Specialist, Operations (Temporary Role)

This is a fixed-term position for 9 months with the possibility of extension.

The Centre for Nature and Climate seeks to safeguard our global commons. Our vision is a net-zero, nature-positive, circular economy that enables a resilient and regenerative planet for humans and all other species. The Centre develops multistakeholder partnerships to accelerate action, scale solutions and support policy for a net-zero and nature-positive transformation.

The Forum’s Centre for Nature and Climate (CNC) has three strategic pillars : Net Zero, Nature Positive and Better Living, supported by two cross cutting pillars – GAEA and Global Collaboration. The role will support the Better Living Pillar (Food and Water) and Nature Positive Pillars in the management of grant funding.

Reporting lines and interactions

The specialist will report to the Head, Operations (CNC) in the first instance.

Breakdown of main responsibilities

Support pillar teams in the grants end to end process, including grant intake, monitoring through grant lifecycle, and grant close. Maintain a strong link with the thematic content of the pillar work so as to ensure connection between program work and grant administration.

Monitor grant budgets ensuring that costs are correctly recorded and reported and updating forecasts in collaboration with pillar teams. Liaise with Forum finance team to ensure that forum requirements for grant funding are met (forecasting, accruals, audit documents, etc)

Support impact measurement work in collaboration with the pillar teams, coordinating data collection and monitoring progress against indicator frameworks. preparation of narrative reports and submission to donors through coordination with pillar teams

Assist in preparation of narrative and financial reports for donors

Manage procurement of sub-contractors and sub-grantees in line with grantor and forum policy : work with pillar teams to identify services required, possible vendors, raise PRs, draft contracts in collaboration with legal team.

Record keeping, including in Salesforce as per forum requirements.

Other tasks as assigned.

Preferred requirements and experience :

University-level education 2 to 5 years of relevant work experience working with grant funded projects. Experience in finance and budgeting, procurement, impact measurement are an advantage.

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex information succinctly

Experience of working on grant-funded projects

Outstanding organization and time management skills

Excellent command of MS Office applications, including excel

Excellent verbal and written communication skills; fluency in spoken and written English

Quick learner, self-starting, service and detail-oriented, and able to work independently as well as in a team

Willing to work in a highly demanding environment and able to juggle multiple priorities

Understanding of, and interest in, the CNC agenda and work program, and in particular the Food and Water agenda.

Why work at the Forum :

The Forum believes that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to improve the state of the world by building awareness and cooperation, shaping mindsets and agendas, and driving collective action. Join us and become a driver for positive change!