Nairobi, Kenya. Location preference to Kenya, Tanzania or any other Africa region office.

KEN01

Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable.  One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 79 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

The Lead Grants Specialist provides highly specialized grants/finance/accounting-related services to TNC’s Africa region; and supports Grants Managers in the oversight of TNC’s Africa program, through the WO Finance/Grants Services Network. Position location is flexible with strong preference given to Kenya, Tanzania or an established Nature Conservancy office within TNC’s Africa region.

The Lead Grants Specialist have a high level of expertise in award administration and financial services. The position administers and maintains public award documentation and completes financial activities in accordance with TNC policies and procedures, public rules and regulations, and best practices in financial/organizational management. The Lead Grants Specialist provides assistance to all levels of personnel in their specialty area. They respond to complex employee/management questions and problems based on advanced knowledge of the subject area. The Lead Grants Specialist shares knowledge with other members of the Grants Services Network (GSN), supports and participates in GSN activities, and supervises GSN staff.

The Lead Grants Specialist oversees and manages a team of Grant Specialists and/or Grants Associates within their assigned geographical area(s).  The Lead Grants Specialist may monitor team funding trends and work with the Grants Manager on team workload distribution and new hires. They communicate with the Grants Manager(s) to report, discuss and resolve issues, and identify and implement projects.  May collaborate with other Leads or Grants Specialist IIIs.

• Administers public awards.
• Ensures programmatic commitments, TNC policies and procedures, financial standards and legal requirements are met and managed for compliance.
• Reinforces consistency in the organization’s policies and procedures and provides support and training related to relevant field.
• May participate in complex negotiations.
• Supervises and manages a team of Grants Specialists and/or Grants Associates. Monitors funding trends and capacity for the team and works with Grants Manager if shifts in workloads are needed.
• May track and assist with single project audits for assigned region
• Participates in and implements special projects established with Grants Manager.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field and 5 years’ related experience or equivalent combination.
• 5 years or more of experience with public award accounting/financial issues and analysis.
• Technical experience with Microsoft Excel, general ledger reports and financial management tools.
• Experience, coursework or other training with U.S. Federal Uniform Guidance, state and local regulations, multilateral and international regulations, and standard contract clauses.
• Experience using accounting and financial reporting systems
• Experience supervising staff.

 DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and/or multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills.
• Non-profit accounting experience preferred.
• Experience in manipulating, analyzing and interpreting data.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of current trends in specific field.
• Experience acting as a resource to others to solve problems.
• Experience coordinating and leading projects.
• Experience recruiting and developing staff.
• Experience with European and Multilateral funder regulations (IKI, GEF, UNDP, BAF)
• Requires fluency in English.