Sr. Program Operations 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 ecosystems. 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 conservation efforts, including climate change, wildlife conservation, and sustainable development, aiming to create a world where people and nature thrive together. WWF is recognized for its science-based approach and commitment to sustainability, working collaboratively with governments, businesses, and communities to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The Sr. Program Operations Specialist will play a crucial role in overseeing the execution of project budgets, financial tracking, analysis, and reporting for assigned Green Climate Fund (GCF) projects. This position requires a strong understanding of financial management and compliance with organizational and donor-imposed reporting requirements. The specialist will work closely with in-country project execution partners to ensure that medium-sized GCF projects, ranging from $50 million to $250 million, are executed effectively. The role involves long-range planning and general administration of the WWF GCF Accredited Entity, ensuring that performance measures are met according to program operations standards. The position also entails providing training and guidance to project execution staff on GCF requirements and WWF procedures, thereby enhancing the capacity of local teams to manage financial operations effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Sr. Program Operations Specialist include:

• Financial Oversight: Ensure compliance with GCF and WWF fiduciary policies by in-country project execution partners. Review and analyze quarterly project financial reports to monitor compliance with budgets and financial milestones. Identify problems and recommend corrective actions, assisting in budget revisions as necessary. Prepare project-level financial information for GCF Semi-Annual and Annual Performance Reports.
• Capacity Building: Provide training and guidance to in-country project execution staff on GCF requirements and WWF procedures related to financial operations.
• Project Development: Offer guidance on the Budget, Procurement Plan, Risk Assessment, and other sections of the GCF Funding Proposal. Oversee due diligence on proposed project execution partners and ensure risk mitigation is reflected in sub-agreements.
• Grants and Contracts: Collaborate with the General Counsel's office to review draft agreements and make necessary amendments.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Conduct bi-annual risk assessments of in-country project execution partners and develop risk mitigation plans. Coordinate with the Vice President of Accounting and Controller on audits and reports required by the GCF.
• Maintain relationships with stakeholders and ensure effective communication across departments to support program initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• Bilingual in Spanish is required.
• A Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, international development, or a related field is mandatory.
• A minimum of 6 years of demonstrated experience in grants management, with at least 3 years of experience with a graduate degree.
• At least 2 years of experience with bilateral and/or multilateral finance projects, such as those funded by the Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, or USAID.
• Proven success in navigating complex funding agreements and experience with activity-based budgeting and reporting.
• Experience with GCF projects or similar multilaterals is highly preferred.
• Must be able to travel internationally to project sites 1-3 times per year.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in fields such as accounting, finance, business, international development, or a related area. A graduate degree is advantageous and may substitute for some of the required experience.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience, with at least 3 years of experience in a related field if they hold a graduate degree. Experience in grants management and financial oversight of large-scale projects is essential, particularly in the context of bilateral or multilateral finance projects.

Languages:
Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Washington, DC, and follows a hybrid work schedule, requiring employees to be in the office two days a week. The salary range for this position is between $80,600 and $100,80

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., and this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. All hired individuals will need to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States upon hire.