Grants & Finance Specialist

This position is remote-eligible and only for consideration within the United States where WRI is state registered. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission for the US. WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position.

**About the Program:
**
The WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities (Cities Program) helps to transform cities into compact, connected and resilient spaces that provide healthy, accessible, and prosperous living environments for their residents. We coordinate the Cities Program’s extensive technical and practical expertise through eight integrated solution areas: Integrated Transport Systems, Vision Zero, Zero Carbon Buildings, Livable Neighborhoods, Electric Mobility, Water/Heat Resilience, Air Quality and Inclusive Climate & Energy Action Planning. Data and Urban Finance are cross-cutting themes that inform all of our solution offerings. We implement our solutions by working deeply with multiple stakeholders over long periods of time to demonstrate possibilities in rapidly transforming cities. We expand our impact to other cities by leveraging these demonstrated possibilities to convene multiple cross-sectoral stakeholders and partnering with city networks. Our research and projects in cities and in national policies connect environmental sustainability, health, safety, equity, and quality of life.

**Job Highlight:
**
Reporting to Grants and Finance Associate, in this role, you will enable programmatic coordination by providing operational and financial support to the WRI Ross Center’s Operations, Communications, and Prize for Cities teams, and assisting project teams throughout the program with additional grants and finance capacity. You will be supported by the Cities Operations, Cities Communications, and the Prize for Cities teams.

**What will you do:

Financial Management (50% of time):
**

• Update and maintain project budgets utilizing WRI’s budgeting and forecasting software (TM1)
• Update and maintain project funding and allocations in coordination with workstream director(s) and project managers
• Process invoices and payments for projects in compliance with WRI’s policies (subgrants, consultancies, work orders, etc.)
• Assist project team in project closeout process including turnover documentation and financial reconciliation
• Coordinate and advise on project budget management and reports
• With project managers, review on a monthly basis the transactions and finances of the projects and update the budget
• Prepare financial review template(s) for review with workstream director(s) and operations staff
• Work with Salesforce to add new proposals
• Develop fiscal year budget forecasts on a yearly basis in coordination with operations and workstream directors of both teams
• Prepare participant agreements and provide travel support for WRI Ross Center Prize finalists, jury members, and other high value stakeholders

Program/Project Management (20% of time):

• Process documentation for project commitments (i.e. agreements, contracts, work authorizations, and purchase orders)
• Work with partners to help them understand and meet subgrant and contract requirements
• Monitor program/project performance against contract requirements and deliverables
• Manage various program, department and organizational trackers (publications, performance monitoring and others)

Grant Management (20% of time):

• Lead the drafting of grant proposal budgets and assists in the collection & submission of formal proposals for grants
• Submit all required grant forms as instructed by grant
• Keep track of deliverables and reporting required under grants
• Keep timely and accurate information on donors and contacts

Administration (10% of time):

• Coordinate and schedule team meetings; provide support in organizing presentations, workshops, conferences, research seminars and other events for the program as needed

What will you need:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, accounting, public policy, political science, international affairs, or similar subject required
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of relevant, full-time work experience supporting project management functions, and an interest in program management, financial management, budgeting, and writing. Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office, especially Excel; experience with statistical analysis and budgeting software is highly desirable
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to work well in a team and with international colleagues
• Languages: In addition to excellent written and spoken English, additional language skills are a plus, especially in Spanish, Portuguese, Turkish, Chinese, French, and/or Hindi
• Requirements: US work authorization is required for all WRI US opportunities

Potential Salary: Salary range is between $69,000 USD and $73,000. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply: Please submit a resume with cover letter by the date of September 8, 2023.  You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

What we offer:

• A competitive salary
• 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.

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, 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.