Programs Manager and Grants Lead Officer - Kumasi (onsite + Remote)

We are looking for a Programs Manager and Grants Lead Officer.
Key duties and responsibilities for the position:
1.Program Development and Strategic Planning

• Lead the design, development, and expansion of educational programs that align with the NGO's mission and objectives.
• Conduct needs assessments to identify gaps in educational services and opportunities for new initiatives.
• Work closely with program teams to ensure educational projects are innovative, impactful, and responsive to community needs.
• Develop program strategies, frameworks, and work plans to achieve measurable outcomes.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure the integration of best practices in program design and delivery.

2.Grant Writing and Resource Mobilization

• Identify potential funding opportunities from government agencies, foundations, corporations, and international donors.
• Lead the grant proposal development process, including drafting, reviewing, and submitting high-quality proposals and concept notes.
• Collaborate with program staff to gather program data and information for inclusion in grant applications.
• Ensure grant proposals align with donor priorities and the NGO's programmatic goals.
• Maintain a pipeline of prospective donors and track application deadlines and submission requirements.

3.Donor Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain relationships with key donors, grant-making organizations, and funding partners.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for grant-related communications with donors.
• Ensure that donor reporting requirements are met by preparing and submitting timely and accurate reports.
• Organize and participate in meetings with donors to provide updates on program progress and future plans.
• Ensure ongoing engagement with donors to secure renewed or new funding opportunities.

4.Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for Grant Reporting

• Collaborate with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team to ensure grant-funded programs meet targets and deliverables.
• Oversee the development of metrics and systems for tracking program performance against grant objectives.
• Ensure accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting to measure program outcomes and impacts.
• Prepare and submit grant reports to funders, ensuring that all financial and programmatic information is accurate and compliant with donor guidelines.

5.Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead and mentor a team of program managers and grant writers, providing guidance on project implementation and funding strategies.
• Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration to ensure smooth coordination between program development, finance, and operations teams.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging staff to share ideas for enhancing program impact and sustainability.
• Oversee training and capacity-building initiatives for staff involved in program design and grant management.

6.Financial and Budget Oversight for Programs and Grants

• Work closely with the finance team to develop budgets for grant proposals and ensure alignment with program goals.
• Monitor the financial health of grant-funded programs, ensuring funds are allocated and spent according to budgetary constraints.
• Ensure compliance with financial reporting requirements from donors and funding agencies.
• Conduct regular financial reviews of grant-funded programs to ensure budget adherence and efficient use of resources.

7.Communication and Advocacy

• Promote the NGO's work and its impact through communications materials, case studies, and presentations to attract new funding.
• Work with the communications team to highlight program successes and innovations to potential donors.
• Advocate for the NGO’s work at conferences, workshops, and meetings to build relationships with potential partners and funders.
• Draft success stories and impact reports to showcase the NGO’s work and demonstrate value to funders and stakeholders.

8.Risk Management and Compliance

• Ensure all grant-funded programs comply with local laws, donor requirements, and internal policies.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to program delivery and financial management.
• Ensure that all contractual obligations with donors are met and that risks to funding streams are minimised.

9.Grant Management and Reporting Systems

• Develop and maintain efficient systems for tracking grant applications, deadlines, reporting schedules, and donor communications.
• Implement grant management software or tools to streamline reporting and ensure transparency in the use of funds.
• Ensure proper documentation of all grant-related activities, from application submission to reporting and closeout.

10.Research and Innovation

• Stay updated on trends in education, funding priorities, and innovative approaches to program delivery.
• Conduct research to identify new areas for program development and potential collaborations.
• Develop pilot programs or test new models to address emerging educational challenges and opportunities.

Other Duties

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

These responsibilities focus on ensuring the foundation’s sustainability through effective fundraising while using research to drive innovation and improve educational programs.