The Contract Specialist will work as part of a larger operations team, serving as Contracts Specialist for the Caribbean Division.
The Contracts Specialist will support the strategic priorities of the Caribbean Division through efficient oversight of Division-wide Contract and Grant reviews, while providing excellent customer services to project managers. S/he will be well versed in the systems and resources utilized by TNC in order to execute assigned tasks. S/he will provide guidance in satisfying administrative and contract requirements based on extensive knowledge of policies and procedures and will provide support and guidance related to his/her functional area to staff across the Division. S/he will implement processes and practices in order to improve effectiveness, as needed, and will communicate or distribute information to assist staff in making decisions, solving problems, and improving workflow.
More specifically:
- Have strong understanding TNC Contract and Purchasing procedures
- Determine, according to TNC standard policies and procedures, when a written agreement is needed
- Identify risks and protect TNC, ensuring agreements are in compliance with TNC policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements;
- Draft agreements utilizing templates provided by TNC Legal
- Work as liaison between project managers & TNC Legal in agreement drafting & execution
- Ensure that the proposed TNC signatory has appropriate Delegation of Authority and, in some cases, Power of Attorney to approve & execute each agreement; as needed, help with drafting of Ministerial Delegation of Authority
- When proposed agreement does not meet criteria for contract specialist approval, review and submit draft agreement to TNC Legal for review.
- Provide support and targeted training related to contracts and grant agreement planning and drafting
- Have responsibility for maintaining a central filing system for agreements, approvals, and final products, for both audit/compliance records and to facilitate information sharing across the Division
- Perform Information Systems, Human Resources, and Finance administrative tasks related to contracts and grants, including filling out forms and obtaining relevant approvals, as well as preparing reports on contract and payment due dates and contracts disbursement forecasts.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Work within scope of program’s strategic goals;
- Act independently on assigned tasks and exercise independent judgment based on analysis and experience, referring difficult questions and unusual problems to supervisor or Division legal support;
- Coordinate projects with several variables, working within a defined timeline and budget;
- Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information;
- Perform non-routine analysis, research and follow-through
- Networks with diverse groups, including conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members, and the general public to recruit support for TNC and publicize TNC programs/preserves.
- Ensure compliance with Conservancy policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements;
- Financial responsibility includes assisting with purchasing, processing invoices, contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget preparation;
- May act as a resource to others to solve problems and act in supervisor’s stead when instructed;
- Provide input through project teams for the improvement of existing programs;
- Travel and work flexible hours as needed;
- Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
- Experience coordinating administrative processes;
- Experience generating reports and interpreting data;
- Experience in business writing, editing, and proofreading;
- Experience organizing time and managing diverse activities to meet deadlines; and
- Experience working across teams and communicating with a wide range of people
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated;
- Ability to analyze information for the purpose of coordinating and planning activities, and solving problems;
- Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results;
- Excellent customer service skills and focus;
- Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results;
- Knowledge of current trends in specific field; and/or
- Strong organization skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
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.