Grant Management Officer

Reports to: Head of Operations 

Responsible for (personnel): N/A 

Start date: November 2024 or ASAP thereafter 

Based in: London (NW1) / hybrid (Tues and Thurs are in-office days) with occasional opportunities for international travel 

Type of role: Full time, permanent 

Salary: £32,000 per annum plus health insurance 

Application deadline: 23:59 on 17 Nov 2024 

Date of first round interview: TBC 

About DMI 

Development Media International (DMI) delivers media campaigns aimed at changing behaviours, promoting health and saving lives in developing countries. We are the first organisation to scientifically demonstrate that mass media can increase life-saving behaviours (see the results of our RCT that proved our interventions can save thousands of children’s lives, here). 

DMI has two priorities: first, to continue to generate ground-breaking research, second, to take our proven strategies to scale, saving as many lives as possible. We work across a range of health issues, including child survival, sexual and reproductive health, nutrition, hygiene, and early childhood development. DMI works in close partnership with leading experts in health, including WHO, UNICEF and LSHTM and has been funded by some of the world’s most prestigious organisations including the Wellcome Trust, FCDO, The Hilton Foundation, the Global Innovation Fund, Unorthodox Philanthropy, and the Mulago Foundation. 

We are an innovative organisation, working at the nexus between science and creativity. DMI has demonstrated that knowledge is not only a human right but is also the key to saving lives in a cost-effective way. Our intellectual rigour, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn from both our successes and mistakes, makes us distinct. By working at DMI you will have a genuine, measurable impact on improving lives in low-income countries. 

DMI’s HQ is near Kings Cross in London and the organisation has a permanent presence in Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia. It also currently works in Mauritania and Uganda.  

DMI is ranked as one of the most cost-effective non-profit organisations in the world by The Life You Can Save.  

Job description 

Following a restructure, DMI is looking to recruit a Grants Management Officer. This new role will provide a critical link between DMI’s national teams, HQ staff, and donors. It is an ideal role for somebody wanting to work in international development / public health as you will be exposed to a broad range of tasks and will work across all of DMI’s projects. You will also have exposure to DMI’s Africa Leadership Group, a new committee that aims to exploit the knowledge and experience of our national leadership. To succeed, you will need to be well-organised and a highly proficient writer (in English). You will also need to have the confidence and interpersonal skills to liaise independently with senior staff in the UK and in DMI’s national offices. 

More specifically, the Grant Management Officer role will include the following responsibilities: 

1. Under the direction of the Head of Operations, collating, revising, and submitting project reports to donors and other stakeholders. This will require regular collaboration with DMI’s national teams (who will typically draft the reports) and other staff at DMI HQ 

1. Assisting with the effective and efficient implementation of procurement processes across the organisation, ensuring that goods and services are acquired in accordance with DMI’s and donor’s requirements 

1. Assisting national teams, and relevant staff at DMI HQ, in ensuring that project activities are in compliance with donor guidelines, contractual obligations, and any relevant statutory or legal constraints 

1. Ensuring DMI maintains thorough and consistent project documentation 

1. Helping to ensure effective collaboration between departments at HQ to support project execution by DMI’s national teams 

1. More general operational support across DMI, this will include routine tasks such as contributing to policy and process reviews, risk management and security, and asset management, as well as ad hoc tasks as required 

1. Organising and attending in-person convenings of DMI’s Africa Leadership Group, anticipated to take place every 12 months. These are expected to be held outside the UK 

1. Other tasks as required 

Person specification 

Required knowledge, skills and experience  

1. A good degree in a relevant field (international development/relations, public health, social sciences etc), or equivalent professional experience. 

1. Strong interpersonal and, particularly, written communication skills in English, capable of engaging convincingly and professionally with staff at all levels internally as well as with external stakeholders. 

1. Well organised, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, work under pressure, and meet deadlines. 

1. Highly proficient IT skills. Competence in routine office applications is essential, experience with relevant specialist software (project management, GIS etc) an advantage. 

1. Strong problem-solving ability, willing and able to present solutions to operational challenges as well as the challenges themselves. 

1. The ability to understand different cultural contexts, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa. 

1. Permission to live and work in the UK. 

Desirable knowledge, skills and experience  

1. Language skills in Portuguese or French. 

1. Experience of working/volunteering in developing countries, for an NGO, or in international development. 

1. Knowledge and experience working within global health and/or mass media environments. 

DMI is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.  

DMI operates a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and is committed to the protection and safeguarding of vulnerable individuals. Where appropriate, successful candidates will undergo background and reference checks. All DMI employees will be required to self-declare prior issues of sexual or other misconduct, termination of past employment, criminal records, and concerns registered with government authorities regarding contact with children.