Purpose of the Role

Provide targeted analytical, administrative, and coordination support to CSF’s proposal development and central management functions. This role is designed for a recent economics graduate or advanced student seeking practical experience in conservation finance and project development within a global organization.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to and supervised by CSF’s Lead Economist, this position primarily supports proposal identification and development—helping identify opportunities, manage the proposal pipeline, conduct background research, and support drafting and coordination. At the same time, the role has an essential cross-functional interface with CSF’s Chief Finance & Administrative Officer and the Associate Director of Operations to deliver administrative and central management support, ensuring proposal and organizational processes run smoothly through strong file/version control, logistics, and operational coordination.

A. Proposal Identification & Development

• Monitor donor platforms and identify funding opportunities aligned with CSF’s strategic priorities.
• Maintain and update the pipeline tracker, deadlines, and internal go/no-go briefs.
• Support proposal drafting structure sections, format templates, update staff CVs, and compile compliance documentation.
• Conduct background research on countries, policies, cost estimates, and economic/environmental data to strengthen proposals.
• Support the Lead Economist to analyze the CSF submission database to identify why we are successful or not and come up with a system/process to select proposals that give us a better chance of success.
• Assist with internal and external coordination: schedule meetings, prepare agendas and notes, and manage follow-up actions.
• Other tasks that might arise during the contractual agreement.

B. Administrative & Central Management Support

• Maintain shared filing systems, naming conventions, and version control for proposals and organizational documents.
• Support logistical and administrative processes including:
  • Booking tickets and travel logistics for workshops, staff meetings, and partner engagements.
  • Assisting with expense report preparation and submission.
  • Coordinating with operations on invoices, consultant paperwork, and contract documents.
• Provide ad hoc support to the central management team during peak periods.

Workload & Behavioral Competencies

Workstreams are cyclical, with high-intensity periods aligned with donor deadlines and needs from the administrative team.

The position requires:

•  Strong attention to detail across all tasks.
• Patience and consistency with administrative processes.
• Ability to remain organized under pressure and when priorities shift.

Required Qualifications

• Recent graduate or final-year student in Economics.
• Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, with excellent written and verbal communication in both languages.
• Strong analytical, research, and writing skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office and/or Google Workspace.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or practical exposure to environmental economics, finance, or project evaluation.
• Experience supporting proposal development, research, or administrative coordination.

Professional Development Opportunities

• Involvement in international proposal development and conservation finance initiatives.
• Mentorship from senior economists and fundraising specialists.
• Career growth opportunities toward technical, coordination, or development roles within the organization.

Contract position (not employment): This role is offered as an independent contractor/consultant engagement and does not constitute employment with CSF. As such, it does not include employee benefits, and the contractor is responsible for applicable taxes and statutory obligations.

Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:

• A concise cover letter (in English), describing motivation and relevant experience
• A current CV (maximum two pages) and link to your LinkedIn profile if available.
• Contact information for one to two academic or professional references

Please send your application materials to [email protected]. 
Subject line: Junior Economist & Proposal Support Associate – [Your Name]

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

About Conservation Strategy Fund (CSF)
Conservation Strategy Fund (CSF) is an international non-governmental organization that applies economics to protect nature and improve human well-being. CSF works with governments, civil society, Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, and the private sector to design and implement policies, projects, and financial mechanisms that align economic incentives with conservation outcomes. Our team combines rigorous analysis, capacity building, and strategic partnerships to advance climate, biodiversity, and sustainable development goals across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and beyond.