Awards Manager – Strategic Grant & Portfolio Leadership

About the role

The Awards Manager provides strategic leadership for award and portfolio management, overseeing development and humanitarian programme awards, sub‑awards, and contracts. Reporting to the Director of Programmes Operations, the role is a key member of the Extended Senior Management Team, influencing strategic decisions, risk management and donor engagement.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Grants Management Process, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and donor requirements.
• Monitor and analyse grant and portfolio performance, advising senior management on trends, risks and necessary adjustments.
• Oversee financial variance analysis and collaborate with finance, supply chain and programme teams to resolve issues.
• Ensure compliance with donor rules through timely, high‑quality reporting and robust internal controls.
• Develop and strengthen internal systems, building capacity of staff and implementing effective compliance mechanisms.
• Coordinate with programmes, MEAL, partnerships, finance, supply chain and donor‑facing teams to manage the full award lifecycle.
• Provide leadership during major humanitarian emergencies, delivering swift award management support.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in grant, award or contract management within development or humanitarian contexts.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and influence senior decision‑makers.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in financial variance analysis and risk assessment.
• Excellent knowledge of donor compliance requirements and reporting standards.
• Experience in capacity building and improving internal systems and processes.

Required skills