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,