Epicentre is an organisation created by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in 1986. We conduct field epidemiology, training, and research activities for MSF interventions. Our activities for populations in precarious situations are led from Uganda, Niger, and France, and through the programs of MSF and others. They mainly concern infectious diseases and undernutrition.

Background

Epicentre’s research portfolio has recently been increasing. The diverse nature of studies including their design, subject, location and sponsor, has led to the need for centralized and dedicated grant administrator. This position aims to improve our capacity to match the demand from MSF and other funders.

Under the responsibility of the director of research, integrated in the Research Department, the grant administrator’s main tasks will be:

Main Activities

1.           Guides and facilitates staff in the development and preparation of concept notes and research proposals, contracts, sub-contracts, and agreements, to include budgets, documentation, and interpretation of funding requirements.

2. Ensures proper and accurate reporting to funding agencies, within deadlines.

3.           Analyzes and evaluates contract and grant budgets for correct calculation of expenditure categories such as salaries, percent of effort, salary adjustment increases, fringe benefits, indirect costs, materials, and equipment.

4.           Serves as a negotiator and liaison between the Epicentre, funding agencies, and contract entities, drafts, and reviews formal responses to requests for proposals and other funding requests, quotations, contracts, and agreements.

5.           Assists in the formulation of processes and procedures for negotiation of contract and grant pre-awards and post-awards to meet Epicentre’s requirements

6.           Coordinates receipt of funds and awards; maintains funding records in Epicentre’s database system, and prepares scheduled and special reports, studies and analyses.

7.           Participates and/or assists in special projects, and performs associated administrative duties, as assigned.

8.           Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

✓University degree 

✓5 years of related work experience in grant administration

✓ Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects

✓ Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

✓ Strong and established English language writing and communication skills. French language ability mandatory.

✓ Ability to prepare research reporting documents and proposals

✓ Ability to analyze budgetary line items for compliance with budget guidelines

✓ Knowledge on the context of regions where Epicentre is working

✓ Records maintenance skills

✓ Database management skills

✓ Proposal and grant writing skills

✓ Ability to work independently to achieve objectives, as well as to work in teams

✓ Flexible working hours.

Conditions

- Position based in Epicentre, Paris

- Short-term Contract: 12 months

- Starting date: as soon as possible

- Remuneration: Epicentre salary grid; 22 extra days off, health insurance, reimbursement 50 % of public transport title, meal voucher.