Search for Common Ground
In a world often divided, Search for Common Ground stands for the power of bringing diverse people together to find solutions. By meeting this moment with Search, you join a powerful global peace movement that believes in the profound impact of courageous multipartiality - that all voices should be heard and respected in shaping a better, more connected world and collaborative vision is essential for lasting peace. Search for Common Ground takes a dynamic approach by building solutions that are based on the needs of communities. We engage with leaders and elected officials to advance dialogue and collaboration. We are community leaders. We are youth activists. We are women. We are Peacebuilders. We have been doing this work for over 40 years, we have developed our understanding of what peace looks like, being able to quantify our impact and design more effective programming. Peace moves at the speed of trust, so we invest for the long haul. When we’re no longer needed, we leave, leaving behind people and institutions with the ability to manage future conflicts.
Department Summary
The Search for Common Ground Finance Team seeks to achieve excellence in financial management by providing accurate and timely financial information to Search management and programs and by adhering to established financial practices and accounting principles.
Position Summary
The Donor Compliance and Contracts Specialist will help Search for Common Ground understand and comply with institutional donor requirements as outlined in award agreements and contracts and contribute to SFCG's high accountability standards. The position will report to the Vice President of Finance.
Responsibilities
- Oversee and review key donor contract and award clauses during sign-offs, amendments, and negotiations.
- Ensure that Search for Common Ground’s contracts and agreements 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 the proposed contract pricing model, performance, technical terms, and contract provisions with donors.
- 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, 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.
Education and Experience
- BS/BA Degree with at least nine years of relevant work experience.
Preferred Qualifications or KSAs
- Routinely coordinates with colleagues and consultants on-site and in the field and resolves problem situations tactfully.
- Represents, as assigned, selected programs or projects and other organizations, including donors, vendors, and international and local partners.
- Interacts with country office and regional staff.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
Usual office environment conditions, ability to travel internationally at least 20%.
Supervisory and Budget Responsibility
Individual contributors typically do not supervise staff members
