Lead Grants Specialist - Africa

Overview

The Lead Grants Specialist plays a pivotal role in administering public award and financial services within the Africa Region for The Nature Conservancy (TNC). This position supports a Grants Manager by supervising a grants team and overseeing TNC’s diverse programs. The Grants Service Network (GSN) offers expert guidance and administrative support for funds awarded to TNC from various sources including U.S. government agencies, multilateral organizations, and private donors. Additionally, the GSN manages grants distributed by TNC to other entities funded through similar channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and maintain public award documentation, ensuring compliance with TNC policies, public regulations, and sound financial management practices.
• Provide expert financial support and guidance to personnel at all organizational levels in award administration and financial matters.
• Respond to complex queries and issues related to grant management based on advanced subject knowledge.
• Collaborate and share expertise within the Grants Service Network, support network activities, and provide team supervision.
• Manage and lead a team of Grant Specialists and Associates across assigned regions, including workload management and recruitment coordination.
• Liaise with the Grants Manager to report on progress, resolve challenges, and initiate relevant projects.
• Coordinate with other Lead Grants Specialists as necessary to ensure effectiveness and consistency.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a closely related discipline paired with at least five years of pertinent work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• A minimum of three years’ experience specifically in public award accounting, financial management, compliance, and detailed financial analysis.
• Solid understanding of accounting principles, including GAAP, and practical experience with accounting and financial reporting systems.
• Familiarity with federal Uniform Guidance, state and local regulations, plus standardized contract terms.
• Knowledge of international donor and multilateral funding frameworks such as IKI, UK Government, GCF, GEF, UNDP, and BAF.
• Experience in recruiting, managing, and developing staff within a grants environment.
• Professional certifications like CPA or CIA preferred; mandatory where applicable.
• Fluency in both written and oral English communication.

Preferred Skills and Attributes

• Multilingual abilities and prior exposure to multicultural work settings.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for complex financial data analysis and management.
• Expertise in GAAP and other accounting or regulatory frameworks.
• Capability to interpret and apply intricate regulatory requirements practically.
• Experience in monitoring compliance relative to organizational policies, legal requirements, and leading financial practices.
• Proven skills evaluating internal controls and recommending improvements for operational efficiency and compliance.
• Independent problem-solving skills for resolving complex financial and compliance-related challenges.
• Ability to serve as a technical resource, offering guidance on accounting and compliance topics.

About The Nature Conservancy

Established in 1951, TNC has progressed from a small nonprofit to one of the world’s most extensive environmental organizations. Guided by mission-driven values such as respect for diverse people and communities, it fosters inclusive work environments recognizing the unique contributions of all staff. Benefits include tailored health care packages, retirement plans, parental leave, paid time off, and employee support programs. The organization promotes a flexible work setting to enhance employee well-being.

Equal Opportunity and Accessibility

The Nature Conservancy is committed to equal employment opportunity, nurturing cultural inclusivity, and diversity across all workforce levels. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged. Accessibility accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities are available upon request. All successful candidates must pass TNC's background screening process.