Blue Nature Alliance Grants & Contracts Manager

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY- This position is open to CI Offices Globally. Please review a full list of our Global offices here.

Conservation International seeks a dedicated, passionate, finance professional to join the Grants & Contract group in its Finance Division. Successful candidates for this position will be motivated by CI’s mission to build a healthier, more prosperous, and more productive planet by providing a superior level of support and training in financial and contractual compliance to our programs and sub-recipients around the world.

Conservation International (CI), the Pew Charitable Trusts (Pew) other private and public partners have joined together to launch the Blue Nature Alliance (the Alliance) with the aim to catalyze actions to conserve 18 million square kilometers of ocean (approximately 5 percent of the global ocean) to safeguard global ocean biodiversity, build resilience to climate change, promote human wellbeing, and enhance ecosystem connectivity and function. The Blue Nature Alliance aims to invest in approximately 40-60 ocean conservation areas globally by 2025. The Blue Nature Alliance Grants & Contracts Manager will be part of a fast-paced, collaborative, and dynamic team that aims to make an outsized impact for the ocean. The position will report to the Senior Director for External Grants & Contracts within the Finance Department at Conservation International.

The Blue Nature Alliance Grants & Contracts Manager position oversees a global portfolio of sub-awards implemented by a wide range of organizations from local community-based organizations to international not-for-profit organizations, consulting firms, and individual experts. The Manager coordinates the full cycle sub-award process from calls for proposals, through due diligence, award negotiation, implementation oversight, and financial compliance to close out. The Manager has primary responsibility for ensuring that the Blue Nature Alliance portfolio of grants and contracts are awarded and managed transparently, efficiently, and in compliance with all Alliance policies and procedures. Successful candidates for this position will have experience in procurement, sub-grant management, or other finance-related fields, the ability to professionally communicate with all levels of management both inside and outside of CI, and uphold the highest standards of integrity.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Blue Nature Alliance Grants & Contracts Manager will be responsible for coordinating and managing the full life cycle of grants and contracts, including:

Grants, Pre-award:

• Open, timely, respectful, communication with grantees and Alliance team on status and challenges, throughout the pre-award process.
• Interpret and explain CI and donor policies to programs, colleagues, and grant applicants.
• Conduct due diligence for grant awards, including financial risk assessments, assess financial capacity and internal controls; establish appropriate financial risk mitigation measures and communicate identified capacity gaps with the Program team; and security screenings.
• Conduct pre-award field visits as needed, and conduct virtual new grantee orientations and kick-off meetings.
• Prepare and coordinate review and approval of new grant agreements.

Ensuring accuracy and comprehensiveness of information, data, and documentation for all of the above in systems of record. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The duties of this position are carried out in a normal office environment. Travel, up to five times per year, may be required in accordance with COVID safety protocols.
• Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a finance-related field.
• 4-6 years of experience in a not-for-profit setting working in grants management, procurement, or finance.
• Experience with public, multi-lateral donor rules and regulations.
• Strong computer skills including intermediate Excel, familiarity with databases, and cloud-based document management systems and collaboration tools.
• Experience mentoring or training staff or implementing partners.
• Demonstrated understanding of the cultural context and challenges of working in diverse geographic regions, including in developing countries.
• Comfortable managing multiple duties and adapting to changing priorities.
• Ability to work under general supervision and take initiative to solve problems under the supervisor's direction.
• Positive attitude and ability to overcome obstacles to achieve ambitious targets.
• Fluency in any of the following languages: French, Spanish, or Portuguese.

Preferred

• Experience with Global Environmental Facility funding, rules, and regulations.
• Some knowledge of environment and international affairs.
• Experience with Salesforce.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Vets/Disabled