Grants Assistant / Officer

Employment Opportunity

Internal/External Posting

Position Title: Grants Assistant / Officer

Position Location: Accra

Reports To: Senior Grants and Compliance Officer

Contract Term: 2 years

Salary Level: SUP5/PRO1 (Salary level will be determined based experience)

Languages Required: English

APPLICATION DEADLINE:1st June 2026

EXPECTED START DATE: 1st July 2026

Are you a grants expert? WUSC is currently looking for a Grants Assistant / Officer to aid in grant and administration support.

BACKGROUND

WUSC is a Canadian global development organization working to catalyze positive education and economic outcomes for young people. We bring together and collaborate with a diverse network of partners (including students, volunteers, schools, governments, not-for-profits, and businesses) who share this mission. Together, we influence systems change, and foster inclusive, youth-centered solutions that enable young people to thrive and belong. We work with all young people, with a focus on women and displaced populations. WUSC currently operates in 28 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as in Canada, with an annual budget of approximately CAD $65 million. Our global team includes over 100 staff in Canada and more than 250 staff internationally, implementing a diverse portfolio of development projects in collaboration with numerous multilateral and bilateral donors, and philanthropic foundations.

The Accelerating Change Through InnoVation in Agricultural TVET (ACTIVATE) project is a 5-year collaborative initiative that will contribute to a stronger, gender-responsive, socially inclusive and market-driven Agriculture Technical, Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) System that facilitates sustainable employment pathways, well-being and resilience of young women and men in Ghana. ACTIVATE will blend education and high quality, market relevant skills training in specific agriculture value chains and support growth of agripreneurship.

The project will reduce gender specific barriers, elevate the voice and aspirations of youth and integrate a strong inclusivity lens, with respect to gender and disability while building collaboration and linkages among key stakeholders such as public and private actors, academia, and agriculture value chain actors to create decent work for young people.

ACTIVATE will respond to key challenges facing the agriculture and adjacent sectors including insufficient management capacity of ATVET sector facilitation bodies, non-alignment of new TVET policies and reforms across sector ministries, low quality of ATVET instruction, curriculum and equipment, lack of ATVET engagement with industry, poor business skills among others

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Senior Grants and Compliance Officer, the Grants Assistant/Officer will be responsible for support the effective administration and monitoring of grants under the ACTIVATE project, a flagship initiative funded by the Mastercard Foundation. This role provides operational and technical support to the Grants and Compliance Officer, ensuring that grant disbursements, compliance, and reporting processes are implemented efficiently and in alignment with donor requirements. The Grants Assistant/Officer will also facilitate data entry, documentation, and logistical coordination for grant-related activities, contributing to the success of this large-scale project.

1. Grant Administration and Support

• Assist in the preparation and dissemination of calls for proposals, ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Support the Grants and Compliance Officer in reviewing grant applications and verifying compliance with eligibility criteria.
• Maintain accurate records of grant agreements, budgets, and correspondence.
• Facilitate the timely processing and disbursement of grants as per approved timelines.
• Provide logistical support for the preparation of grant contracts, amendments, and close-out documentation.

1. Capacity Development and Grantee Support

• Assist in organizing and coordinating training sessions for grantees on financial management, compliance, and reporting requirements.
• Serve as a point of contact for grantees, providing initial guidance on grant-related queries and escalating complex issues to the Grants and Compliance Officer.
• Facilitate communication between grantees and the project team, ensuring timely resolution of concerns.

1. Monitoring and Reporting

• Collect and compile data on grant milestones and deliverables for internal monitoring purposes.
• Assist in conducting site visits to verify grantee activities, documenting findings for review by the Grants and Compliance Officer.
• Support the preparation of regular progress reports and dashboards on grant performance.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date files for all grant-related activities, ensuring they are ready for internal and external audits.
• Track deliverables and invoices, providing reminders and follow ups on due dates and ensuring reconciliation

1. Compliance and Risk Management

• Assist in ensuring grantees adhere to donor regulations and project policies, including financial, gender equity, and environmental compliance requirements.
• Flag potential risks or discrepancies in grant implementation and escalate them to the Grants and Compliance Officer.
• Support audit activities by organizing required documentation and providing logistical support for audit teams.
• Update risk register.

1. General Support

• Facilitate the documentation of lessons learned, success stories, and best practices in grant management.
• Collaborate with the project team to align grant activities with broader project objectives.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Grants and Compliance Officer or Finance Manager.
• Data entry into grant management system

Work environment

• Promote and maintain an organizational culture that advances gender equality, reduces power abuse and inequalities, and fosters trust, respect and safety.
• Create a working environment is free from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH)
• Ensure high standards of prevention and response measures for SEAH are in place consistent with the WUSC's safeguarding policies and WUSC's Code of Conduct.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business Administration, Project Management, Development Studies, or related field

Experience & Competencies

• At least 2 to 3 years of experience in grant management, financial administration, etc in donor-funded projects.
• Familiarity with donor regulations (e.g., Mastercard Foundation, Global Affairs Canada, DFID).
• Experience in agriculture, youth empowerment, or entrepreneurship projects is an asset.
• Proven skills in project management, documentation, monitoring and evaluation and budget management.
• Experience using SAGE 50 accounting software would be an asset.
• Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Curious, enthusiastic and willing to innovate and adapt.

Other Requirement

• Willingness to travel to project sites as required.
• Commitment to the goals of the ACTIVATE project, including youth empowerment, sustainability, and inclusivity.

Languages

• Complete fluency in English is required.

WHY WORK WITH WUSC?

Join Us. Our work is important, cutting-edge, and rewarding. We encourage curiosity, innovation, and flexibility.

WUSC offers a dynamic international work environment with a diverse intercultural workforce. We offer employees exciting opportunities to apply their skills and gain experience all while making a difference in the lives of youth around the world. Employees at WUSC work hard to create lasting change in education, economic opportunities and empowerment.

WUSC’s office in Ghana is located in Accra. Here’s some of what you can expect working with us:

• 37-hour workweek, some ability to work flexible hours
• 20 days annual leave
• Health Insurance cover
• Free access to an e-learning platform with 350+ courses on various topics
• Get to know and exchange with people from all over the world
• Being part of a friendly, caring and enthusiastic team!

APPLICATIONS

WUSC’s activities seek to balance inequities and create sustainable development around the globe; the work ethic of our staff, volunteers, representatives and partners shall correspond to the values and mission of the organization. WUSC promotes responsibility, respect, honesty, and professional excellence and we will not tolerate harassment, coercion, sexual exploitation or abuse of any form.

Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may e-mail a request to hr-rh@wusc.ca.

WUSC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please note that only the candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.