Senior Program Associate, Forestry and Natural Resource Management

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Senior Program Associate, Forestry and Natural Resource Management

Location: VA Office, US Remote, or US Hybrid

Department: Environment and Energy

Unit: Forestry and Natural Resource Management

Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that works with people in the United States and around the world to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources. Winrock matches innovative approaches in agriculture, natural resources management, clean energy, and leadership development with the unique needs of its partners. By linking local individuals and communities with new ideas and technology, Winrock is increasing long-term productivity, equity, and responsible resource management to benefit the poor and disadvantaged of the world.

While this role is remote within the contiguous United States, employees are required to work on EST/CT. 

GROUP OVERVIEW:

Sustainable economic growth depends on a healthy planet. From nature-based solutions to climate change, to community-based natural resource management, to market-driven innovations in conservation and promoting ecosystem services, Winrock develops solutions to protect natural resources, address climate change and promote long-term economic well-being and health. Our approach empowers local communities, governments, civil society and the private sector, providing them with the information needed to develop sustainable solutions. Implementation is focused on partnership, as well as technical and data-driven innovations and learning, adapting, and scaling proven models.  The Environment and Energy (E2) Group is comprised of three units: Ecosystem Services, Clean Energy and Circular Economy, and Forestry and Natural Resource Management. The E2 group collaborates closely with other Winrock Groups, including Agriculture, Resilience and Water; Human Rights, Education & Empowerment, US Programs, and Corporate Affairs.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Senior Program Associate will provide operational, administrative, and technical support for projects related to natural resource management, biodiversity conservation and climate change. This position will support at least two in-country projects and contribute to new business efforts by taking on different proposal support roles for the FNRM Unit. The Senior Program Associate will work closely with in-country staff to provide project-backstopping operational support and carry out other home office administrative tasks as delegated by the Program Manager, Senior Program Manager, or Unit Director.  

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support home office management and administrative oversight of international projects, including contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants  
• Review monthly financial reports and wire requests and provide feedback to Program Manager or Senior Program Manager and in-country staff 
• Ensure documentation for project activities is complete, compliant with donor/client requirements, and properly filed on internal systems
• Maintain, and update project management trackers
• Draft subawards and procurement documents, as needed, and route them through Winrock’s approval process
• Oversee and report on work of subawardees and consultants, including technical and financial performance 
• Copyedit, format and contribute to technical reports and deliverables
• Track budgets, obligations, and subawards, and flag issues for in-country staff and home office management 
• Liaise with home office support units dedicated to procurement, finance, travel, or contract/award management to provide solutions and guidance to in-country staff
• Travel to developing countries to conduct training, oversight, monitoring, and relationship building 
• Support new business proposals, working with multi-disciplinary teams from the programs, new business, and cost and pricing units 
• Assist organizing and facilitating internal and external meetings, take minutes and ensure follow-up of decisions
• Regulate project filing system and ensure accuracy of auditable record
• Perform other tasks as assigned

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in international development, environmental science, natural resource management, forestry, climate change, economics or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.  

Experience:

• Minimum two years of relevant experience in program coordination, administration, or logistical support.
• Experience working on United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded programs preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in international development via previous work/volunteer experience and/or academic coursework/research.

Skills: 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills to contribute to project management, donor and partner relations, and new business development content.
• Able to communicate in a clear, professional, and positive manner with a variety of team members, in-country staff and various stakeholders in a multi-cultural environment with respect for diversity. 
• Excellent organizational skills essential, including ability to coordinate a variety of tasks independently, meet deadlines, work effectively under pressure, and work as team player.
• Ability to always demonstrate the highest level of ethical standards.
• Effective use of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and other technologies essential to doing business. 
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and adapt to changing situations. 
• Proactive and solutions-oriented approach to communication and problem-solving 
• Previous experience being in a customer- or client-facing role preferred. 
• Experience working with US government donors preferred.

Language: Fluency in English required (written and oral); fluency in another language desired.

Required Travel: Must be willing and able to travel internationally on short trips (of two-four weeks) several times a year.

 Must be authorized to work in the United States.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

This position has a salary of $62,000 – $64,000 with an excellent benefits package including a 10% 403b annual contribution, excellent health care coverage and PTO/holiday leave plans. View Winrock's total rewards benefits package.

Winrock is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people and value diversity and inclusiveness. Winrock recruits, employs, trains, promotes and compensates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, or any other basis protected by law.
At Winrock we have a clear mission: Empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources through unwavering dedication to accountability, equity, innovation, integrity and transformation.
Winrock knows that its success comes from the hard work and steadfast dedication of its diverse workforce. Winrock remains committed to maintaining diversity, inclusion and equity across the entire organization