Grants Officer, Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Grants Officer, Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
Grade Level: Level 4 - FLSA Exempt
Reports to: Senior Manager, Grants | Middle East and North Africa

About NED

The National Endowment for Democracy supports freedom around the world.

At NED, we deliver on the belief that freedom is a universal aspiration. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NED is a private, nonprofit foundation, mandated by Congress, dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions worldwide.

NED reflects an enduring American commitment to stand with those striving for dignity, justice, and opportunity. In 2025, NED made 1,552 grants totaling $271 million to support the work of nongovernmental organizations advancing democratic goals in more than 90 countries, including some of the world’s most challenging and repressive environments.

We seek talented, entrepreneurial professionals motivated by purpose and committed to excellence. At NED, you will join a dynamic team of experts who bring their skills, curiosity, and judgment to a consequential mission at a critical moment for democracy around the world. Our work is guided by our shared values: excellence, respect, empathy, accountability, and adaptability.

Position Summary

The Grants Officer manages an assigned portfolio of grants within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and serves as a primary resource for grantees throughout the grant lifecycle. The position combines relationship management, grants administration, and financial oversight to support effective project implementation, responsible stewardship of grant funds, and compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.

Working collaboratively across departments, the Grants Officer guides grantees through due diligence, award administration, reporting, and closeout processes while fostering a responsive and grantee-centered grantmaking experience. The role contributes to the integrity, effectiveness, and impact of the organization's grantmaking programs.

This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC, and is part of the bargaining unit.

Primary Responsibilities

Grant Portfolio Management & Grantee Support

• Manage an assigned portfolio of grants throughout the full grant lifecycle, from due diligence and award processing through reporting and closeout.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for grantees, providing guidance on grant requirements, policies, procedures, and reporting expectations.
• Foster collaborative and respectful relationships with grantees, promoting a responsive grantee-centered approach to grantmaking.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to manage shifting portfolio assignments and respond effectively to evolving programmatic and grant needs.
• Coordinate grant modifications, amendments, and other administrative actions in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate grant records and documentation to support effective portfolio management, decision-making, and institutional accountability.

Financial Stewardship, Compliance & Risk Management

• Review grant budgets, financial reports, and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy, allowability, and compliance with grant terms and organizational requirements.
• Conduct due diligence and risk assessments of prospective and existing grantees to support responsible stewardship of grant funds and informed funding decisions.
• Monitor grant expenditures and financial performance throughout the grant lifecycle, identifying issues and recommending appropriate solutions or mitigation measures.
• Collaborate with Finance and other internal stakeholders to facilitate grant payments and support effective financial oversight.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, grant requirements, and applicable regulations while balancing accountability with a commitment to minimizing unnecessary administrative burden.
• Handle sensitive financial, organizational, and grantee information with discretion and confidentiality.

Collaboration and Coordination

• Partner with program, finance, and grant operations colleagues to support coordinated grant administration, resolve issues, and strengthen grantmaking effectiveness.
• Prepare, review, and maintain grant-related reports, correspondence, and records to facilitate communication, support cross-functional collaboration, and help colleagues effectively advance grantmaking objectives.
• Contribute to department- and organization-wide initiatives that promote collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement in grant administration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (international studies, relevant area studies, nonprofit administration, etc.).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in grants and/or contract administration in a nonprofit organization or foundation.
• Professional proficiency in written and spoken Arabic required; French and/or other language in addition to Arabic desired.
• Familiarity with Federal grant regulations and international activities/issues relevant to NED’s operational environment, including experience with or an interest in the MENA region.
• Demonstrated commitment to grantee-centered grantmaking, with the ability to build strong relationships, engage diverse stakeholders, and apply compliance requirements in a respectful and proportionate manner that supports grantee success.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to interact with all levels of staff in a fast-paced and diverse, multi-cultural office environment.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain focus on tasks with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Teams, Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of grants management software/database helpful.
• Ability to work with discretion.
• Ability to travel internationally on an occasional basis.
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• Alignment with NED’s Core Values, cited above.

Talent in Action

Consistent with NED’s talent statement, and grounded in our values, the successful individual in this role will demonstrate the following competencies in the delivery of their work while supporting NED’s efforts to advance democratic change:

• Purpose-Driven
• Reliable
• Expertise
• Respectful Collaboration
• Curiosity
• Results-Oriented
• An Optimistic Mindset

NED Total Compensation

The anticipated compensation range for this position is $51,750 to $80,250 annually.

The salary for this position is determined based on a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to an individual’s professional experience, qualifications, education, and other business needs along with internal equity considerations. Employees are not typically hired at the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are based on the aforementioned circumstances.

NED also offers a generous benefits package that demonstrates its commitment to employee health and well-being.