Operations Specialist

The Operations Specialist will support the Policy Team in the Policy and Public Funding Business Unit. Specifically, the Specialist will support the teams by providing executive assistance support to the leadership of the Policy team, and executing tasks related to one or more functional activities, such as project coordination, operations support, meetings management special events and expense report preparation and reviews.

This position reports to the Senior Director of Policy and is a full-time position. This position may be located anywhere TNC is authorized to conduct business, with a preference for Latin America (Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Operations Specialist will support the delivery of the strategic priorities of the Policy Team through the delivery of executive assistance to the leadership of the team, including calendar management and expense reporting. They may also be responsible for planning and execution of logistics for special events and/or meetings, and data and information management.  In addition, the Specialist may perform Information Systems and administrative tasks, including processing forms, preparing reports and forecasts, supporting contracts management and monitoring budgets. They will respond to inquiries about program activities, create program materials, and draft correspondence. They will be well versed in the systems and resources utilized by the team in order to execute assigned tasks. They will maintain, track and research data, produce and review reports, and perform program analysis. The Specialist will provide guidance in satisfying administrative requirements based on extensive knowledge of policies and procedures. They will provide support for targeted training related to the functional area of the team. They will implement processes and practices in order to improve effectiveness. The Specialist may communicate with staff in various programs across the Conservancy, as well as with donors, volunteers, vendors, and business relations. They will communicate or distribute information to assist staff in making decisions, solving problems, and improving workflow.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Contribute to the effective and efficient management of the team by assisting the policy leadership team and leading coordination on administrative and operational matters across the team as and when required;

• Provide project coordination support across policy teams, including tracking action items, facilitating follow-up, engaging stakeholders, and managing data and information;

• Support meeting management activities, including scheduling, note-taking, action item tracking, and follow-up;
• Coordinate special events, including by managing schedules, drafting communications, curating participant lists, overseeing logistics, and ensuring technology readiness;
• Expense report preparation and review;

• Work within scope of program’s strategic goals;

• Act independently on assigned tasks and exercise independent judgment based on analysis and experience, referring difficult questions and unusual problems to supervisor;

• Coordinate projects with several variables, working within a defined timeline and budget;

• Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information;

• Perform non-routine analysis, research and follow-through;

• Ensure compliance with Conservancy policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements;

• May act as a resource to others to solve problems and act in supervisor’s stead when instructed;

• Provide input through project teams for the improvement of existing programs;

• Travel and work flexible hours as needed;

• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain; and

• Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.

The challenges facing our planet today require comprehensive solutions that address the well-being of people and nature and lay the foundation for future conservation efforts. Promoting policies that provide benefits to both people and nature is critical to securing lasting conservation outcomes. The work and expertise of The Nature Conservancy’s Policy and Public Funding (“PPF”) programs are integral to this effort. The Policy and Public Funding business unit is helping to shape the government policies that help make possible achievement of transformative conservation outcomes to address climate change, enhance protection of lands, waters, and the ocean, and provide food and water sustainably. We have an awesome task at hand, and the work that you do here will have a direct impact on our success.

We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. To implement these priorities, we collaborate actively in a non-confrontational manner with public sector agencies, NGOs, academia, business and the finance sector.

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years related experience or equivalent combination;

• Experience coordinating administrative processes;

• Experience generating reports and interpreting data;

• Experience in business writing, editing, and proofreading;

• Experience organizing time and managing diverse activities to meet deadlines; and

• Experience working across teams and communicating with a wide range of people

This position may be based in any country where TNC has an established entity with a preference for Latin America (Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru), taking into consideration legal restrictions, such as non-national ratios and immigration processing times. For all applicants, pay ranges will be in local currency and the pay range will be based on the local labor market. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment and used to determine your actual pay range. Additionally, for all applicants, actual pay will fall within a range based on a variety of factors including, for example, the candidate’s qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
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TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.