Contracts & Grants Officer I in Washington, D.C

FHI 360 is a global development organization with a rigorous, evidence-based approach. Our professional staff includes experts in health, nutrition, education, economic development, civil society, environment and research. FHI 360 operates from 60 offices with 4,400 staff in the U.S. and around the world. Our commitment to partnerships at every level and our multidisciplinary approach enable us to have a lasting impact on the individuals, communities and countries we serve–improving lives for millions. We seek qualified candidates for the position of Contracts & Grants Officer I in Washington, D.C.

 

Position Description:

 

A Contracting Officer is primarily responsible for managing the administrative processes for contract administration from pre-award to contract close-out.  He/she will provide professional expertise in contract administration to ensure full compliance with donor rules and regulations.  The functions of the position include:

 

a) Comprehensive analysis of contract terms and conditions to ensure that the organization has the organizational capacity or is able to  acquire the necessary

capacity to successfully perform and meet contractual obligations;

b) Expert interpretation of donor (USG and non-USG) rules and regulations;

c) Standardization of administrative procedures for efficient award  and sub award management;

d) Development of contractual documents including templates and ancillary business forms;  and

e) Capacity building and replication of contract portfolio management systems and best practices in award and sub award management.

 

A Contracting Officer will lead or supervise other staff in the efficient operation and maintenance of an effective contracts portfolio management system.   Contracting officers will work in partnership with operations staff and other enterprise services staff to achieve successful and compliant contract performance.    The scope of contract administration may include contract interpretation, compliance with regulatory requirements and restrictions, sub award administration, and donor relations among others.  The Contracts & Grants Officer I will:

 

• Serves as a technical resource to proposal development units (Business Planning and Proposal and
• Cost and Pricing) by analyzing solicitations, interpreting regulations and award provisions, clarifying compliance issues, etc.
• Reviews and negotiate critical award terms and conditions.
• Identify significant risks and recommend plan for mitigation including justification of working at risk.
• Manages contract set-up in the contract management and/or financial management system.
• Advises senior management on matters of concern and elements of risk that can be detrimental to successful contract performance. 
• Recommend alternative approaches to overcome any negative impact.
• Reviews the work of contract specialists before submission to donors.  These will include contract
• add-ons, budget realignments, cost  extensions, and other transactions  requiring donor approval such as sub awards, salaries, consultant rates, waivers, etc.  The contracting officer will handle the more complicated or business-sensitive transactions.
• Conducts complex negotiations requiring senior staff engagement
• Develops and maintain strong relationships with counterparts (internal and external).
• Responds to audit matters (internal and external).
• Articulates and advocate for the organization’s position on matters of regulation and other contractual issues.
• Collaborates with operations staff and other enterprise services staff to monitor prime contract and subcontract performance.
• Negotiates substantive provisions in lower- tier subcontracts.
• Trains other staff in standardized procedures for efficient award and sub award management.
• Manages input to contract close-out

 

Minimum Requirements: 

 

• Bachelor’s degree or its international equivalent in Business or related field.
• Minimum of 5-8 years’ experience in a contracting position in either the Federal
• Government acquisition system or a Nongovernmental Organization (NGO) – domestic or international.
• At least 3 years of negotiating experience and direct management of contracts and other agreements.
• Advanced knowledge of donor (USG and non-USG) rule and regulations including but not limited to USAID, DHHS, DOE, etc.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong ability to manage and meet multiple tasks.
• Read, write and speak English. Fluency in a foreign language is desired

 

FHI 360 has a competitive compensation package. Interested candidates may register online through FHI 360's Career Center at www.fhi360.org/careercenter or through the Employment section at www.fhi360.org. Please submit CV/resume and cover letter including salary requirements. Please specify source in your application.

 

AA/EOE/M/F/V/D