Wildlife Funds Manager at Wildlife Conservation Network – Zimbabwe

The Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN) is a rapidly growing leader in wildlife conservation. WCN uses its collaborative, entrepreneurial, innovative, and philanthropically generous approach to wildlife conservation to reverse crises facing threatened species. In support of WCN’s mission to protect endangered wildlife by supporting conservationists who ensure people and wildlife coexist and thrive, WCN gives conservation leaders access to donors and a range of resources and tools they need to be successful. WCN has three main conservation strategies: Partner Network, Wildlife Funds, and Rising Wildlife Leaders.

WCN’s dedicated and diverse team values the people and relationships behind conservation as much as the science and strategy to save wildlife. We are looking for a highly organized, dedicated individual who will provide administrative and contractual support at all stages of the grants lifecycle, project management, and coordination for one or more programs in WCN’s portfolio of Wildlife Funds.

Key Responsibilities:

Grant Administration and Financial Services:
Manage all stages of the grant administration and contracting process accurately and efficiently, including drafting agreements, compliance documentation, amendments, and payments;
Manage Wildlife Fund databases to ensure up-to-date data on current, upcoming, and historical grants and payments, and provide insights needed for financial and project planning;
Serve as key coordinator between one or more Wildlife Funds the WCN Finance Department to ensure adherence to compliance and efficient workflow;
Provide up-to-date data to WCN leadership and Directors to assist with financial and project planning;
Uphold WCN’s compliance and due diligence standards.

Program Coordination and Support:
Provide central administrative support and project management one or more Wildlife Funds, including multichannel communication with grantees;
Assist Wildlife Fund leadership in gathering and compiling data for program metrics;
Support Granting Committee and Leadership Team meetings through scheduling, coordinating, and minute-keeping;
Manage Wildlife Fund reporting processes: track interim reporting, process grantee reports for administrative tracking, verify compliance with reporting requirements, capture and code impact data in fund databases, and flag overdue or non-compliant submissions to the Associate Director;
Serve as a thought partner for Wildlife Fund leadership, including the development of new initiatives;
Provide additional support as needed, including coordinating logistics for internal fund meetings, granting committee sessions, and donor events (scheduling, venue, travel, and minute-taking), and/or conducting visits to grantees.

Communications and Donor Engagement:
Provide logistical and materials support for donor engagement led by Lead Fundraiser, including developing donor materials, arranging meetings, and coordinating events;
Develop high-quality proposals and reports for program donors and key partners;
Serve as a key liaison to the WCN Communications Team, including managing photo databases for supported Wildlife Funds, providing content and updates for Wildlife Fund websites, sourcing material from grantee reports for collateral development, and assisting with the execution of marketing campaigns;
As with all WCN staff, support fundraising efforts for Conservation Partners, Wildlife Funds, Network organizations, and other WCN initiatives, including personal interactions with supporters, assistance with institutional fundraising efforts, and the delivery of information, stories, and reports that compel deeper and continued support by donors.

- Priority given to citizens or permanent residents of countries in Africa;
- Bachelor’s or higher degree with a minimum of 5 years of experience in grants management and/or grant writing, or related administrative field;
- Strong computer literacy with the ability to work in databases such as Salesforce and Google Suite;
- Strong understanding of the conservation sector and how conservation NGOs function, with preference for related grant management experience;
- Professional written and spoken English proficiency is required, with proficiency in French or Swahili preferred;
- Highly organized, with keen attention to detail and strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
- Ability to absorb and process large volumes of complex information (e.g., financial and scientific reports), distilling key points for target audiences;
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and efficient;
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills across different cultures, with customer service professionalism;
- Ability to work independently and in a collaborative, team-oriented culture;
- Flexibility to work with shifting priorities and dynamic needs;
- Ability to travel internationally, including occasional travel to the field;
- Strong alignment with WCN’s Core Values and integrity beyond reproach.