Lead Grants Specialist - Africa at Nature Conservancy

We’re Looking for You:

• The Lead Grants Specialist has 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.  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 to report, discuss and resolve issues, and identify and implement projects.  May collaborate with other Lead Grants Specialists. Position location is flexible with strong preference given to Kenya, Tanzania or an established Nature Conservancy office within TNC’s Africa region.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field and at least 5 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in public award accounting, financial management, compliance, and financial analysis.
• Knowledge of accounting principles, practices, regulations, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Experience using accounting and financial reporting systems.
• Experience with U.S. Federal Uniform Guidance, state and local regulations, and standard contract clauses.
• Experience with multilateral and international donor regulations, including IKI, UK GOV, GCF, GEF, UNDP, BAF, or similar funding mechanisms.
• Experience recruiting, supervising, developing, and managing staff.
•  Professional certification such as CPA or CIA preferred (or required, if applicable).
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Desired Qualifications:

• Multilingual skills and/or experience working in multicultural environments.
• Advanced expertise in Microsoft Excel and demonstrated ability to analyze and manage complex financial data.
• Expert knowledge of GAAP and/or other applicable accounting and regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting complex regulatory requirements and applying them to practical business situations.
• Experience monitoring and ensuring compliance with organizational policies, applicable laws and regulations, and finance, accounting, and management best practices.
• Experience evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls and recommending process improvements to enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Proven ability to interpret guidelines, analyze complex information, and adapt processes and procedures as needed.
• Ability to independently identify, analyze, and resolve complex financial, compliance, or operational issues.
• Experience serving as a technical resource and providing guidance to colleagues and stakeholders on accounting, financial, and compliance matters.
• Professional certification such as CPA or CIA preferred.