Grants & Contracts Lead

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY – This position is based in New Zealand or Fiji

The Grants Manager is responsible for managing grants and contract-related activities for a program or division. Working closely with external partners and CI staff, they oversee grant-making activities, including planning and application activities, contracting, day-to-day administration, reporting, and close-out.

The Grants Manager reviews grants applications, proposals, agreements, and other grants information and ensures the accuracy of information in the grants system/database. They monitor grant activities, review financial reports, including partner reports, and generate internal and external financial and related reports. Working to minimize risk to CI, the Grants Manager reviews program grants activities for compliance with CI and grantor policies and procedures. They provide follow-up on issues identified during the review process and help lead training and capacity-building efforts to strengthen grants processes.

Functioning as a key liaison, the Grants Manager ensures effective communications with key stakeholders. They compile and manage grant information/resources, respond to requests from partners and program/HQ staff, and maintain complete, accurate, and up-to-date filing and tracking systems.

This position supervises staff, and duties are performed under general supervision.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Grants Award/Contract Project Support:

• Develop materials and manage announcements of grants and subcontract opportunities.
• Implement systems and processes for receiving, reviewing, and awarding subgrants and contracts.
• Monitor proposals, including project approval/rejection and overall project status. Ensure relevant CI staff are informed of deadlines, targets, and workflow changes.
• Review grantee technical and financial reports and provide related technical oversight. Coordinate site visits/desk reviews as needed.
• Manage legal/HQ review of agreements and ensure all necessary signatures are in place.
• Review and manage contract amendments and additions.
• Manage grants close-out activities as directed.

Grants Administration and Monitoring:

• Ensure complete, accurate, and timely data and information are maintained in the grants system. Work with system administrators to resolve recording issues; recommend system improvements as appropriate.
• Manage routine and non-routine financial transactions.
• Manage timely and accurate reporting, including budgets, actuals, and related status reports.
• Monitor existing grants for compliance with grant agreements and CI policies and procedures.
• Act as a primary information resource for all stakeholders and assist with financial, compliance and system reporting questions.
• Track frequently asked questions and develop training and related tools to address gaps and build staff and partner capacity.
• Manage files and grants tracking systems.

Additional Responsibilities

• Ability to travel on occasion as required by the Supervisor.

People and Resource Management Responsibilities

• Supervises up to three employees.
• Manages an individual budget. Decisions that bind or commit CI are approved by the immediate supervisor.
• Responsible for managing some public or private funds, monitoring results, and recommending follow-up action. Reviews for understanding and compliance with donor agreements.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or up to four years of college-level work.
• 4 to 6 years of experience in grants management, business administration, accounting, or a related discipline.
• Up to 2 years of experience supervising staff and managing and motivating others.
• Previous experience with a grants management system.
• Team player and proven ability to work cooperatively with internal and external partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized and able to multitask, prioritize, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.

Preferred

• Salesforce experience.
• Capacity building experience

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: December 25, 2025 (11:49 PM EST)

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.