Description
Why RTIRTI International is an independent scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems. We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you. . About the Hiring GroupRTI’s Center for International Development implements large-scale, multidisciplinary projects across health, energy, agriculture, water, and education by leveraging RTI’s deep cross-Institutional knowledge, proven solutions, and contextual expertise to increase global impact by improving lives, driving economic growth, and enhancing stability in fragile and developing geographies. What You'll DoGeneralServe as the primary local grant and procurement resource for the project, providing end-to-end execution of all matters of the local grant and procurement process. Advise project leadership on grant and procurement approaches that facilitate the effective execution of project technical activities in line with workplans and objectives.Oversee the management of local grants and procurement, including tracking, reviewing, and approving grant proposals and RFQs, in coordination with the project Senior Management Team (COP, DCOP, FAM) and the RTI International Grants and Procurement team.Manage all sourcing activities in Ethiopia to achieve best value and meet required lead times, including evaluating the budgetary impact of grant and procurement transactions.Effectively train staff on RTI Grants and Procurement Policies and Procedures; guide processes and verify that all procurements are executed and approved in accordance with RTI policies and applicable client regulations.As applicable, manage grant and procurement staff in the successful execution and management of project grant and procurement activities.GrantsDevelop and implement the grants management program (Technology Adoption Fund) in coordination with project leadership, the RTI International Grants and Procurement team, and other technical staff as needed.In coordination with the project technical team, lead the development of notices of funding opportunities including Request for Applications (RFA), Expression of Interest (EOI) and Annual Program Statement (APS). Coordinate the selection committee in the review of technical and financial applications submitted, including negotiating budgets and SOWs; perform pre-award assessments and due diligence; preparation of selection reports and grant package for internal and client approvals.Prepare grant agreements for execution and create the grants in Grants Management System (GMS), upload all supporting documents.Conduct monitoring of grants activity to ensure absence of fraud, wastage and abuse. Coordinate monitoring of grantee by project technical team through review of grantee reports, financial performance and budgets; program monitoring to assure progress with workplan schedules and targets, and compliance. Maintain grants files in GMS and SharePoint, including records on activity approval, tracking of payments and other quality control activities, ensuring an audit trail for all necessary documentation. Ensure timely financial disbursements, compliance with financial management policies, monitor all award expenses, and provide regular updates on grant status. Provide guidance/technical assistance to awardees on applicable rules and regulations and ensure compliance with terms of grant agreement.ProcurementProvides procurement training of project staff to ensure awareness and understanding of procurement procedures and policies to avoid violations and ratifications, and minimize fraud, wastage and abuse.Coordinate with project technical and operations staff to develop a procurement plan that guides the procurement process, enhances efficiency, ensures timely execution, and supports effective project implementation. Implement measures and strategies to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the project’s procurement process, including strategic sourcing, vendor prequalification, best value analysis, master service agreements, and procurement tracking.Develop Requests for Quotations (RFQ) with input from the project technical teams. Prepares, issues, executes, tracks, and closes out purchase orders, Consultant Agreements and Short-Term Independent Contractors Agreement in compliance with applicable US and Ethiopian government regulations, and RTI policies.Using the standard procurement file structure, maintain procurement supporting documents in SharePoint ensuring completeness and ease of access for review and audit purposes.Identify procurement risks and develop mitigation strategies for risks such as seasonality, inflation, or supply chain disruptions. Monitor agriculture-related market trends and anticipate supply disruptions and pricing shifts Oversee system for supplier performance monitoring to ensure effective and high-quality delivery and proactively resolve any issues Oversee vendor payment monitoring to ensure on-time payment aligned to verifiable goods and services delivered.On a regular basis, liaise and regularly consult with the Regional Procurement Manager for complex procurements including execution of procurements above project Delegation of Authority;Contribute to property and inventory control management by sharing key information on purchases and deliveries with relevant staff. What You'll NeedRequired Skills and Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of relevant experience, Master's degree and 6 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.Professional certifications in areas related to grants, procurement and logistics management preferred.Demonstrated experience in grants and procurement management in international-donor-funded projects, experience with USG-funded projects required.Demonstrated experience working with diverse partners such as agrodealers, financial institutions, and private sector companies preferred. Experience providing guidance to project partners and staff. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a team-oriented setting.Proven ability to work under pressure, and with multiple concurrent demands. Verbal and written fluency in English required.Ability and willingness to travel frequently throughout Ethiopia to regional activity sites.Prior experience with RTI and/or Agriculture projects preferredResponsibilities
Qualification
Required Skills and Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of relevant experience, Master's degree and 6 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.Professional certifications in areas related to grants, procurement and logistics management preferred.Demonstrated experience in grants and procurement management in international-donor-funded projects, experience with USG-funded projects required.Demonstrated experience working with diverse partners such as agrodealers, financial institutions, and private sector companies preferred. Experience providing guidance to project partners and staff. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a team-oriented setting.Proven ability to work under pressure, and with multiple concurrent demands. Verbal and written fluency in English required.Ability and willingness to travel frequently throughout Ethiopia to regional activity sites.Prior experience with RTI and/or Agriculture projects preferred
