Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Closing Date: 6 January 2026
Plan International Kenya is seeking a qualified and experienced Grants Officer to support the implementation of the Safe and Inclusive Cities Phase II (SAIC 2) programme. This role is central to ensuring strong grant management, financial accountability, and effective partnerships with civil society organizations and youth-led groups operating in informal urban settlements.
About Plan International
Founded in 1937, Plan International is a globally respected non-profit organization dedicated to advancing children’s rights and gender equality in both development and humanitarian contexts. Operating in more than 70 countries, the organization addresses the root causes of inequality, poverty, exclusion, and violence affecting children and girls.
Plan International Kenya has been operational since 1982 and works closely with communities and government partners to deliver long-term development programmes across multiple counties, including Nairobi, Kisumu, Turkana, Marsabit, Kilifi, Kwale, and others. Under its current Country Strategy (2021–2026), the organization focuses on ending teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence against girls through integrated programming in health, protection, climate resilience, and youth economic empowerment.
About the SAIC 2 Programme
The Safe and Inclusive Cities Phase II (SAIC 2) programme is a multi-year urban initiative implemented in informal settlements in Nairobi (Kibera, Mathare, Huruma) and Kisumu (Nyalenda, Kondele). The programme aims to strengthen youth civic engagement and urban governance while improving access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, protection from sexual and gender-based violence, and youth economic empowerment.
SAIC 2 works through:
- 11 implementing partners, including technical and youth-led organizations
- Youth Climate Action Accelerator (YCAA) partners, with additional youth groups to be onboarded in 2026
- Youth-led green enterprises promoting climate resilience, accountability, and sustainable livelihoods
Effective grant management and partner capacity strengthening are critical to the programme’s success.
Role Purpose
The Grants Officer will support the effective delivery of SAIC 2 by ensuring that grants to implementing partners and youth-led groups are:
- Disbursed on time
- Properly monitored and fully liquidated
- Compliant with donor requirements and Plan International policies
The role works closely with the Project Manager and Finance teams to strengthen partner financial management, ensure value for money, and mitigate financial and compliance risks.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities
Budget Planning and Management (25%)
- Support budget planning aligned with programme outcomes and donor priorities
- Assist with budget realignment, re-phasing, and grant modifications
- Monitor grant performance and identify financial or compliance risks early
- Maintain accurate grant documentation, version control, and system updates
- Provide costing guidance during proposal development and revisions
Financial Reporting and Review (30%)
- Prepare timely and accurate financial reports for internal and donor use
- Track grant expenditures against approved budgets and burn rates
- Support cost recovery processes, including grant recharges and shared costs
- Identify and resolve variances, underspending, or overspending
- Strengthen partner financial reporting through coaching and feedback
- Support timely liquidation of partner funds and verification of documentation
Partnership Management (30%)
- Participate in partner due diligence, including youth-led partners
- Review partner budgets, reports, and liquidation documents
- Strengthen partner capacity in donor compliance and financial accountability
- Support grant close-out, audits, spot checks, and compliance reviews
- Participate in joint field visits and coordination meetings
- Promote transparent, trust-based partnerships and financial accountability
- Document recurring compliance gaps and propose practical improvements
Gender and Inclusion (5%)
- Apply feminist and value-based leadership principles
- Support gender-responsive budgeting and monitoring
Safeguarding (5%)
- Embed safeguarding, gender equality, and protection policies
- Ensure adherence to Plan International’s Code of Conduct
Other Duties (5%)
- Undertake additional responsibilities within scope as required
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in business, social sciences, or international development
- Minimum of four years’ experience in grants management within an INGO
- CPA II or equivalent professional accounting qualification
- Experience managing donor-funded awards (e.g., USAID, EU, DANIDA, FCDO)
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Proven experience supporting programme teams
Commitment to Safeguarding and Inclusion
Plan International is committed to safeguarding children and young people and maintaining zero tolerance for exploitation, abuse, or harassment. All successful candidates will undergo rigorous pre-employment checks and must comply fully with safeguarding policies.
The organization is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion across all levels of its workforce.
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