The Country Program Officer (CPO) leads on the grant processes, portfolimanagement, grant performance monitoring, and grant agent relationship. They are responsible for driving pre-grant effectiveness and grant implementation from allocation tclose. They bring knowledge of program design, aid alignment, implementation, and monitoring; experience in helping countries and grant agents with GPE grant processes, rules and guidelines. The CPis skilled at resolving obstacles tkeep review processes—and proactive in taking measures tkeep grant implementation—on track.
Duties And Accountabilities
Focal point for countries on GPE grant application, implementation phases and timelines.
Relationship coordinator for Grant Agents in country.
Coordinates all Secretariat review processes, facilitating communications between contributors, defining timelines, tracking and reporting, and ensuring high quality of Board decision documents.
Leads all compliance (PDG; EOI for Multiplier; Extensions) and hybrid (SCG; final Compact; QAR3 for STG, Multiplier and GEA; Restructurings) reviews, including drafting and preparing documents for review and submitting CEO/Board packages for approval.
Leads on grant implementation phase from start tclose. This includes:
Grant performance monitoring: regular portfolireviews with grant agents, monitoring missions, regular drafting of Monitoring Updates in relevant GPExchange module (including Secretariat rating of grants).
Grant reporting: advising grant agents on progress and completion reporting requirements, ensuring reporting accountability of grant agent is adhered to; ensuring audit and PSEAH reports received and shared with Risk and Compliance Team.
Provides continuing support tcountry on questions and issues related tgrant processes, including grant agent selection.
Leads grant restructurings and consults CEL when significant program redesign is required.
Works closely with the Aid Alignment specialist and CEL on aid alignment and financing modalities for GPE funding.
Selection Criteria
Education
Master's/Bachelor's degree in economics, international development or a relevant related field.
Experience
Minimum 5 years' experience (with Master's degree) OR minimum 7 years' experience (with Bachelor's degree) in education sector, program management and/or grant monitoring with a similar organization, such as a development agency (desirable).