Grants Associate

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Grants Associate based in South Africa. As a Grants Associate, you will play a key role in ensuring that funding reaches impactful projects, individuals, and organizations efficiently and responsibly. You will support the end-to-end grantmaking process, from application processing and due diligence to compliance monitoring and reporting. Working closely with grant evaluators and recipients, you will help maintain accurate records, resolve issues, and deliver a smooth experience for all stakeholders. You will also contribute to improving grant administration systems and processes as the organization expands its funding activities. This is an opportunity to combine operational excellence, analytical thinking, and a service-oriented mindset to support initiatives addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges. Your work will help ensure that substantial funding is allocated effectively and reaches the projects where it can make the greatest difference.

Process and administer grants through a grants management system, ensuring applications and funding rounds progress efficiently and accurately. Serve as a primary point of contact for grant recipients, responding to inquiries, resolving administrative issues, and providing a positive and supportive experience throughout the grant lifecycle. Conduct due diligence on grant recipients to verify compliance with applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and internal grantmaking policies. Review grantee reports to ensure they meet relevant legal, reporting, and organizational requirements. Maintain complete, accurate, and up-to-date grant records, ensuring data integrity and reliable documentation across all funding activities. Coordinate monitoring and reporting activities to track grant progress, assess outcomes, and support informed decision-making. Collaborate with grant evaluators and other internal stakeholders to streamline workflows, strengthen administrative processes, and improve the overall effectiveness of grantmaking operations. Identify opportunities to refine and scale systems and procedures as grantmaking activities grow. Requirements: Strong attention to detail, with the ability to manage complex processes accurately and recognize errors that could have financial or compliance implications. Excellent organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to track multiple grants simultaneously, prioritize competing deadlines, and maintain efficient turnaround times without compromising compliance. Clear, professional, and friendly communication skills, with a customer-service-oriented approach to supporting grant recipients and collaborating with internal stakeholders. A proactive and dependable attitude, with a willingness to learn new systems, follow established procedures, and manage routine administrative tasks consistently. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work carefully through detailed processes while identifying opportunities for improvement. Genuine interest in mission-driven work and a commitment to supporting initiatives that address significant global challenges. Willingness to commit to the role for at least two years and develop a thorough understanding of grantmaking systems and procedures. Previous experience in operations, administration, or related roles is helpful but not essential. Entry-level candidates who demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a capacity to learn quickly are encouraged to apply. Experience with grant administration and familiarity with Salesforce or similar grant management systems are advantageous but not required. Ability to work effectively in a fully remote environment, preferably with availability overlapping US Pacific Time and Central European Time. Willingness to travel approximately two to three times per year, including internationally for team retreats. Benefits: Competitive compensation: For US-based employees, the annual base salary is $65,000–$85,000, plus an unconditional employer contribution of 10% to a 401(k) retirement plan. Compensation for employees in other locations is adjusted according to local employment costs, fixed exchange rates, and local benefit expenses. Remote-first flexibility: A fully remote, full-time position with flexible working hours. Healthcare coverage: Private health insurance, with benefits structured according to location. Professional development: An annual allowance of $6,000 to support learning, training, and career development. Mental health support: An annual allowance of $6,000 for mental health and well-being. Paid time off: 25 days of paid vacation. Family support: Extended parental leave. Workplace well-being: Ergonomic equipment to support a comfortable and productive home-working environment. Team connection: Approximately two to three work-related trips annually, including opportunities to participate in international team retreats. Meaningful impact: The opportunity to help direct significant funding toward high-impact initiatives and contribute to work addressing some of the world's most important problems. Inclusive workplace: A commitment to equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion, with applications welcomed from candidates with varied backgrounds and experiences.