Associate, Grants & Contracts

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days/month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position in US, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

About the Program:

The Office of Grants and Contracts (G&C) supports WRI Programs, Centers and international offices with funding award and subaward administration support, procurement and compliance guidance.

Job Highlight:

Reporting to Senior Manager, Grants & Contracts, you will integrate equity into your work. You will, with guidance from a G&C Senior Manager, act as the first point of contact for the WRI US program as well as support on the issuance and management of sub-agreements across WRI’s international/global programs. You will also help coordinate the G&C team’s communication and training efforts. You will coordinate with Grants & Contracts staff across WRI’s network, including Europe, India, Africa, China, and Colombia.

What will you do:

US & International Sub-agreement Support (75%):

• Be a primary G&C contact for WRI US program staff and support international staff on matters of procurement contacts and subgrants, including:
• Review subgrantee organizational assessments and recommend monitoring and controls based on risk categorizations
• Perform risk-based reviews of selected subgrantee financial reports and backup.
• Ensure that the closeout of subgrants is timely and efficient; that all required documents are obtained and filed; and that subgrantee files meet legal and auditing requirements
• Work with Program staff to plan high-integrity procurements and establish contracts that ensure value for money
• Review for compliance, approve, and sign (subject to a delegation of authority) subagreements for WRI US and global network offices, as needed
• Support G&C’s push for a more diverse subgrantee and contractor portfolio, expanding the WRI’s work with small organizations and entities from historically marginalized and underrepresented groups
• Administer the process and systems related to review, approval, and signature of agreements
• Regularly scan for weaknesses or prospective strength in areas of responsibility and advise G&C Senior Manager of such, including steps taken or proposed to improve

Training and Communications (25%):

• Work with WRI’s Global Finance & Operations Training Manager to coordinate delivery of existing G&C trainings to new program operations staff
• Assist the G&C Senior Manager in identifying training needs and developing new training materials
• Manage the G&C team’s intranet page, including updating policies and guidance materials and posting new communications

What will you need:

• Education: You have a completed a bachelor’s degree in related fields. Relevant work experience in lieu of degree is accepted
• Experience: You have a minimum of 5 years of full-time relevant experience administering procurements and subgrants under a diverse donor portfolio, including private foundations, US government, and European development agencies
• Experience providing training and communications for broad, international audience
• Demonstrated ability to develop strong working relationships across cultures and time zones in a diverse environment
• Experience working with some of the following systems: Salesforce, Microsoft SharePoint/Power Apps, Workday
• Languages: You will have written and spoken proficiency in English. Any of French, Spanish, Portuguese, is desirable
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization

Potential Salary: US salary range is between 84,000 and 95,000 USD. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply: Please submit a resume with a required cover letter by the date of 02 December 2024. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of qualified applications.

We are unable to consider your application without a cover letter.

You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

What we offer:

• Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US
• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities. 
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
• Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure
• Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, retirement plan access and employer contribution

About Us:

Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.

Our mission and values:

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence and Respect.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment; we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.