Cardno Emerging Markets USA, Ltd. (Cardno) is seeking a Development Specialist (DS) to join our Communities, Infrastructure, and Environment (CIE) practice. We are searching for an enthusiastic high performer who has a passion for supporting environmental (climate change, biodiversity, conservation) projects in developing countries. Candidates must have experience working on donor-funded or private-sector.
Job Description:
Cardno Emerging Markets USA, Ltd. (Cardno) is seeking a Development Specialist (DS) to join our Communities, Infrastructure, and Environment (CIE) practice. We are searching for an enthusiastic high performer who has a passion for supporting environmental (climate change, biodiversity, conservation) projects in developing countries. Candidates must have experience working on donor-funded or private-sector led initiatives in the one or more of the following areas:
Natural resource management
Compatible land use and forestry
Biodiversity and conservation
Environmental policy and environmental management
Water resource management and security
Climate change risk management and sustainability
The DS will contribute to business development, project management, and technical assignments. The primary duties and responsibilities of the DS will include, but are not limited to:
Business Development (50%)
Contribute to pre-proposal and proposal efforts through coordination, market research, recruitment, and other areas as required.
Support opportunity teaming efforts including identification of partners, evaluation of qualifications, partner outreach, and relationship management.
Support development of technical approaches and development of budgets.
Provide written inputs to various sections of proposals including technical narratives, staffing, qualifications, management, and other, as required by the requests for proposals (RFPs).
Participate in overseas marketing initiatives, targeting key private and public sector stakeholders and/or USAID.
Liaise with recruiters and field staff to identify, interview and recruit the best candidates for upcoming projects.
Conceptualize and draft marketing materials in consultation with communications staff.
Identify new opportunities through desktop and in-country research.
Project Management (30%)
Serve as project coordinator for designated projects including deliverable coordination, technical direction, staffing, contractual/subcontract oversight, budgeting, monitoring of progress, review of final products.
Liaise between field and headquarters office teams on operational, contractual, human resource, and administrative matters. Maintain and manage a positive working relationship with consultants and clients.
Draft terms of reference for technical assistance activities for designated projects. Recruit subcontracts and consultants to carry out required tasks.
Monitor project budgets, project invoices, and monthly projections.
Support start-up and close out of projects as needed.
Technical (20%)
Undertake technical research to support on-going project and practice initiatives, including in key areas of growth.
Coordinate and contribute to the completion of technical products.
Support field implementation activities.
Represent Cardno as a technical professional, to include external networking events and participation in subject matter working groups internally and externally.
Contribute to technical reports and thought pieces for clients, internal Cardno reports, and the broader international development community.
Required Qualifications:
Undergraduate degree in Environmental Management, Environmental Policy, Climate Change Studies, Conservation Management, Sustainability
Overseas work experience with donor-funded initiatives (such as USAID) in a relevant technical field (e.g., natural resource management, land use, biodiversity and conservation, environmental policy, environmental management, climate change adaptation, water security)
1-3 years of progressively responsible technical experience in international development working on the project activities in the aforementioned technical fields
Strong oral and written communication skills
Experience in project coordination for various clients, public and private sector
Experience providing business development and proposal coordinating support for United States Government development institutions and other international development organizations
Strong analytical capabilities, critical thinking skills
Clear and concise writing capabilities
Ability to work independently and in teams
Self-motivated with attention to detail and passion for development
Willingness to travel overseas to developing countries up to 20% of the time
US work authorization required
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree / MBA focused on Environmental Management, Environmental Policy, Climate Change Studies, Conservation Management, Sustainability
Overseas work experience on a USAID-funded initiatives
Private sector experience working on issues such as environmental and social impact, sustainability reporting, and/or climate risk
Project management experience on large, complex donor-funded initiatives
Experience leading and writing proposals for United States Government development institutions and other international development organizations
Equal Opportunity statement for US based applicants
Cardno is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position will require proof of Covid-19 vaccination as a condition of employment and reasonable accommodation will be considered.
Cardno has a long standing policy of Equal Opportunity in employment. Our practice is to fill positions by selecting applicants who can perform the work in a competent and professional manner. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status. At any time, if you need an accommodation during the application process, please contact Human Resources.
Cardno does not accept unsolicited resumes from any 3rd party agencies. No fee will be paid to 3rd parties who submit unsolicited resumes to any Cardno employee. Resumes from approved vendors must be specifically requested by Cardno and approved by the Cardno Talent Acquisition Team.
Why join Cardno?
Be part of a global company where the work you do today will make a difference for generations to come.
At Cardno our people have a shared purpose to make a difference in the world – whether it’s delivering a sustainable infrastructure project in their local community or improving health outcomes on the other side of the world. Doing good work that benefits others is our greatest motivator.
When you join Cardno, you’ll be part of a diverse global team of talented technical experts and professionals. Working in collaborative and connected environments, your development will be mapped and supported to help you reach your career goals.
Balancing work, life and wellbeing is also important to us and we provide a number of initiatives and opportunities to help you achieve a happy working life at Cardno.
Our work is diverse and interesting and you’ll have the best people on your side to lend a hand. Because at Cardno it’s never about a single person or job – it’s about a shared vision that guides our results, and shapes how we deliver them.
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