Senior Operations and Administration Coordinator - Nature Finance Africa

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, South Africa

Conservation International (CI) is launching a bold new initiative to close the finance gap for conservation and protected areas across Africa. To support the successful delivery of this initiative, we are seeking a Senior Operations & Administration Coordinator. This role is central to the operational success of the Nature Finance team, providing critical administrative, financial, and HR support to ensure efficient delivery and compliance across projects.

The Senior Operations and Administration Coordinator will be responsible for day-to-day operations, including onboarding, financial transactions, expense tracking, time reporting, and travel logistics. They will maintain accurate project data, support internal and donor compliance, and coordinate meetings and events. The role also involves liaising with IT and other departments to resolve operational issues and ensure smooth functioning.

Ideal candidates will be detail-oriented, organized, and experienced in managing cross-functional operations in a dynamic, mission-driven environment. This is an opportunity to contribute and to be part of a team that seeks to develop innovative finance mechanisms that protect nature and support communities across Africa.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the primary resource for operational matters on the program and within the Nature Finance department, ensuring services run efficiently and in alignment with CI and CSA policies.
• Educate and support staff in applying operational procedures and resolving queries.
• Coordinate onboarding processes and manage HR documentation.
• Oversee financial transactions, including purchase orders, reimbursements, reclasses, and expense tracking.
• Maintain accurate project data in CI’s management systems and generate reports as needed.
• Review time reporting and collaborate with payroll to ensure correct coding and adjustments.
• Organize travel logistics and process related expense reports.
• Maintain organized filing systems and track contracts and donor agreements for compliance.
• Provide logistical support for internal meetings and external events.
• Liaise with IT to resolve departmental tech issues.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Up to 10% travel annually.
• Flexible working hours will be discussed during the interview process, aligned with the requirement to be available to work across time zones.
• This is a fixed-term assignment, expected to last 2 years initially, with potential for extension, based on performance and funding.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree/three-year tertiary qualification in Business Administration, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent.
• 2 to 4 years of relevant experience in operations, administration, or finance.
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Discretion in handling personnel and financial matters.
• Proficiency in MS Office and ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Advanced PowerPoint, Word, and Excel skills.

Preferred

• Experience working in both a for-profit/corporate and a nonprofit or donor-funded environment.
• Experience supporting a complex, multiyear program of work.
• Experience in a consulting environment is advantageous.

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

Application Deadline: October 13, 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.