Strongim Bisnis is an innovative pro-business program funded by the Australian Government. Strongim Bisnis supports Solomon Islands businesses to increase productivity, access greater income earning opportunities and higher value markets; with the intention of enabling greater resilience and creating jobs. Poverty reduction will be the desired result. Strongim Bisnis also supports the private sector and the Solomon Islands Government to work together effectively to increase opportunities for trade and investment and accelerate business growth. A key focus of the program ensures that Solomon Islands women, youth and people with disability have increased economic opportunities.

The program takes a market systems development (MSD) approach to unlocking opportunities for growth in selected sectors (cocoa, coconut, tourism, timber, horticulture, financial services, and waste management). MSD requires Strongim Bisnis to carefully select partnerships, and design interconnected activities that deliver tangible and measurable results. For each activity it must be possible to track progress from improving the performance of Solomon Islands enterprises, to achieving resilient systemic change in markets, and ultimately increasing income and employment. In this way, Strongim Bisnis avoids ad hoc activities and seeks deep engagement with market actors.

Strongim Bisnis activities may include developing and testing new business models, sharing the risk of new ventures in partnership with private sector actors, facilitating market access, supporting structural changes to the ‘business enabling environment’, product marketing to bring about greater scale, and improving women, youth, and people with disability’s participation in markets and their access and control over productive resources.

Position summary and justification for the role

The Grants and Subcontracts Associate will support the Strongim Bisnis team to implement the Flexible Fund. They will be responsible for ensuring that all grant and subcontract activities are compliant with the Flexible Fund and Adam Smith International procurement policies, and for managing and monitoring all related grants and subcontracts. They will work closely with partners, and internal teams to ensure that funding mechanisms follow the Partnership contract and ASI requirements.

Duties and responsibilities

• Oversee the full cycle of grants and subcontracts, including managing the solicitation process, serving on selection committees, ensuring compliance with donor regulations and procedures, and engaging during the implementation and closeout.
• Support the Partnerships Managers to complete market assessments of proposed budgets, including collecting quotes. Support Partnerships Managers to review documentation submitted for Partner payments, ensuring compliance with the Partnership contract and ASI requirements.
• Plan procurements, support Partners to develop appropriate specifications, evaluate offers, monitor contracts, and handle all post-solicitation activities, including all appropriate documentation.
• Liaise between project staff and grant recipients, providing technical advice and assistance as needed in areas of financial management, procurement requirements, and implementation planning.
• Support Partnerships Managers to negotiate, review and analyse budget estimates for allocability, reasonableness, and consistency.
• Support the development and management of a filing system of all partnership procurements, ensuring that appropriate documentation is included in each file and that tracking of all grants and subcontract agreements is kept up to date.
• Conduct site visits and support audits and evaluations as needed.
• Ensure that Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles are reflected in the design and implementation of grants and subcontracts.
• Other duties related to grants and subcontracts as reasonably requested by the Team Leader, Partnerships Director and/or ASI Program Manager.

Job requirements

Solomon Islanders or third-country residents with work permit should only apply.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• University degree in business administration, management, finance, or related field.
• Minimum two years of relevant experience working with grants and subcontracts, preferably for donor funded projects.
• Excellent administrative, organisational, and multi-tasking skills.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Proven ability to work professionally, constructively, and collaboratively as part of a team, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively.
• Demonstrated capacity to work collegially with partner organisations and staff from a range of backgrounds.
• Excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity.
• Proficient written and oral English required.
• Demonstrated understanding of gender equality, youth empowerment, disability inclusion and safeguarding principles.

The following skills/experience would be an advantage:

• Experience of the private sector in Solomon Islands.
• A Solomon Islands driving license.

How to Apply

Any questions or further clarification should be sent to dina.karic@strongimbisnis.com.sb

Please use the following title: Enquiry Grants and Subcontracts Associate- Adam Smith International

Applications should include a one-page cover letter addressing the required qualifications, experience, and attributes, a CV of no more than four pages and the contact details of three professional referees. This position will be recruited through Adam Smith International (ASI). ASI is committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention, and development of a diverse range of talented people. Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole self to work and recognise that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.