Grants & Contracts Coordinator

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 Cape Town or Johannesburg, South Africa.

Conservation South Africa (CSA), a local affiliate of Conservation International, is committed to helping societies adopt a more sustainable approach to development—one that considers and values nature at every turn and improves human well-being through the conservation of healthy ecosystems and the goods and services they provide.  CSA seeks to influence policy, develop markets, engage the private sector, and support communities to develop and implement conservation- based economic growth models.

CSA is seeking a grant and contract coordinator to support the coordination and project management of the grant and contract processes across a portfolio of programs. The successful candidate will be accountable to work with the senior manager for grants and contracts, and internal stakeholders to ensure that quality, time, and spend are appropriately balanced to deliver high-impact outcomes. They will review and process grants and contract-related data and support the maintenance and accuracy of grants and award information in the grants system/database, and in the contract system/database. They will support and assist with the processing of routine financial transactions and help to generate timely financial and related reports, including comparing budgeted vs. actual expenses. The Grants and Contracts Coordinator will review grants and contract-related activities for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with CSA/CI and grantor/subcontract policies and regulations, and support the maintenance of the filing systems. They serve as a key information resource and facilitates effective communications among key stakeholders. The Grants and Contracts Coordinator performs other administrative duties as assigned and may assist with grants and contracts training efforts

This position does not supervise staff, and duties are performed under general supervision; He/she will be based in TBC

RESPONSIBILITIES

Functioning as support to the Grants & Contracts senior Manager for all grants and contracts in CSA, supporting the end-to-end grant and contract processes.

Successful candidates for this position will have experience in procurement, sub-grant management, or other finance or business administration-related fields, the ability to communicate professionally across a diverse community of stakeholders and to uphold the highest standards of integrity. They will also be able to apply excellent attention to detail and compliance expertise.

• Compile and assist in reviewing documents related to the grant award process and contracting process, including developing announcements of grant and subcontract opportunities.
• Support the coordination of preliminary reviews of grantee technical and financial reports.
• Support the coordination of site visits/desk reviews as needed.
• Assist with the monitoring of proposals, including project approval/rejection and overall project status.
• Support in the maintenance of a tracking tool of reports, deadlines, targets, and workflow changes.
• Support the coordination of legal/HQ review of agreements and review that all necessary signatures are in place.
• Support with the processing of grants and contracts amendments and additions.
• Support the coordination of grants and contracts closeout activities as directed.
• Review vendor forms and request the creation of new vendors
• Assist with the financial review and preparation of payments
• Enter and maintain data and information into the contracts and grants system. Work with system administrators to resolve
• Recording issues and recommending system improvements and efficiencies as needed.
• Support in the processing of routine financial transactions, including check requests.
• Assist in providing timely, accurate, and relevant reporting, including budget-to-actual comparisons and status reports.
• Monitor existing grants for compliance with grant agreements and CI policies and procedures.
• Support grant start-ups and close-outs, ensuring all documentation and administrative requirements are completed accurately and on time.
• Process grant amendments, modifications, and extensions, maintaining compliance and proper records.
• Support the maintenance of hard copy and electronic agreements and related files.
• Support the technical leads with the Proposal and Agreement Routing System (PARS)
• Support in the creation and maintenance of all CSA’s Grants and Contracts systems and accounts (Project Master Files, Business World, Conservation Grants)
• Provide other administrative support as directed.

People & Resource Management Responsibilities

• This job does not directly manage staff but assists peers and may direct the work of interns, temporary employees, or contractors.
• Not accountable for an operating budget but tracks and monitors expenditures. Initiates check requests or similar routine transactions within established guidelines.
• Activities help manage public or private funds, but are not directly accountable. Familiar with the requirements of donor agreements and CI's donor-related policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Normal office environment.
• Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process.
• This role will be a fixed-term assignment.
• Travel to other offices and landscape program delivery sites may be required.
• Ability to work extended hours or travel as needed.
   

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• High School or Secondary School education.
• 2 to 4 years of experience in business administration, accounting, or a related discipline.
• Previous experience with a grants management system preferred.
• Team player with the 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

• Up to 2 years of college or technical school. Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, or related field.
• Proficiency in working remotely with manager
• Proficiency in one or more official South African languages in addition to English.
• Passion for and experience in working with rural communities.
• Passion for and some knowledge of the environment and conservation.
• Valid driver’s license

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

Application Deadline: April, 8 2026 (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.

Employment Equity & Legal Compliance Disclaimer

We are committed to fair employment practices and abide by the Employment Equity Act (Act No. 55 of 1998, as amended), the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, and all related regulations. We promote transformation by eliminating unfair discrimination and implementing affirmative action measures for designated groups, including Black people, women, and people with disabilities.

As a designated employer, we have implemented an Employment Equity Plan aligned with sectoral and national benchmarks, and we monitor and report progress annually in compliance with the Employment Equity Regulations (2025).

When entering into offers or contracts with any organ-of-state, we comply with Section 53 of the Act by attaching either a valid Employment Equity compliance certificate or a declaration of compliance with Chapters II and III of the Act, as required.

Application Outcome & Future Opportunities

Should you not hear back from us within two weeks of the closing date for this advertisement, please consider your application not successful. We encourage you to apply for any future roles that align with your skill set.