Micro-Grants Manager, Liberia

Shelter For Life International (SFL) is a Christian Relief and Development organization with over 27 years of history in providing humanitarian assistance to post conflict countries. SFL is currently operational in Afghanistan, Liberia, South Sudan, Senegal and Tajikistan. Our Headquarters is located in Minnetonka, MN. SFL provides support and assistance in the following areas:

1. Shelter and Population Settlement
2. Application of Microcredit
3. Agriculture Development and Food Security
4. Reconstruction of Physical and Market Infrastructure; i.e. farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, and food storage, etc.

SFL’s mission is to Demonstrate God’s love by enabling people affected by conflict and disaster to restore their lives and rebuild their communities. You can learn more about us at: www.shelter.org.

We are currently seeking a Micro-Grants Manager to be based in Grand Gedeh, Liberia. This position reports to the Liberian Country Director.

Summary:

The Micro-Grants Manager leads our grant efforts in Liberia. This position is responsible for five direct reports; grant distribution, monitoring and evaluation reports as required by the donor and HQ.

Areas of Responsibility:

Grants Distribution and Reporting Requirements Work with SFL-Liberia management team and SFL’s partners to assess and identify micro-grant recipients. Lead and conduct interviews with grant recipient groups to assure the grants are used for income-generating activities, not for direct consumption. Conduct and/or lead financial literacy classes for the pre-qualified grant recipients. Work with grant recipients to develop business plans for productive use of the grants. Prepare weekly, monthly and quarterly updates/reports, as required by the donor and HQ.

Assuring Grants are Compliant with Donor Requirements and Government regulations

Work with the County Governments, local councils, and other internal stakeholders to assure proper flow of information and communication. Work with the Country Director to enforce proper internal controls, including the enforcement of processes and procedures in compliance with the SFL donors. Ensure compliance with grants, cooperative agreements and contracts that SFL holds the responsibility to accomplish. Maintain proper communication and reporting-flow with SFL Headquarters.

Monitoring and Evaluation Reporting Conduct field interviews of grant recipients, and prepare human impact stories in print, still images and video images. Travel within the country and out; and work in remote areas for extended periods as needed. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor degree in finance, international development, project managements. (Managers or higher preferred). • Three plus years of experience in project management, preferably with micro-credit. • Understanding of microcredit principles and application in agrarian communities. • Project and administrative experience in a cross-cultural environment. • Excellent in reading, writing and communication in the English language. • Prior experience in Africa is preferable. • Understanding of ethnography is a plus.

Personal Skills & Abilities:

• Christian leadership skills; ability to maintain a positive work environment with professionalism. • Ability to research, analyze, coordinate and plan – both strategically and innovatively. • Ability to assess complex programs and situations rapidly and form accurate opinions. • Ability to respond practically and operate successfully in difficult field conditions. • Willingness to adopt the use of locally appropriate technologies. • Ability to be flexible, persistent and diplomatic and to gain respect among staff, local community leaders as well as local government ministries and donor organizations. • Excellent written and verbal English; aptitude for languages.

Dates: 12+ month commitment to live and work in Liberia

Provided by SFL: Monthly salary of $2750 with review and potential increase at four and eight months. Al project related travel expenses (including round-trip air to and from field). Generous R&R and PTO. Shared housing and food allowance.

How to apply:

Please forward your resume and cover letter to: marguerite@shelter.org