Sr. Specialist Program Operations - 26019

Overview

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Sr. Specialist, Program Operations. 

 

The Sr. Specialist is responsible for the financial management of specific programs assigned to the role. The position will manage the budgets, cost proposals, financial tracking, analysis and reporting, grants and agreements, and administrative functions for the assigned portfolio.  They ensure financial and administrative assistance to, and oversight of, program staff and grantees to ensure that budgets and agreements are in compliance with WWF policies, procedures, systems, and donor requirements. 

 

Salary Range: $80,600 $100,800

 

Please note: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.  In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.  

Responsibilities

• Manage annual budgeting process including long range planning and administering budgets, .
• Supports the  consolidation of program-wide annual budgets including monitoring budgets, producing budget reports, and preparing financial analysis and forecasting for entire program. . 
• Leads cost proposal for funding opportunities and supports development of proposal budgets.  Monitors the lifecycle of the financial progress of proposals throughout execution and close out.
• Coordinates and prepares financial reports to restricted donors.  Reviews and approves network and government financial reports prepared by Donor Reporting Team.  Reviews and analyzes all project financial reports to ensure compliance and notifies program staff of any problems or discrepancies and provides technical assistance to grantees in resolving problems.
• Manages the allocation of Programmatic staff time on awards, ensures accurate labor charging to donors and performs effort certification reclasses as necessary.
• Manages the lifecycle of outgoing agreements under their respective portfolio to ensure appropriate financial and administrative management systems are implemented to meet the level and complexity of funding to ensure compliance with donor funds.
• Monitoring agreement-related accounts and reconciling conditional grants on a quarterly basis and compiles projections for Q4 accruals on conditional grants.
• Recommends and implements departmental procedures and provides feedback on policies and operating procedures.   
• Maintains good working relationships and stays abreast of program issues to provide overall support to program initiatives.
• Partners with Program staff to support operational responsibilities and serves as a resource for financial and administrative policies
• Provides training and guidance to program staff and field staff on budget formulation, tracking and adjustments, expense accounting, financial analysis and reporting, and contract management. 
• Identifies training needs and facilitates contracts orientation and training for newly hired program staff, in coordination with other Program Operations staff.  
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Key Competencies

• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Relationship Building: Much of the role in Program Operations is working between many internal stakeholders (ex. Program staff and Accounting).  It is essential that this person has strong working relationships as the partners are not within the department.

• Client and Constituent Focus: Understands the needs of program staff, grantees, and donors, and aligns solutions with internal processes to ensure projects move forward successfully.

• Decision-Making and Priority Management: This role will take initiative and make thoughtful decisions independently, balancing competing priorities and risks. It will stay focused on what’s most important, keep projects moving smoothly, and anticipate challenges to ensure both short-term and long-term goals are met.

• Communication and Training Skills: Clearly shares financial and administrative information with program and field teams, providing guidance and support to help them understand budgets, reporting, and compliance requirements.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree. Accounting, business, public administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional work experience.
• Strong project management experience overseeing financial and administrative activities. Familiarity with U.S Government funded/bilateral/multilateral p