Grants Manager
Position:
Organization: The Lutheran world federation department of world service
Not Specified
About the Lutheran World Federation (LWF)
We are a global communion of churches in the Lutheran tradition, living and working together for a just, peaceful, and reconciled world. LWF World Service is the humanitarian and development arm of the Lutheran World Federation. We are a widely recognized, international, faith-based organization working in over 20 countries. Our aim is to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds in a shared pursuit of justice, peace, and reconciliation, especially in our increasingly complex and divided world.
Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Ethiopia
LWF World Service Ethiopia, a registered foreign charity, has been implementing various development and humanitarian projects across Ethiopia since 1973. LWF World Service Ethiopia works closely with the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY), the Ethiopian Government, UN organizations and other funding partners. Its thematic areas include the promotion of food security and sustainable livelihood, sustainable natural resources management, emergency preparedness, response and rehabilitation, and capacity building.
A commitment to the human rights of every individual, regardless of their status, guides our work, actions, and operations. We are particularly known for our timely, compassionate, and professional humanitarian work, and our field presence in hard-to-reach areas. Our work is people-centred and community-based. Above all, we work with the most vulnerable, and to claim and uphold their rights, we actively collaborate with local government and community structures.
LWF Safeguarding Commitment
LWF World Service is committed to creating and maintaining a safe organization where people we come in contact with are protected from harm and abuse. Harm and abuse may include, but are not limited to, physical, psychological, and sexual violence and abuse, financial and material abuse, all forms of modern slavery, and all forms of maltreatment and exploitation.
Job Purpose
The Grant Manager leads the planning, acquisition, coordination, and management of grants to ensure compliance with donor regulations, efficient resource utilization, and achievement of program objectives. The role strengthens grant management systems, supports proposal development, and ensures timely and accurate reporting to donors and stakeholders.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties and Responsibilities of the Position Holder
The Grants Manager will be responsible for leading and coordinating all aspects of grant acquisition, management, compliance, and reporting to ensure effective and accountable implementation of projects.
1. Grant Acquisition and Proposal Development
Lead the overall grants management function of the organization.
Identify, track, and disseminate information on funding opportunities and calls for proposals.
Lead the development and submission of high-quality, compliant concept notes and proposals aligned with organizational strategy and donor priorities, in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures.
Coordinate closely with Program, Finance, Human Resource and Procurement & Logistics teams to ensure clear timelines, roles, and responsibilities throughout the proposal development process.
Organize and facilitate proposal development processes, including field visits, stakeholder consultations, and internal workshops to ensure strong design (logframe, work plan, and budget)
Develop and maintain reporting calendar and proposal tracker updating regularly
2. Grant Management and Compliance
Lead project kick-off for grants in portfolio, including planning and facilitating startup calls/meetings with program and finance staff and reviewing project timeline, deliverables, and donor requirements in detail;
Ensure effective management of the grants portfolio, maintaining overall grant health and performance.
Monitor grant implementation in collaboration with program, compliance and finance teams to ensure compliance with donor regulations and internal policies.
Provide technical guidance and support to program staff on donor compliance requirements, including procurement, reporting, and documentation.
Identify implementation challenges and proactively support teams in problem-solving, escalating critical issues to the supervisor when necessary.
Whenever relevant, attend Donors’ meetings/visits, record and disseminate the information shared;
Lead project start-up processes, including organizing and facilitating kick-off meetings, and ensuring clarity on deliverables, timelines, and donor expectations.
3. Donor Communication and Reporting
Maintain strong and professional relationships with donors, ensuring timely and effective communication.in adherence to the LWF’s communication protocol
Coordinate responses to donor queries, requests, and amendments, ensuring appropriate follow-up and action.
Oversee the preparation and timely submission of high-quality narrative and financial reports in collaboration with relevant teams including program and finance.
Participate in donor meetings and visits, and ensure key information is documented and shared internally.
Work closely with the GFT under the LWF HQ in Geneva
4. Grant Closeout and Documentation
Ensure timely and compliant closeout of grants, including submission of all required narrative and financial reports and any asset disposition or final documentation.
Maintain accurate and complete grant files and documentation in line with donor and organizational requirements.
5. Knowledge Management and Systems Strengthening
Maintain and strengthen knowledge management systems related to resource mobilization and grant management, including proposal libraries and lessons learned.
Ensure all relevant grant and project documents such as donor agreements, government agreements, proposals, concept notes, budgets, reports, etc. are properly uploaded and maintained in the organizational systems, SharePoint and ActivityInfo, in line with donor and internal requirements.
Collect and document photos and stories
6. Capacity Building and Internal Coordination
Provide ongoing support and capacity building to LWF program and project staff in grant management, compliance, and reporting.
Support project teams in identifying and addressing implementation challenges.
Provide regular updates and analysis on the status of grants to the Program Coordinator and senior management.
Facilitate coordination across departments to ensure integrated and efficient grant implementation.
Coordination and Accountability
Actively engage in humanitarian coordination mechanisms including relevant clusters and task forces as assigned by the program coordinator;
Contribute in building effective networking / collaboration relations, communication and partnerships with implementing partners, communities, NGOs and local and State level Government stakeholders and protect LWF’s integrity and accountability;
Follow up to ensure that projects are implemented according to core humanitarian standards;
Finance and Admin
Monitors closely project expenditures against the approved budgets and terms and conditions of grant agreements;
Together with program and finance teams, ensure maintaining/filing of beneficiary and distribution lists
Other
Carries out any other duties as assigned by the LWF Program Coordinator and Resident Representative.
Job Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Required Educational Requirements
Master’s Degree: Minimum requirement is a master's degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Economics, Management, or a related field.
Professional Experience Requirements
Years of Experience: 5-8 years of progressive experience in grant management with a minimum of 2 years in a management position.
NGO/Donor Knowledge: Proven experience working within an international NGO is required, along with familiarity with donor regulations (Global Affairs Canada, ECHO, EU, EHF, different foundations, etc.)
Key Skills and Competencies
Coordination & Leadership: Ability to manage partnerships, stakeholders, and team members to meet deadlines and project objectives.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills (including report writing) in English
IT Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in MS Office (specifically Excel for data management) and project management tools (e.g., Activity Info, Kobo Toolbox).
Strategic Planning: Ability to create detailed implementation plans and logical frameworks.
Adaptability: Resilience and capability to work in fast-paced or challenging, insecure, and volatile environments.
Common Responsibilities
Implementation: Overseeing the day-to-day operations of grants and ensuring compliance with LWF Ethiopia policies and donor requirements.
Monitoring & Evaluation (MEAL): Evidence-based tracking implementation progress through data analysis, joint review, field visits, and reporting.
Partnership Management: Coordinating with local partners, government authorities, and community leaders.
Resource Mobilization: Lead proposal writing and fundraising efforts
Personal Attributes
Highly organized with keen attention to details
Resilient and able to work under pressure.
Passionate about the organization's mission and committed to accountability, gender equality, and safeguarding.
How To Apply
Interested candidates who meet the above requirement can send ONLY detailed C.V and application letter through ethiojobs.
Women are highly encouraged to apply and only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
Deadline: May 17, 2026, 12:00 AM
Location: , Addis Ababa
Amount: 1
