Arlington, Virginia, USA

The location of this position is flexible within the countries where TNC is a registered NGO and has an already established office. Arlington, Virginia is The Nature Conservancy's headquarters. This position is not eligible for relocation, visa or immigration assistance. The job offers flex time but also requires a flexible schedule.

#LI-REMOTE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The Equitable Conservation Grants & Contracts Specialist provides services primarily in contract and subgrant development and management or similar activities for Equitable Conservation and associated teams with a strong focus on an equitable, inclusive, accessible, and community-led approach. The Grants & Contracts Specialist will assist Equitable Conservation staff, Bezos Earth Fund Program, and other staff in the drafting of contracts and efficient oversight of associated reviews, data management and records retention, in close partnership with the larger Chief Conservation Office operations team. They will initially focus on contracts and sub-grants execution for current Cities Network grant (closing December 2023) and for Bezos Earth Fund, collaborating directly with the respective finance and operations teams. They will support reporting needs as it relates to contracts and subgrants executed or coordinated by the team. The Contracts & Grants Specialist works closely with program and project managers to ensure that the terms and conditions of agreements are met and properly documented, including other business units and related entities. They may serve as the lead liaison with partners or vendors, or may communicate directly with partner, funder or agency representatives to clarify or negotiate financial and administrative requirements. The Grants & Contracts Specialist is also directly responsible for the administrative aspects of grants out to grantee organizations, including assistance with due diligence activities, preparation and revision of agreements, review of invoices and financial reports, and maintenance of grant files. They will communicate or distribute information to assist staff in making decisions, solving problems, and improving workflow.

The Specialist will maintain, track, and report on key data related to the scope and priorities of the functional activity. The Specialist must have advanced knowledge of the policies, procedures, systems and resources utilized by the team in order to provide programmatic support, coordination and communicate as related to the agreements. They will coordinate, organize and complete activities with multiple variables and stakeholders, setting realistic deadlines and managing the timeline. They will work collaboratively to support equity, inclusivity, and accessibility in processes and policies related to contracts and grants. They will provide guidance in satisfying requirements based on extensive knowledge of policies and procedures. They will adapt processes and implement recommended practices in order to improve effectiveness and participatory and equitable grant-making and funding (e.g reducing requirements burden on recipients; advancing processes that maximize recipients’ participation in decision-making). The Specialist will enhance the work of the team, by developing documentation, providing recommendations and targeted training related to the functional area of the team, and/or enhancing the systems and tools used by the team. They will create program materials and perform analysis and research related to program activities, keeping up-to-date on market trends and best practices in order to improve services.

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. We’re looking for someone with strong experience in leading a diverse, multi-disciplinary team.

The ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience designing, organizing, and directing complex projects. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation with a strong equitable focus!

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Utilize a strong understanding of TNC Contract and Purchasing procedures regarding the execution of contracts and subgrants;
• Provide input and support the development, improvement, innovation and implementation of processes and policies related to contracts and grants that are equitable, inclusive and accessible, by gathering and facilitating information sharing on functional area and identifying barriers;
• Track executed contracts, including but not limited, to the reconciliation of payments and milestones per agreement requirements;
• Act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems;
• Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information;
• Ensure compliance with Conservancy policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements;
• Inform decision-making as they may bind the organization financially or legally;
• Coordinate across different teams and business units;
• Manage projects with several variables - set realistic deadlines, manage a timeline, and ensure accountability;
• Maintain a central filing system for agreements, approvals, and final products, for both audit/compliance records and to facilitate information sharing across the team;
• Responsible for maintaining Due Diligence workbooks for grants when applicable;
• Coordinate, as needed, with the Digital Review Committee and the Information Security Team for approval and review prior to execution of the agreement;
• Work as a liaison between project managers and the Purchasing Department as needed to create Requests for Proposals and evaluate potential vendors;
• Work as a liaison between project managers and TNC legal in drafting, negotiating, and executing agreements;
• Act independently to network with other contracts specialists, operations, finance, and legal staff in other TNC regions/business units as needed, to build and maintain expertise in the specific contracting requirements of the region, prior to beginning new international contracts;
• Ensure programmatic commitments, Conservancy policies, and procedures, and legal requirements including government contracting and private donor flow-down provisions are met and managed for compliance;
• Ensure contracted vendors carry required insurance coverage and that appropriate documentation is obtained and maintained;
• Ensure contracted individuals qualify properly as independent contractors;
• Collaborate with Grants Specialists on public awards;
• May participate in complex negotiations;
• May be responsible for the work of peers on departmental project teams;
• Financial responsibility can include purchasing, processing invoices and transfers, and negotiating and contracting with vendors, and participating in budget preparation;
• Travel and work flexible hours, as needed;
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain;
• Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines; and
• Work within scope of program’s strategic goals.

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience sharing information through generating reports and analyzing and interpreting data.
• Experience managing and implementing multiple projects.
• Experience with business process analysis and/or improvement.
• Experience with current technology in relevant field.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams.

Desired Qualifications

(In addition, the following skills and/or experiences would be an asset for this role but are not required. For applicants without these, please view these as areas or skillsets where you may have opportunities for growth in the role:)

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.
• Experience in social or environmental justice, public or environmental health, public policy, or social science.
• Knowledge of best practices for participatory and equitable grant-making and funding.
• Ability to implement complex processes.
• Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results.
• Proved follow-through skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Creative and forward-thinking.
• Using assertive communication to build strong relationships and motivate staff.
• Experience coordinating projects.
• Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results.
• Knowledge of current trends in the specific field.
• Experience in writing and editing.
• Non-profit experience preferred.
• Strong organizational skills, accuracy, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Successful experience implementing program strategies toward goals.
  

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.

The location of this position is flexible within the countries where TNC is a registered NGO and has an already established office. This position is not eligible for relocation, visa or immigration assistance.

Funding for this position is currently available through March 2024, but the role may be extended.

The start date, while somewhat flexible, will be as immediate as possible following interviews tentatively scheduled for March and April.

You may submit a standard cover letter or a document answering the questions below. If you choose to answer the questions below, please submit a document with responses by number, it does not need to read or look like a cover letter.

a. Why are you interested in supporting equitable conservation efforts via this position?
b. What strengths do you see best aligning with the responsibilities of this position?
c. Give an example of when you had to translate a complex legal requirement into a practical business solution. What was your approach?

Timeline: initial interviews will begin mid-April with a goal of the candidate starting early-May.

To apply for job ID 53142, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ . Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

Where legally permissible, TNC requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated and willing to keep up to date with vaccines that protect against COVID-19. By accepting an offer of employment, you agree to comply with this requirement, unless you are entitled to a legally mandated exemption.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.