About The Event
Location: Best Western Meridian Nairobi
This 4-day workshop is designed to equip professionals managing USAID and FCDO-funded projects with essential skills in financial management, grant administration, and auditing compliance. Participants will learn how to navigate complex funding requirements, maintain financial accuracy, meet donor expectations, and conduct internal audits. The course will combine theoretical knowledge with practical case studies, exercises, and hands-on simulations.
Target Audience:
Finance and Grants Managers
Project Managers
Compliance Officers
Auditors
Accountants
Nonprofit and NGO staff managing donor-funded projects
Learning Objectives:
Master the financial and grant management guidelines for USAID and FCDO projects.
Ensure compliance with donor regulations and manage audits effectively.
Understand cost principles, budgeting, and financial reporting for donor-funded projects.
Build skills in risk management and monitoring.
Conduct internal audits to ensure financial transparency and accountability.
Course Structure:
Introduction to USAID and FCDO Funding Mechanisms
Session 1: Overview of USAID and FCDO Grants and Cooperative Agreements
Funding structures and types of agreements.
Key differences between USAID and FCDO funding.
Eligibility criteria and pre-award requirements.
Session 2: Key Financial and Administrative Requirements
Financial principles and practices.
Introduction to donor regulations (USAID 2 CFR 200, FCDO requirements).
Best practices for donor communication and financial reporting.
Session 3: Case Studies
Real-life examples of grant implementation challenges and solutions.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will gain a foundational understanding of USAID and FCDO funding mechanisms and the essential financial management skills to ensure compliance with both donors.
Financial Management and Compliance
Session 1: Financial Planning and Budgeting for USAID and FCDO Projects
Developing compliant project budgets.
Aligning project costs with donor expectations.
Managing budget modifications and approvals.
Session 2: Cost Principles and Allowable Costs
Direct and indirect costs.
Cost sharing and in-kind contributions.
USAID and FCDO cost principles and cost classifications.
Session 3: Practical Exercise
Group work on building a compliant project budget.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will learn how to create, manage, and adjust budgets for donor-funded projects, ensuring all costs are allowable and well-documented.
Grants Management and Subawards
Session 1: Managing Subawards and Partners
Key principles in managing subrecipients and contracts.
Monitoring subrecipient performance and financial reporting.
Subaward agreements and due diligence.
Session 2: Grants Management Systems and Tools
Setting up grant management tools for tracking and reporting.
Ensuring efficient cash management and timely disbursements.
Session 3: Case Study: Managing Grants and Subawards
Real-world scenarios for handling subrecipient noncompliance or disputes.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will acquire skills in managing subawards, ensuring compliance across multiple partners, and utilizing grants management systems effectively.
Auditing and Compliance for USAID and FCDO Projects
Session 1: Preparing for External and Internal Audits
Audit preparation and key documentation.
Responding to audit queries.
Maintaining an audit trail for financial records.
Session 2: USAID and FCDO Audit Guidelines
Detailed audit guidelines for USAID (2 CFR 200 Subpart F) and FCDO audits.
Common audit findings and how to avoid them.
Session 3: Internal Audits and Risk Management
Conducting internal audits for financial and operational efficiency.
Identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
Session 4: Case Study: Audit Readiness
Practical exercise on how to prepare for and handle audits effectively.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will understand USAID and FCDO auditing processes, learn to conduct internal audits, and ensure audit readiness for donor compliance.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
Session 1: Financial Reporting and Accountability
Reporting requirements for USAID and FCDO.
Timely and accurate submission of financial reports.
Tools and templates for financial tracking.
Session 2: Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for Financial Management
Incorporating M&E into financial management.
Aligning financial data with programmatic performance.
Session 3: Workshop Wrap-Up and Action Planning
Review of key takeaways.
Developing action plans for implementing best practices in participants’ organizations.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will enhance their financial reporting skills, ensure accountability, and align financial performance with project outcomes.
Course Methodology:
Interactive Learning: Group exercises, discussions, and real-world case studies.
Practical Exercises: Hands-on budget planning, audit preparation, and reporting exercises.
Expert-Led Sessions: Delivered by professionals with extensive experience in managing USAID and FCDO-funded projects.
Location
Best Western Meridian Nairobi
