Finance and Grants Associate at Nature Conservancy

Job description

OFFICE LOCATION: Nairobi, Kenya, Africa

ZAM01

also negotiable in Lusaka, Zambia; or Arusha, Tanzania

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

The Finance & Grants Associate provides specialized administrative, technical, and accounting support for finance/accounting-related services for The Nature Conservancy’s Africa Region

Essential Functions

The Finance & Grants Associate supports finance/accounting activities for The Nature Conservancy’s Africa Region. S/he administers and maintains finance/accounting activities in accordance with internal policies and procedures, donor and government requirements and best practices in financial management.

Specific Responsibilities May Include

• Specifically, this position provides a wide range of administrative and finance-related support to the Grants Specialists which may include maintaining database systems, handling inquiries about grant and financial activities, reviewing expenses recorded to the financial system, and responding to internal requests for information or guidance. The Finance & Grants Associate is responsible for efficient and timely action on administrative matters and may communicate on behalf of the supervisor or Grants Specialist with internal and external sources, including staff, partners, and donors.
• Administrative Support
  
  • Set up and maintenance of award master files,
  • Coordinating deliverables, timelines, and due dates on public or private-funded projects,
  • Drafting correspondence and securing internal approvals,
  • Maintaining tracking systems for grants and grantees, and
  • Drafting outgoing grant agreements and contracts for services.
  • Provide support to partners to help them improve their financial and compliance capacities
• Finance and Accounting
  
  • Assisting with set-up of budgets and assignment of costs in the central finance system,
  • Monitoring income and expense budgets,
  • Assisting in the production of financial reports and invoices,
  • Reconciling financial entries,
  • Reviewing internal and partner financial reports,
  • Preparing journal entries and other financial transactions, and
  • Communicating financial information to project staff.

Responsibilities And Scope

Level of Responsibility:

Within The Scope Of The Position, The Finance & Grants Associate Will

• This is a junior position and duties are performed under general supervision and established guidelines.
• Ensure TNC policies and procedures, financial standards and legal requirements are met.
• Reinforce consistency in the organization's policies and procedures and provide support related to finance, accounting and grants administration.
• Prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and make day-to-day decisions within the scope of work assignments; duties are performed according to instructions or established practices and supervisor will resolve any problems or questions.
• Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 2 years' related experience OR Associate’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field and 4 years’ related experience OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with basic principles of accounting/finance.
• Experience using automated and electronic accounting systems.
• Experience organizing time and managing diverse activities to meet deadlines.
• Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Experience
• Degree or certificate in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field.
• Strong organizational skills, accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience with GAAP and fund accounting principles, practices and regulations.
• Working knowledge of grants accounting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Experience working with databases.
• Multi-lingual skills and/or multi-cultural experience appreciated.

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 men and women 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.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.