RTI International

Overview

RTI International / Research Triangle Institute (RTI) is both a global research institute and a leading international development organization. We combine these powerful capabilities with those of our partners to co-create smart, shared solutions for a more prosperous, equitable, and resilient world. Based in North Carolina, USA, RTI is one of USAID’s top implementing partners. A commitment to making meaningful change energizes our 6,000 staff who deliver results across eight international development sectors and in more than 80 countries.  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 USAID Food Security, Nutrition and Resilience (FSNR) Activity in Liberia is to improve Liberia’s food and nutrition security and households’ resilience. This is a five-year activity that will target smallholder farmers, subsistence farmers, cooperatives, women, and youth groups in rural and peri-urban communities. The program will be based in Monrovia, Liberia and provide programming in Lofa, Bong, Nimba, Margibi, Grand Bassa, and Montserrado communities.  

Position Description  

RTI is seeking an Associate Manager of Procurement for the recently awarded USAID Food Security, Nutrition and Resilience (FSNR) Activity in Liberia. The Associate Manger of Procurement provides support to Finance and Operations Director in the overall management of the processes of Procurement (Local and International), transport of procured goods, and oversight of asset management and inventory control.  

This position will report to the Finance and Operations Director and will be based in Monrovia, Liberia.  

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary procurement resource for the project, providing end-to-end execution of all matters of procurement. 
• Coordinate with the project technical and operations staff to develop a procurement plan to guide procurement process, create efficiencies, timeliness and overall support effectively project implementation. 
• Effectively communicate RTI Procurement Policies and Procedures to staff; guide processes and verify that all procurements are executed and approved in accordance with RTI Procurement Policies and Procedures and applicable client regulations. 
• Implement appropriate measures and strategies to enhance the quality and effectiveness of procurement process at the project including process enhancement, strategic sourcing, prequalification of vendors, best value analysis in selection decisions, master service agreements, procurement trackers, etc. 
• Maintain complete documentation of procurement files for audit purposes; Ensure procurement folders in SharePoint are complete, well-structured, and up to date. 
• Conduct procurement training and orientation on a regular basis for new staff. 
• Performs all phases of sourcing activity to ensure best value and within required lead times for a variety of requirements in Liberia, 
• Ensure compliance with the applicable RTI procurement policies and procedures, contractual terms, USAID’s rules, and regulation.  
• Develops institutionalization of best practices and any guides, as needed; participates actively in the iGAPS organized regional knowledge sharing forums. 
• Contributes to the supply chain management efforts up to and including logistical support from the ordering point through the follow-up, expediting, and delivery of the required goods and/or services.  
• Support the payments cycle by providing inputs for Cash Management Request (CMR) prepare and submit of all the procurement paperwork required for payments processing.  
• Participate in the identification and selection process for suitable residential / office spaces for leasing, as applicable.  
• Contracts/ leases and agreements administration; monitor to ensure contract terms are adhered to and track Local Purchase Order (LPO) / contracts performance periods. 
• Perform vendor prequalification exercise, and contracts renewals.  
• Prepare and maintain procurement status reports and update procurement tools such as the Short-term Independent Contractor (STIC) & Consultancy Agreements Tracker, the LPOs and Requisitions Tracker as well as the Contracts Register.  
• Support in the preparation of Tax exemption documents in accordance with USAID cooperating country rules and regulations.  
• Maintain procurement files both hard and soft in accordance with applicable policies and procedures to maintain an audit trail throughout the procurement process.  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of experience, or a Master's degree and 3 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• The candidate must have at least 3 years of experience working in procurement or related field.  
• Demonstrated experience supporting a donor-funded program; USAID programming strongly preferred.  
• Additional qualifications in accounting or business management strongly preferred.  
• Strong financial and administrative management, organizational and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a team-oriented setting.  
• Experience with USAID, DfID or other donor agency regulations highly preferred.  
• Professional training in procurement and logistics management preferred.  
• Proficiency in English is required.   
• Ability to work throughout Liberia.