Outgoing Agreements & Financial Associate Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, dedicated to protecting the world's most vulnerable species and their habitats. Established in 1961, WWF operates in over 100 countries and has a global network of more than 5 million supporters. The organization focuses on various environmental issues, including climate change, wildlife conservation, and sustainable development, aiming to create a world where people live in harmony with nature.

Job Overview:
The Outgoing Agreements & Financial Associate Specialist plays a crucial role in the administration of outgoing agreements, which include subgrants, consulting agreements, and other contracts. This position is responsible for overseeing the entire lifecycle of these agreements, from issuance through to close-out for assigned programs. The specialist will draft, review, negotiate, and process agreements while ensuring compliance with donor requirements, WWF policies, and audit standards. Additionally, the role involves maintaining accurate records in WWF systems such as SmartSimple and Workday. The specialist will also provide guidance to program staff and grantees, acting as a subject matter expert on agreement procedures. Financial management support is another key aspect of this role, which includes reviewing subgrantee financial reports, processing journal entries, ensuring timely payments, and resolving any discrepancies in reporting. The position requires a proactive approach to managing agreements and finances, ensuring that all processes align with WWF's mission and operational standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Outgoing Agreements & Financial Associate Specialist include:

• Drafting outgoing agreements such as subgrants and consulting agreements, ensuring they incorporate scopes of work, budgets, monitoring requirements, and donor provisions.
• Reviewing and editing scopes of work and budget documents in collaboration with program staff and Program Administrators.
• Assessing agreement conditionality and serving as a resource for related inquiries.
• Facilitating and monitoring the review and approval process for new agreements and amendments.
• Coordinating with Legal, program staff, and other stakeholders during agreement negotiations.
• Securing authorized signatures, distributing final documents, and tracking initial payment setups.
• Maintaining accurate agreement records in SmartSimple and Workday in accordance with WWF policies.
• Troubleshooting issues related to agreement and supplier integration and payment processing.
• Processing agreement payments in a timely manner and liaising with accounting and program teams to resolve questions. 1
• Monitoring compliance with deliverable requirements and following up on outstanding submissions. 1
• Drafting and processing amendments for grants and consultancies as needed. 1
• Closing out agreements in accordance with WWF policies. 1
• Providing guidance and support on outgoing agreement procedures and systems. 1
• Ensuring real-time visibility of processing status in grant management systems. 1
• Building relationships across teams and communicating effectively with internal and external partners. 1
• Assisting with financial and operational analyses, including budget vs. actuals reports. 1
• Reviewing subgrantee financial reports and processing journal entries in Workday. 1
• Ensuring timely and accurate processing of agreement payments. 1
• Running out-of-balance reports and resolving discrepancies. 2
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Outgoing Agreements & Financial Associate Specialist position include:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as public administration, finance, or project management.
• Two to four years of relevant experience in grants, contracts, public administration, or project/financial management.
• A working knowledge of the grants management cycle and basic grant accounting principles is desired.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and quantitative skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects under time constraints.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to produce high-quality, accurate work on time.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and with internal and external partners.
• A customer service orientation, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Proficiency in word processing, databases, and spreadsheets (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access); familiarity with grants management and accounting systems (e.g., SmartSimple, Workday) is highly desirable.
• The ability to operate with independence, discretion, and sound judgment. 1
• A commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion within and across teams.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as finance, public administration, or project management. This foundational education is essential for understanding the complexities of grants and contracts management, as well as the financial principles that underpin these processes. A degree in a related field ensures that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage outgoing agreements and financial operations within the organization.

Experience:
Candidates for the Outgoing Agreements & Financial Associate Specialist position should have two to four years of relevant experience in areas such as grants management, contracts administration, public administration, or project/financial management. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the intricacies of the grants management cycle, compliance requirements, and financial reporting. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully managing agreements and financial operations, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external partners. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they align with the regions in which WWF operates or with the languages of key stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The Outgoing Agreements & Financial Associate Specialist position is a full-time role based in Washington DC. The salary range for this position is between $58,200 and $87,200, depending on experience and qualifications. It is important to note that applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, as this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. The organization promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume through the WWF Careers Page, referencing Requisition #2603

• Due to the high volume of applications, the organization may not respond to inquiries via phone.