Operations Specialist – P4G Programme
World Resources Institute (WRI)
Quick Take
Manage budgets, subgrant agreements, financial reporting, and administrative operations for WRI's P4G climate and development programme across a global team based in Nairobi.
Proven experience in non-profit/INGO grant and budget management, strong grasp of donor compliance requirements, and ability to juggle multiple workstreams under tight deadlines.
Mid-market salary (KES 150–250k/mo), hands-on exposure to international climate finance, work with a respected global NGO, and rapid skill-building in grants administration.
Job Description
World Resources Institute (WRI) is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Operations Specialist to support the P4G (Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030) programme. This role sits at the intersection of finance, grants management, and operational administration, providing critical backbone support to ensure the programme runs efficiently and compliantly across a globally dispersed team.
Based in Nairobi, the successful candidate will work closely with the P4G Operations Manager and broader team to manage budgets, administer subgrant agreements, coordinate events, and maintain digital records. If you thrive in fast-paced, mission-driven environments and enjoy wearing multiple hats, this is an excellent opportunity to deepen your expertise in international NGO operations.
- Support day-to-day project finances by reviewing financial transactions and maintaining up-to-date budgets within WRI's financial management software (Workday).
- Monitor the programme budget against a multiyear output-based budget framework, flagging variances and supporting corrective action.
- Assist in financial reporting and audit processes, ensuring accuracy and timely submission of all required documentation.
- Contribute to the development of annual budgets aligned with workplans and results frameworks, as well as new proposal budgets and long-term financial strategies.
- Collaborate with the P4G team to ensure full compliance with the terms and conditions of funding awards.
- Process, maintain, and amend subgrant and contract agreements with partners, including administering payments in coordination with the partnerships team.
- Monitor sub-awardee compliance with administrative grant requirements, including timely submission of reports and audits.
- Support the timely and accurate submission of progress and financial reports, and ensure compliance with internal procurement, contract, and budgeting deadlines.
- Assist in identifying, escalating, and resolving operational issues, and contribute to mitigating operational risks across the programme.
- Coordinate with the P4G team and HR on recruitment processes and provide onboarding support for new staff and consultants.
- Provide logistical and coordination support for internal and external events, workshops, and conferences.
- Manage digital archiving of programme information within SharePoint, ensuring data is organised, current, and easily accessible.
- Provide administrative support to the Executive Director on an as-needed basis.
- Demonstrate ability to manage and reconcile project budgets, process financial transactions, and prepare accurate financial reports in a non-profit or INGO context.
- Show competence in administering subgrant and contract agreements, including monitoring compliance with donor requirements and managing payment processes.
- Apply strong organisational skills to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously, meeting tight deadlines across finance, operations, and administration.
- Use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) proficiently to produce reports, track budgets, and manage correspondence.
- Facilitate and coordinate virtual meetings and events using Zoom or Microsoft Teams with distributed, international teams.
- Demonstrate experience working effectively within geographically dispersed, multicultural teams, maintaining clear communication and collaboration across time zones.
- Maintain structured digital records using platforms such as SharePoint, ensuring data integrity and retrieval.
- Apply working knowledge of Workday ERP for financial management (preferred but not mandatory).
- Hold a completed Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a closely related field.
- Bring a minimum of 3 years of full-time relevant experience in operations, finance, administration, or executive support within a non-profit or international development organisation.
WRI offers a competitive compensation package benchmarked to international NGO standards in Kenya. The estimated monthly salary for this role ranges from KES 150,000 to KES 250,000, depending on experience and qualifications. WRI also provides a comprehensive benefits package typical of a global INGO operating in Kenya.
Ideal candidates are mid-level operations or finance professionals with at least 3 years of NGO or INGO experience who are comfortable managing both numbers and people-coordination tasks. You are highly organised, proactive about problem-solving, and confident working independently within a global team. You communicate clearly in English — both in writing and verbally — and are comfortable with digital tools and remote collaboration platforms.
Do not apply if you have fewer than 3 years of relevant work experience, lack experience in non-profit finance or grants management, or are not yet proficient with standard office and virtual collaboration tools. This role requires immediate competence — it is not a training position.
- Visit the official WRI careers portal at wri.org/careers or the WRI Africa regional page.
- Search for the Operations Specialist – P4G position and click Apply.
- Submit your updated CV and a cover letter (maximum 1 page) clearly outlining your relevant experience in NGO operations, financial management, and grants administration.
- Ensure your application is submitted before the advertised closing date. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.
Requirements Breakdown
Must Have
- 2+ years of project finance, grants management, or operations experience in a non-profit or INGO
- Proven ability to manage and reconcile budgets, process financial transactions, and prepare compliant financial reports
- Experience administering subgrant and contract agreements, including monitoring donor compliance
- Proficiency with financial management software (Workday experience is a plus; general accounting software competency required)
- Strong organisational skills with ability to manage multiple workstreams and meet tight deadlines
Nice to Have
- Experience with output-based or results-framework budgeting
- Familiarity with SharePoint or other document management systems
- Knowledge of international development or climate finance programmes
- Experience coordinating events or supporting senior leadership
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Salary Context
Competitive market rate for mid-level Operations Specialist in Nairobi's NGO sector.
KES 150–250k/mo is in line with mid-career operations and grants roles at international NGOs in Nairobi. Salary typically varies by candidate experience, Workday proficiency, and track record managing large multi-country budgets. INGO roles in Kenya generally offer above-market benefits and job security.
About World Resources Institute (WRI)
World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research and advisory organisation focused on sustainable development, environmental protection, and climate action across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. WRI's P4G programme (Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030) works to scale green growth solutions and mobilise finance for climate and development outcomes. The organisation is known for rigorous research, strong partnerships with governments and the private sector, and deep impact in East Africa.
Likely Interview Questions
- 1
Walk us through a time when you identified a budget variance or financial discrepancy. How did you escalate it, and what was the outcome?
- 2
Tell us about your experience managing subgrant agreements with partners. How do you ensure compliance with donor terms and handle late or non-compliant reporting?
- 3
The P4G programme operates across multiple countries and partners. Describe your experience managing geographically dispersed teams or operations. How do you ensure data accuracy and communication across borders?
- 4
What financial management software have you used, and how comfortable are you learning new systems like Workday on the job?
- 5
This role requires supporting multiple workstreams (budgets, events, HR onboarding, digital archiving) simultaneously. How do you prioritise when deadlines clash, and can you give us an example?
Application Tips
Highlight specific examples of grant budgets you've managed: mention budget size, donor type (e.g. bilateral, foundation), and any complex compliance challenges you've overcome.
Emphasise any experience with multi-country programmes or globally dispersed teams — WRI values candidates who can work across borders and time zones without friction.
Demonstrate familiarity with results-based budgeting, output frameworks, or donor reporting standards (USAID, World Bank, EU, etc.). This is a strong differentiator for this specific P4G role.
Showcase your attention to detail with concrete examples: audits you've prepared for, discrepancies you've caught, or processes you've streamlined.
If you've used Workday, SAP, or similar ERP systems, lead with this — it's a specific technical requirement that will speed up your onboarding.
Career Path
Roles that lead here
Where this leads
Skills & Keywords
Honest Assessment
Green Flags
- WRI is a world-leading NGO with a strong reputation for rigorous work and real-world impact on climate and development — excellent for your CV and professional network.
- The salary range (KES 150–250k/mo) is competitive for Nairobi and reflects INGO-standard benefits and job security.
- Clear, detailed job description signals the employer knows what they need and has invested thought into the role — a sign of professional HR and good onboarding.
- Working on the P4G programme means exposure to cutting-edge green finance, donor relationships, and global-scale project management — strong experience for future roles in climate or development.
Watch Out
- The job description cuts off mid-sentence in the 'Required Skills & Experience' section, suggesting the posting may be incomplete or hastily prepared.
- No mention of learning and development, professional development budget, or career progression pathways — typical for reputable INGOs but worth clarifying at interview.
- Broad range of responsibilities (finance, HR onboarding, event coordination, digital archiving) may signal the role could become a catch-all position; seek clarity on where the boundaries are and whether you'll have dedicated time for strategic work.
A Day in the Life
Your week balances heads-down finance work and real-time coordination. Monday starts with a budget review meeting with the P4G Operations Manager, flagging variances in Workday and discussing corrective actions with country leads. By Wednesday, you're processing two subgrant payment requests, liaising with the partnerships team to verify compliance documentation, and preparing a compliance checklist for an upcoming donor audit. Thursday includes coordinating logistics for a regional workshop (booking venues, tracking RSVPs, preparing budgets) and updating SharePoint with the latest progress reports from partners. Friday is dedicated to financial reconciliation, preparing a variance report, and onboarding a new consultant — collecting paperwork, setting up system access, and scheduling their induction with HR.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to become an Operations Specialist – P4G Programme at World Resources Institute (WRI)?
You'll need 2+ years of experience in non-profit or INGO grant management and finance, demonstrated ability to manage budgets and donor compliance, and proficiency with financial software (Workday is preferred). A background in development, climate, or international work is valued but not always essential if your operations and finance fundamentals are strong.
Is the Operations Specialist – P4G Programme role at World Resources Institute (WRI) remote or office-based?
The role is based in Nairobi and appears to be office-based, though the job description does not explicitly state working-from-home flexibility. It is worth clarifying with WRI during your application or interview whether hybrid or remote options are available.
How much does an Operations Specialist – P4G Programme earn at World Resources Institute (WRI)?
The posted salary is KES 150,000–250,000 per month, depending on your experience and qualifications. This is competitive for mid-level operations roles in Nairobi's NGO sector and typically includes benefits such as health insurance, pension contributions, and professional development support.
What are the career growth opportunities for this role at WRI?
Successful performance in this Operations Specialist role can lead to promotion to P4G Operations Manager, Senior Finance/Grants Officer, or Programme Manager roles. WRI's scale and global reach also mean you may transition into regional or thematic leadership positions over time. The experience is highly transferable to senior operations roles at other large development organisations.
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