Position Summary

MCA-Zambia II seeks to appoint a skilled and experienced grants professional as Manager, Grants.

The Grants function supports MCA–Zambia II in managing grants awarded under the Compact in accordance with the MCC Program Grant Guidelines (PGG) and the terms and conditions of Grant Agreements. The Manager, Grants is responsible for managing the day-to-day implementation of the MCA–Zambia II Grants Programme. This includes ensuring that MCA–Zambia II and its Grantees comply with the PGG and applicable Grant Agreements, advising the Director, Procurement and Grants on the performance of each Grantee, managing grant award and administration processes, and providing technical guidance to support the Grants team in fulfilling their respective roles. The timely, compliant, and transparent management of the Grants Programme is essential to the integrity of MCA–Zambia II's programme delivery and to achieving the development outcomes of the Compact.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Grant Programme Management

• Manage diverse aspects of implementing the Grants Programme in accordance with the PGG, including managing approvals as set out in the PGG Approval Matrix and Grant Award Procedures in the Grant Operations Manual.
• Manage reviews and submissions of requests to waive any provision of the PGG; ensure each Grant Programme is well explained, justified, and approved by MCC.
• Manage all written plans developed by MCA–Zambia II for Co-Creation and coordinate MCC approval where required.
• Ensure accurate Grant data is captured and entered into the MCC Management Information System (MCC-MIS).

Solicitation, Outreach, and Applicant Review

• Review draft grant announcements, proposed solicitation documents, and proposed total funds available for Grant Awards for consistency with the approved Grant Programme, Grants Schedule, and PGG requirements.
• Organise and deliver outreach events to generate interest in grant opportunities; monitor outreach efforts and pre-Application workshops.
• Manage communications with proposers or applicants where the Merit Review Panel, Selection Committee, or assessment experts require additional information during proposal or application review.
• Manage discussions, co-creation, and negotiation meetings with proposers, applicants, and potential grantees.
• Monitor and conduct screening of proposers and applicants for eligibility; ensure eligibility checks are captured in the Concept/Application Appraisal Report and Grant File.
• Write and review Concept Paper and/or Application Appraisal Reports; submit to the Selection Committee including any post-Discussion or Co-Creation amendments.

Grant Award and Documentation

• Manage Grant Budget Assessments and ensure all Grant Budgets comply with MCC's Cost Principles; monitor sub awardee eligibility and competitive selection requirements.
• Review Grant Award documentation including appraisal reports, capability assessments, budget assessment reports, Selection Committee reports, Grant Award Agreements, and related documentation.
• Ensure Selection Committee reports are complete, accurate, properly signed, and approved by MCC; advise on cost share, leverage, and the Memorandum of Negotiation.
• Develop debriefs and notifications for unsuccessful applicants; develop Grant Agreements and manage posting of Grant Award notices on the MCA–Zambia II website within 30 days of signing.
• Liaise closely with relevant MCA–Zambia II Sector/Technical Directors, agents, and consultants throughout all phases of grant award and administration.

Grant Administration, Monitoring, and Closeout

• Review reports submitted by Grantees and requests for MCC approval to modify Grant Agreements; ensure all branding and marking requirements of MCC-funded assistance are met.
• Maintain complete and accurate Grant files throughout the grant cycle, from planning through implementation, including all documents created by MCA–Zambia II and submitted by Grantees.
• Manage the Grant Closeout Process in coordination with the Director, Procurement and Grants, relevant Sector/Technical Directors, and consultants.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director, Procurement and Grants, consistent with the position.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Public Administration, International Development, Law, Finance, or a related field (required).

Experience

• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in grants management or a similar role, including administration of a grants programme with deep expertise in grant life-cycle administration and compliance.
• Experience in project management, including development of Terms of Reference, management of contractors and/or staff, budget development and management, and identifying and resolving implementation challenges.
• Demonstrated experience implementing grants financed by international organisations such as MCC, World Bank, USAID, or the United Nations.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of grants management principles, MCC Program Grant Guidelines, or comparable donor grant management frameworks.
• Ability to manage and review grant documentation including appraisal reports, budget assessments, capability assessments, and grant agreements.
• Experience with management information systems and grants and programme management platforms.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Competencies

• High standards of integrity, transparency, and professional conduct.
• Strong organisational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Effective interpersonal skills, with ability to work across technical, financial, and operational teams.
• Results-oriented with ability to take initiative and resolve implementation challenges.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant discipline.
• Professional certification in grants or programme management.
• Experience working in a donor-funded, public sector, or similarly regulated environment in sub-Saharan Africa, with Zambia experience an advantage.
• Familiarity with the agriculture, infrastructure, or finance sectors in the context of development programming.
• Proficiency in a local language.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications, including a detailed Curriculum Vitae and cover letter

Closing Date: 26th June 2026

Additional information

MCA-Zambia II is an equal opportunity employer. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.