Contracts Specialist - Per Diem at Church World Service, Inc. in New York, New York

Job Description:

About CWS



Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.



Purpose



The Contracts Specialist will provide expertise and oversight to contractual agreements, ensuring specific protections, compliance, and organizational interests within contracts. This individual will provide an efficient and 'customer friendly' service to other departments while protecting the organization and ensuring compliance.


CWS seeks a motivated, detail-oriented person with strong organization skills and a team player. This position accomplishes this through a respectful, constructive, and energetic style that complements the other members of the team and is guided by the strategic and operational objectives of CWS.


This is a Per Diem position with compensation based upon an hourly fee for service model.



Responsibilities

• Prepare and revise contractual agreements according to legal and funder requirements, which place the organization in the most favorable position and ability to fulfill its obligations


• Review contract terms and conditions to verify that they are in compliance with organizational policies and all applicable federal and state regulations


• Proofread, edit, and fact-check contracts and other agreements for accuracy and consistency.


• Analyze and approve or reject internal and/or contractor requests for deviations from contract specifications and delivery schedules as approved by senior leadership


• Consult and maintain clear communication with Office of the General Counsel staff and leadership throughout contract negotiation and review process and ability to provide direct support to CWS staff, including senior leadership, through clear communication of guidance


• Ensure that the terms of contractual agreements are written in language that is legally binding and in accordance with the needs of the organization


• Educate parties on the fulfillment of terms or to terminate contracts on mutually amicable terms


• Operate according to an agreed upon schedule to submit drafts and documents in a timely manner.


• Support CWS staff initiating contracts with tools and technical assistance related to the contract review and approval process.

• 6+ years of legal or paralegal experience, preferably working directly with contract law


• Knowledge of current and legally-binding contractual language and terminology


• Knowledge of nonprofit operations including funder relationships and compliance preferred.


• Ability to identify, analyze, and suggest solutions.


• Ability to work independently.


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to partner across departments.


• Clear adherence to organizational policies and procurement rules and regulations


• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multitask on several projects simultaneously.


• Knowledge of negotiation best practices, both verbally and written

• Bachelor's degree required, law degree preferred