The Position
Associate Grants Officer – Kenya – Job Reference: AGO/PD/KE/05/2026
We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Grants Officer to join our team in Kenya. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the full grants’ lifecycle, from proposal development to implementation and reporting. Key duties include conducting thorough due diligence on potential grantees, managing grant agreements, and ensuring compliance with funding guidelines. Additionally, the role involves collaborating closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to maximize the impact of our grant making initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a relevant Bachelor’s degree, at least three years of experience in grants management or a related field, and a strong understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Fluency in English is essential, while proficiency in Swahili will be considered an advantage.
The Associate Grants Officer will collaborate closely with the Country Team, providing adaptable and cooperative support in both pre-award and post-award grant management functions.
He or she will provide oversight to country teams, including the In-country Grants Officer and the HQ Grants team, ensuring the efficient execution of grants-related functions such as financial report reviews, expenditure validation, and grantee compliance with AGRA’s internal policies and procedures.
Oversee and execute key responsibilities and duties, including managing daily operations to ensure seamless workflow efficiency. Develop and implement strategic initiatives to enhance productivity and organizational growth. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align objectives and drive project success. Monitor performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed. Maintain compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and safety standards. Provide leadership and mentorship to team members to foster professional development and a positive work environment. Prepare and present reports to stakeholders, summarizing progress, challenges, and strategic recommendations.
Oversee the daily project operations and administration of In-Kind grants for grantees within the designated portfolio.
Develops and oversees a grant tracking database using AMIS and additional tools to track the progression of project proposals from initial receipt of complete grant documentation within the grants unit until the issuance of a grant award and the disbursement of the first payment.
The incumbent will assess grantees to determine those in need of technical support and deliver targeted training sessions focused on compliance with AGRA grant obligations and reporting mandates.
Perform comprehensive pre-award due diligence on prospective grantees, with a primary focus on evaluating organizational capacity.
Ensure that grantees comply with all donor-specified requirements throughout the duration of the grant, from issuance until completion.
Offer strategic guidance to national leadership regarding compliance obligations for In-Kind grants.
Collaborates with Kenya’s country leadership and headquarters regional grants officers to execute systems, policies, and procedures governing In-Kind grant administration.
Works collaboratively with program staff to evaluate and implement necessary modifications and amendments to grants and contracts, ensuring accuracy and compliance through careful analysis and revision.
Facilitates the development of AGRA In-Kind grantees in Kenya by delivering targeted training sessions and offering specialized technical support in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems and tools as needed.
Ensures adherence to donor and AGRA-specific regulations governing in-kind grant disbursements, as well as all relevant delegation of authority policies concerning signatory powers and established thresholds.
Facilitates ongoing communication and follow-up with program staff to ensure timely closure of grants.
Monitor the progression of grant-making activities, oversee the processing of Requests for Consideration (RFCNs), and ensure the timely issuance of Grant Award Letters (Gals).
Ensure grantees and AGRA submit complete and accurate expenditure support documentation to AMIS in strict alignment with MCF and any other relevant donor requirements.
Organize grant charter reviews and compile all required grant materials for submission to the GC for final review.
Perform grantee monitoring activities and assess the overall health of grant portfolios.
Prepare and deliver kickoff orientation workshops for new awards, ensuring alignment with grant contract terms and all project-related obligations. Additionally, organize and facilitate monthly or quarterly meetings with project staff to verify ongoing compliance with grant requirements.
Evaluates the thoroughness and accuracy of all grant and contract documentation prepared by program staff, ensuring adherence to AGRA and donor-established policies and procedures.
Organizes and coordinates all reporting obligations and disbursements for newly awarded grants.
Accurate data entry and filing of AGRA’s annual grant-making budget in AMIS must be maintained with precision.
Required qualifications and experience include:
Proven experience in a comparable role, with a minimum of three years in a relevant field, demonstrating a track record of success. Proficiency in industry-standard software tools, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication abilities to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent practical experience is mandatory. The ideal candidate will exhibit adaptability, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous learning to stay current with evolving industry trends.
A Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Finance, or a related field, along with an accounting certification, is required.
Experience in grant-making environments is required, along with a proven ability to ensure donor compliance with funding requirements.
Successfully managing financial resources, individuals must bring a proven track record of overseeing budgets, financial planning, and resource allocation to ensure organizational fiscal health and sustainability.
Proficient in delivering comprehensive training to grantees on grant management and compliance standards.
Demonstrated ability to identify issues and implement systematic enhancements to policies and procedures.
Requires exceptional organizational abilities, a strong dedication to precision and maintaining a prompt and effective workflow, alongside an acute attention to detail, even under pressure.
Proficient interpersonal abilities are essential, including demonstrated courtesy, tact, and patience in all interactions.
Demonstrates strong organizational skills with the capacity to handle multiple responsibilities efficiently while effectively prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
