Grants & Special Projects Account Manager at Museum of West African Art (MOWAA)

Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) - We are the Museum of West African Art. We are dedicated to the preservation of heritage, the expansion of knowledge and celebration of West African arts and culture. We are a catalyst for deepening connections between contemporary arts and culture and the rich cultural heritage of West Africa, and a centre of excellence creating opportunities for African and Diaspora artists and scholars. To do this, we provide exceptional infrastructure and programmes for the preservation, display, research, learning and exchange in arts and culture from a world-class campus in the heart of the historic district of Benin City, Nigeria.

The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) is an independent non-profit organisation in Nigeria set up to drive research and execute high-value cultural, arts and heritage initiatives in West Africa. Our multi-purpose campus integrates a research centre, conservation labs, exhibition spaces, and artist residencies, serving as a hub for scholarship, collaboration, and public engagement. A critical part of our mission is to conserve and make accessible a collection of antiquities, modern art and contemporary works – connecting West Africa’s ancient heritage to its thriving contemporary arts and culture.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Grants & Special Projects Account Manager

Location: Benin City, Edo
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Overview

• The Grants & Special Projects Account Manager is responsible for the financial administration and reporting of grants and special projects.
• This role involves managing the full grant lifecycle, from pre-award budget development to post-award financial reporting and compliance.
• The Account Manager ensures accurate financial tracking, adherence to funder requirements, and provides insightful financial analysis to support project success. This role often collaborates closely with program staff, development teams, and external funders.

Key Responsibilities
Pre-Award:

• Develop and review grant budgets in collaboration with program staff, ensuring alignment with project objectives and funder guidelines.
• Assist in the preparation of grant proposals and other funding applications, providing financial information and documentation as needed.
• Research and analyze potential funding sources, identifying grant opportunities that align with the organization's mission and strategic goals.

Post-Award:

• Manage the financial administration of existing and newly awarded grants and special projects, ensuring compliance with all funder regulations and internal policies.
• Establish and maintain accurate accounting records for each grant, tracking expenditures, revenues, and budget variances.
• Prepare timely and accurate financial reports for funders, including progress reports, financial statements, and budget vs. actual analyses.
• Monitor grant spending and provide regular updates to program staff and management on the financial status of projects.
• Conduct regular budget vs. actual analysis, identify potential overspending or underspending, and recommend corrective actions.
• Process grant-related invoices, payments, and reimbursements.
• Manage sub-recipient agreements and monitor their financial performance.
• Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping for all grant-related activities.
• Conduct periodic audits of grant files to ensure compliance and accuracy.

Compliance & Reporting:

• Stay up-to-date on all applicable grant regulations and compliance requirements (e.g., federal regulations, foundation guidelines).
• Ensure that all grant-related activities are conducted in accordance with these regulations.
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors as needed.
• Develop and implement internal controls to safeguard grant funds and ensure compliance.

Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, program staff, and other stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively with funders regarding grant financial performance and compliance matters.
• Provide training and support to program staff on grant financial management and compliance requirements.

Special Projects:

• Manage the financial aspects of special projects as assigned, including budget development, tracking, and reporting.
• Collaborate with project managers to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.

Other Duties:

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Accuracy and timeliness of grant financial reports.
• Compliance with funder regulations and internal policies.
• Effectiveness of grant budget management and cost control.
• Quality of communication and relationships with funders and stakeholders.
• Successful completion of special projects within budget and timeline.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Master's degree or ACA preferred.
• 5 years of experience in grant accounting or non-profit financial management.
• Strong understanding of grant accounting principles and funder reporting requirements.
• Proficiency in using accounting software (e.g., Resource Manager, Sage) and Microsoft Excel (advanced level).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Terms and Conditions:

• Reporting Line: Finance Director
• Duty Station: Benin City, Nigeria
• Contract Type: Indefinite, subject to performance
• Compensation & Benefits: Highly Competitive, subject to credentials

Career Growth, Training & Development:

• MOWAA has a strong culture of constant learning and invests in developing people. This post offers exposure and hands-on experience on ways of working global institutions across MOWAA’s wide network of partners and affiliates. By joining our team, you’ll have an opportunity to shape a growing organization, work on ground-breaking initiatives and build a rewarding long-term career.

Application Closing Date
28th February, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and a Cover Letter detailing their experience and suitability for the role to: [email protected] using the job title as the subject of the mail.