with relevant UNESCO services and processing delegation requests for agreement signatures, ensuring timely recording in organizational systems.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include actively supporting negotiations with donors on all types of funding agreements and ensuring an effective review system is in place. This involves handling negotiations while considering donor requirements and UNESCO's regulations, policies, and procedures. The incumbent will provide advice on risks related to non-standard clauses and other agreement-related risks, coordinating consultations with relevant UNESCO services. Additionally, the role involves providing advice on the choice of funding arrangements based on donor requirements and backstopping project officers at Headquarters and Field Offices in preparing project agreements. Processing delegation requests for funding agreement signatures and ensuring timely recording in organizational systems are also crucial. The incumbent will organize training on funding arrangements and participate in the review, update, and revision of grant management policies, ensuring funding agreement templates are current.

Work Experience

A minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in funding agreement negotiation or closely related fields is necessary, with at least two years acquired at an international level. Demonstrated experience in grants management and partnerships is also required.

Skills

Essential skills include an excellent understanding of grants management processes, particularly funding agreement review and negotiation. Demonstrated knowledge of the international donor landscape, excellent interpersonal skills for effective partnerships and negotiations, and strong drafting and problem-solving abilities are crucial. The ability to work effectively in a team within a multicultural environment is also important. A good understanding of the United Nations System funding structure is desirable.

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