RTI International

Overview

Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has over 30 years’ experience assisting governments, communities, and the private sector. As a not-for-profit, independent research institute based in North Carolina, USA, RTI has roughly 6,000 employees with global experience implementing international development projects. RTI's Sustainable Growth & Resilience (SG&R) technical unit within the International Development Group brings together RTI experts and capabilities across food security, agriculture, energy, environment, water, governance, and economic opportunity. SG&R will leverage RTI's experience designing and delivering multisectoral programming and technical solutions to respond to climate change, build resilience, and promote economic growth around the world.

SG&R’s Global Food Security and Agriculture portfolio is working to strengthen agricultural markets, engage youth and women as critical leaders of the on- and off-farm workforce, and tackle the dual burden of malnutrition around the globe. RTI’s work is helping foster stronger food systems, reduce malnutrition in all its forms, build resilience and engage the next generation of food security leaders. RTI is currently partnering on nearly 30 projects in East Africa, including activities focused on private sector-driven agricultural growth in Rwanda and market systems development in Kenya.

Project Description

The purpose of the anticipated USAID Sri Lanka Economic Modernization Activity is to enhance Sri Lankan economic competitiveness through an improved business enabling environment, increased small and medium business export competitiveness, and upgraded workforce capacity. Key activity themes may include greater agriculture sector efficiency and competitiveness and inclusive, accessible, and desirable jobs.

Position Description

RTI is seeking a Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated Sri Lanka Economic Modernization Activity. The COP will be responsible for overall project performance, management, and execution ensuring all project deliverables are completed with excellence, within budget, and in compliance with USAID requirements. This position will provide project planning, oversight, leadership, and coordination. The COP will build and maintain strong and favorable client, partner, community, home office and team relations. They will provide technical assistance, coordinate with local government as appropriate, and support activities where necessary.

The COP will be based in Colombo, Sri Lanka and report to the RTI Home Office.

Position is contingent upon award and funding.

Responsibilities

• Oversees project performance and budget management.
• Leads planning, oversight and coordination of all project activities and personnel, operational and technical.
• Ensures all project deliverables exceed expectations and are managed within budget.
• Manages client relations and serves as primary liaison and IDG Representative with the client and stakeholders regarding overall policy, resource mobilization and allocation, joint initiatives and coordination of project management and planning.
• Ensures internal integration of project activities through 1) the annual work plan and budgeting process; 2) creating/maintaining an effective project management team; 3) overseeing an effective monitoring and evaluation system
• Provides leadership and oversight for areas such as Finance, Operations, Reporting, Public Affairs, Fund Management and Human Resources; liaise with Regional Office and business partners per policy and practice.
• Holds responsibility for ensuring all staff receive adequate security and operational support and that Standard Operating Procedures are implemented.
• Manages all aspects of staffing as well as creates and maintains a clear organizational structure with specific roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines.
• Ensures management systems are operational to track expenditures (including labor) and monitor same against the Program work plan and budget, according to both company policy and client standards/regulations.
• Holds responsibility for developing and implementing practices to ensure a high level of staff morale and retention.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 15 years of experience, Master's degree and 12 years of experience, PhD and 8 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience and expertise in the implementation of large and complex projects relating to economic development, business promotion, agricultural market systems, workforce development, and/or related fields.
• Ten (10) years of progressive senior management experience on international donor programs preferred.
• Five years’ substantive experience working with counterparts at various levels of government, private sector leaders, and other stakeholders in agricultural development preferred.
• Experience working in Sri Lanka and/or South Asia is preferred, with a demonstrated understanding of existing platforms and opportunities for economic and agricultural development.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated skills in building, mobilizing, and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledgeable and experienced with international development contracting policies and procedures (USAID preferred).
• Ability to travel and work throughout Sri Lanka and in difficult terrain/conditions at times.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

EEO & Pay Equity Statements

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States.

RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.