Grants Officer - Institutional Support & Human Rights Defenders (HRD) Capacity Building (80-100%)

ABOUT THE OMCT

The OMCT works with around 200 member organisations which constitute its SOS-Torture Network, to end torture, fight impunity and protect human rights defenders worldwide. Together, we make up the largest global group actively standing up to torture in more than 75 countries. Helping local voices be heard, we support our vital partners in the field and provide direct assistance to victims. Our international secretariat is based in Geneva, with offices in Brussels and Tunis.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary responsibility of this position is to coordinate and implement OMCT’s protection & support to HRDs and beneficiaries through institutional grants (in the framework of several EU funded projects), and to act as focal point for capacity building for HRD in the framework of Protectdefenders.eu. For this, the Institutional Support and HRD Capacity Building Officer works closely with the Protection Officer in charge of emergency assistance and under the supervision of the Subgrants and Operations Manager. He/she also works in close coordination with the OMCT Human Rights Defenders, Anti-torture, Network and Regional teams.

Key responsibilities of the position include:

Sub-Grant Management

• To manage financial support packages (sub-grants) to local civil society organisations worldwide, including screening grants applications, assessing their eligibility, relevance and efficiency, assessing the needs of partner organizations, and coordinating the approval and delivery of grants.
• To prepare all necessary project documents, including contracts, to oversee all proposed subgrant project budgets, with the support of the Finance Team, project amendments and extensions, and to ensure partners implement proper spending and accounting practices.
• To accompany partner organisations in the delivery of the sub-grants including regular follow up of activities in coordination with regional/thematic teams
• To assist them in the submission of satisfactory financial and narrative reports and qualitative information in line with project objectives, contracts and donor requirements.

Accompaniment of grantees and beneficiaries

• Liaising with OMCT teams to ensure best collaboration with beneficiaries, including collaborating and supporting partners on advocating mission in Brussels.
• Act as focal point for capacity building activities for HRDs in the framework of ProtectDefenders.eu in close coordination with the network and regional programs, including:
  • Supporting initiatives to ensure HRD can develop protection strategies, improve their security, and medium to long term sustainability.
  • Identify grantees and beneficiaries needs to build tailored curriculum and capacity building activities.
  • Facilitate the exchange of best practices and knowledge for HRDs protection and share good practice and build solidarity among beneficiaries.

Fundraising, administration and reporting

• To support Directors of Programmes and Regions in compiling and drafting the narrative reporting towards the donors of the project, primarily on the subgrants component, including against the project’s indicators.
• To assist in tasks required for project audits and respond to external auditors regarding transaction details.

• Participate in the development of fundraising proposals encompassing an institutional subgrant component.

• Ensure all tasks related to admin, financial and filing (internal and external files and database).

Budget & Project Responsibility

• Budget implementer of sub-granting budget lines for institutional support to partners in broader projects.
• Budget implementer of the training/capacity building budget line.

QUALIFICATIONS EXPECTED (education and/ work experience)

• University degree in project management, business administration, international law, human rights law or other relevant fields.
• At least 3 years of project management, grant and financial management and reporting experience.
• Experience supporting and working with local organisations, human rights defenders and of implementing trainings/capacity building activities would constitute an added value.
• Strong understanding of project and financial management (knowledge of accounting and auditing principles or previous experience in managing grants financed by the European Commission and other governmental donors is a definite plus).
• Fluency in English and Spanish are required for this post. French is a strong plus.
• Excellent command of excel or database systems is an advantage.

OTHER COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• High ethical standards and a proven commitment to the fundamental principles of human rights, the rule of law and the causes of social justice
• Articulate, creative, passionate, dynamic, solution-oriented and flexible.
• Personal and professional integrity, self-motivation and proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated willingness to work as part of a team and to provide help, assistance and support to colleagues.
• Strong ability to complete several projects simultaneously and to manage multiple deadlines.
• Organisation and prioritisation: Strong organisational, prioritisation and time management skills, enabling effective and efficient working.
• Ability to adapt to multidisciplinary work in the environment of a multicultural team and to engage with partners in different countries and working in difficult security environments.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, positive attitude, strong rigor and attention to detail, autonomy and initiative spirit and curiosity and spirit of innovation.

WHAT WE OFFER

OMCT is an equal opportunities employer.

The OMCT offers competitive salaries for Human Rights NGOs in Brussels with a minimum of 20 days holidays from the first year of employment, usual social benefits including meal vouchers, and the possibility for part-time working from home. Employed at 100%, employees may profit from the flexible working hours regime according to Belgium labour legislation.

The OMCT will also provide a thorough onboarding process, including an introductory period of time spent in the office in Geneva to be able to get familiarized with OMCT tools, process, projects, etc.

APPLICATIONS

Applications comprising a cover letter and a CV with at least two references should be addressed to OMCT International Secretariat with the subject “Grants Officer - Institutional Support & HRD Capacity Building”, by email to applications@omct.org.

Starting date: as soon as possible

Deadline for the applications: applications must be received by 14 April 2024.