Grants and Project Manager at Allan Gray Orbis Foundation

Objectives of Role

Grand and Project Management (Primary)

• Lead and manage the entire grant life cycle for funds awarded to third parties, from request for proposal to grant closure, including drafting grant, consultancy and service level agreements, preparing payments, tracking milestones, analyzing grantee reporting, and developing and maintaining grantee/ service provider relationships.
• Conduct thorough due diligence including critical analysis of proposals, budgets, work-plans, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, organizational strengths and weaknesses, risk factors, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop, consolidate and analyse project budgets as required.
• Monitor programmatic effectiveness and grantee’s financial management of grant funds through review of periodic reports and grantee site visits.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Report and escalate issues to management as needed
• Prepare and submit high quality donor reports on behalf of BCL
• Develop strong, professional relationships and partnerships with key external and internal stakeholders including grantees and other funding entities
• Contribute towards developing systems, processes, and frameworks for seamless grant management of the BCL portfolio (funds received and funds disbursed)
• Provide input and data to contribute to the preparation of reports, organizational learning, and other communication materials.

Event Coordination (Secondary):

• Assist with planning, organizing, and executing events, conferences, seminars, workshops, and other company gatherings.
• Coordinate event logistics, including venue selection, audiovisual equipment setup, catering, transportation, and accommodation for attendees and speakers.
• Develop event timelines and work closely with internal teams and external vendors to ensure all aspects of events run smoothly.
• Oversee event registration and handle participant inquiries before and during events.

Experience and Qualifications

Qualification:

• Honours degree or equivalent in Project Management, Business Administration, Public Policy, Education, or a related field.

Experience:

• At least four years of experience in philanthropic grant-making, preferably in the education and employment sectors.
• Experience developing and managing high-value multi-stakeholder grant investments focusing on systemic change.
• Strong project management skills with a track record of managing projects from inception to completion.
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical ability with excellent attention to detail.
• Proficient in project management and office software (MS Office).
• Experience using grant management systems.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities effectively.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with internal teams, vendors, and external stakeholders.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
• A passion for improving education outcomes for all South Africa’s children is a distinct advantage