Activity Fund Manager

Activity Fund Manager
USAID Vietnam Urban Energy Security (VUES)

Scope of Work

DAI works at the cutting edge of international development, combining technical excellence, professional project management, and exceptional customer service to solve our clients’ most complex problems. Since 1970, DAI has worked in 150 developing and transition countries, providing comprehensive development solutions in areas including crisis mitigation, democratic governance and public sector management, agriculture and agribusiness, private sector development and financial services, economics and trade, water and natural resources management, and energy and climate change. Clients include international development agencies, international lending institutions, private corporations and philanthropies, and host-country governments. More information about DAI can be found on the DAI website (www.dai.com).

Project Background

The Vietnam Urban Energy Security (VUES) is a 4-year, USAID funded activity that addresses the problems of growing energy demand and air pollution from large coal projects and current urban energy practices in Vietnam. The activity supports cities to take advantage of 1) the technological advancements and cost reductions of advanced, distributed energy solutions such as rooftop solar, battery storage, and demand response; 2) cleaner forms of transport; 3) energy efficiency and modern energy technologies for municipal services (such as LED street lighting, super-efficient air conditioners, etc.); and 4) business opportunities for local entrepreneurs  in deploying distributed energy systems and services.

The specific objectives of this activity are to assist Vietnamese cities to:

1. Improve enabling policies, regulations, and city-level plans/programs for the deployment of resilient, distributed energy services;
2. Mobilize public and private sector investment for the deployment of advanced, distributed energy systems;
3. Increase adoption of innovative technologies, practices, business and financing models for advanced, distributed urban energy solutions.

Position Overview

The Activity Fund Manager will oversee programming in selected cities, managing City Coordinators resident in the cities while also directing the use of grants under contract (GUCs) and other activity funding. Given the project’s focus on spurring innovation and catalyzing investment, the Activity Fund Manager will advise on creative uses of grant and contract funding to incentivize new solution development and uptake, and work closely with the COP to use project resources to “crowd in” additional investment into advanced, distributed energy technologies. He or she will work closely with the DCOP and the technical team to maintain consistency in programming across selected cities to the extent needed to achieve USAID’s VUES objectives countrywide and will contribute expertise in energy security and distributed energy deployment. Given the size of the project the Activity Fund Manager is required to manage the project’s portfolio while managing and mentoring local staff.

Responsibilities

• Design grant programming using innovative approaches and appropriate incentives to catalyze development results in line with the projects aims and objectives, working closely with the COP, DCOP and technical teams to align technical design with relevant funding approach and appropriate selection criteria.
• Work closely with technical and communications teams to identify and target appropriate audiences and influencers in order to attract high-quality, relevant applicants and partners
• Assist in the regular updating of the project’s Activity Fund Manual as needed with the COP and DAI HO and ensuring staff are trained on its use.
• Suggest improvements to DAI grants management procedures throughout the project to be more effective and efficient in preventing, detecting, identifying, and correcting noncompliance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Manage activity funding and grants pool of 5 million USD dispersed over 3.5 years that includes the following:
  
  • Issue grants to local organizations that respond to calls for applications. These grants will require 1:1 matching and issued to local NGOs, academic institutions, and/or private for-profit organizations.
  • Use challenges and prize competitions to engage private sector actors with innovative ideas and business models for technologies by funding pilots and proofs of concepts
  • Incentivize change through incentive grants or rebate programs for energy efficiency improvements or fund energy audits
  • Look for opportunities to employ blended finance to crowd-in investment for new energy project development or scaling of promising solutions, such as offering first-loss capital or guarantees to offset investment risks, and/or facilitate investment into promising energy service companies.
  • Ensure all grants and subawards are compliant with USAID rules and regulations and monitor compliance with contract terms and conditions in accordance with the DAI contract and applicable Vietnam law
• Supervise a small team of city-level coordinators and grants coordinators including regular training and mentoring to ensure they are in compliance with the Grants Manual, are effectively and thoroughly using the TAMIS systems for grants and procurement, that they have the quality control tools to do their jobs, and that they are given routine performance feedback.
• Develop and build the capacity of local organizations and grantees to ensure successful implementation and compliance with the grant agreement, as well as to support their sustainable development as an organization.
• Provide procedures and policy training, guidance, and interpretation for program staff as well as grantees, in consultation with the DAI
• Contracts Manager as appropriate.
• Analyze and evaluate grant applications and concept papers and serve as the non-voting Chairperson for more grant application selection committees.
• Develop and maintain grant budget/funds monitoring tools
• Submit progress and status reports as required
• Ensure proper negotiation of the terms and conditions for grant agreements, ensure the proper type of grant selected, and review and select the correct standard provisions.
• Provide guidance in the implementation of the grant activities, including closure and disposition plans
• Troubleshoot grants management challenges with grantees, technical staff, COP, and USAID as requested/as needed.
• Coordinate closely with the Deputy Chief of Party and MEL Manager and his/her technical teams to match appropriate grant funding with technical objectives, targets, and activities. This includes the identification, solicitations and selection process of eligible grantees.
• Travel as needed to project cities

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in donor-funded projects in Vietnam, with experience in management and project staff supervisory positions.
• Experience managing GUCs on a USAID project required
• Familiarity with innovation programming and innovative grant models
• Familiarity with blended finance models, incentive grants, and public private partnerships a plus
• Experience in USAID and U.S. Government procurement policies and procedures
• Familiarity with energy sector related procurements desirable
• An energetic, forward-thinking and creative individual with high ethical standards and appropriate professional image
• An extremely well organized and self-directed individual with sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus
• Fluency in Vietnamese
• Excellent writing, speaking, and reading skills in English; demonstrated report writing skills in English is required.

Level of Effort, Location and Reporting

This is a full-time position.  The employment contract will be on a yearly basis, with possible extensions until the close of the project. The Activity Fund Manager will oversee a small team of city coordinators and grants coordinators. S/he will report to the Chief of Party. The position is based in Hanoi.

Application Instructions

Applicants should apply via Formsite at this link:
https://fs9.formsite.com/daisuppliers/itlfchkr5h/index.html

Select the position in which you are interested in applying for, fill out the required information and upload CV. Only finalist candidates will be contacted.

Only applicants that apply via this link will be reviewed. No phone calls or in-person applications will be accepted. Positions are for Vietnam Nationals only.