Grants & Contracts Specialist

Responsibilities

• Oversee and review key donor contract clauses during sign-offs, amendments, and negotiations.
• Ensures that Search for Common Ground's contracts are prepared and executed in compliance with the evolving rules and regulations of a diverse set of partners and donors.
• Support the grants and contracts team's efforts to diversify Search's partner and contractor portfolio, helping to expand Search's work with small organizations and entities serving historically marginalized or underrepresented groups.
• Support and design Search sub-grantee contracts and the partners' selection process.

Contributions

• Review and help negotiate donor contract agreements.
• Review and help Improve the Contract templates and add new templates where needed in compliance with general USA and Belgium laws and donor regulations.
• Prepare and edit contracts between Search and partners/donors/clients.
• Handle breach of contracts promptly.
• Maintain ongoing updates of significant donors' & primes' rules & regulations for program and finance staff use
• Maintain user-friendly grants and sub-recipient management resources to facilitate compliance.
• Prepare and roll out contract compliance tracking sheets.
• Maintain comprehensive contract repositories within a contract management tool.
• Update the contracting workflow process to ensure scalability and reporting on contract stages.
• Advise on compliance-related matters during the bids and proposals process.
• Administer the process and systems related to the review, approval, and execution of agreements.
• Contribute to communications and training for implementing program and finance teams about Grants & Contracts policies, practices, and procedures.
• Performed fundamental analyses for firm and fixed prices and determined appropriate contract vehicles and pricing arrangements based on program requirements.
• Negotiate with vendors (when delegated) on proposed pricing, performance, technical terms, and contract provisions as part of support to procurement processes.
• Collaborate with managers (when requested) on developing appropriate specifications, work statements, and evaluation criteria
• Provide technical assistance and training to contractors and grantees when requested.
• Receive and investigate inquiries pertinent to grants, contract agreements, and purchase orders; review documentation and prepare responses and recommendations.

Competency Behavior Indicators (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Demonstrates In-depth knowledge of Donor rules, procurement regulations, contract documents, and legal frameworks. Further certification in contract management will be an advantage.
• Knowledge of Legal frameworks and Legal and compliance risks
• Ability to prioritize multiple commitments simultaneously in a fluid environment.
• Understanding of nonprofit financial management and best practices.
• Ability to read and understand legal contracts with an eye for risk management and compliance.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate complex concepts clearly and clearly.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to build rapport with partners and stakeholders.
• Advanced analytical abilities and problem-solving skills to quickly evaluate complex issues and identify options for resolution.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• You have demonstrated knowledge of Google Suite and Salesforce.