Chief of Party

Job Description

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.

RTI currently implementing the USAID/Rwanda funded Task Order “KWA” (Kungahara Wagura Amasoko). KWA supports the acceleration of Rwanda’s progress toward self-reliance through increased agricultural exports. The Task Order contributes to the achievement of the CDCS Development Objective 3 - Prosper: Inclusive and sustainable private sector-driven growth increased. KWA complements other current and future FTF activities which are focused on increasing food security outcomes by increasing agricultural productivity and sales, and promoting increased employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in Rwanda. This program increases opportunities for markets generated by increased agricultural production of high value produce.

RTI is seeking a Chief of Party (COP) for Rwanda KWA. The COP will provide overall leadership and manage the Contractor’s efforts to achieve the activity results. They guide day-to-day implementation and management of the Activity to ensure timely, relevant, high-quality services. The COP also has overall responsibility for assuring that all activity tasks are completed and the objectives of the Activity are successfully met. They supervise the work of all personnel assigned tasks under the Activity; ensures timely, accurate and user-friendly reporting on the progress and status of all services provided under the Activity; and ensure the USAID-compliance and integrity of Activity operations. The COP is also responsible for facilitating communication and close coordination with all stakeholders of the Activity, including the GOR. This position will be based in Kigali, Rwanda.

• Serves as the primary point of contact with the USAID/Rwanda TOCOR with regard to day-to-day implementation and contract management.
• Serve as main liaison with USAID and RTI home office on technical, program implementation, and reporting requirements.
• Lead engagement with key stakeholders, including national ministries, municipal governments, local businesses and business associations, civil society organizations and community-based organizations, and academic institutions for effective design and implementation of climate mitigation and conservation strategies.
• Provide overall quality review, feedback, and mentoring of personnel so that they are motivated, focused, and positioned to deliver high-quality outcomes; promote a positive and productive team environment.
• Hold primary responsibility for all technical aspects of Activity performance as well as the effective, efficient, and timely implementation of all activities including management of staff and consultants, oversight of work plans, coordination with Activity partners, and project financial management.
• Ensure all project deliverables exceed expectations and are managed within budget.
• Ensure 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.

• Master’s Degree in a relevant field of study such as finance and investment, agricultural economics, agribusiness and/ or business development, policy development, and social sciences or related field and at minimum, 5 years of experience in managing international development activities relevant to the SOW in the field of investment advisory expertise, private sector capacity development, and public and private sector engagement, OR a Bachelor degree in a relevant field of study such as finance and investment, agricultural economics, agribusiness and/ or business development, policy development, and social sciences or related field and at minimum, 10 years of experience in managing international development activities relevant to the SOW in the field of investment advisory expertise, private sector capacity development, and public and private sector engagement.
• At least 10 years of progressively increasing managerial responsibility in managing large comprehensive activities, with 5 of these being at the level substantially similar to that of a COP or Country Director or equivalent role for contracts of similar scope, size and complexity.
• Demonstrated experience in adaptive management for improving business processes and program outcomes.
• At least 15 years’ experience living and working in developing country environments, with 5 of them preferably being in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Strong working knowledge and experience with management policies, regulations, and procedures for multilateral and bilateral-funded programs.
• Proven leadership in the administration of similar size international donor support programs with skills in strategic planning, management, supervision, and budgeting.
• Demonstrated experience managing relationships with senior executives of various stakeholder (e.g. donor, partner government, private sector).
• Proven ability to develop and communicate a common vision among diverse partners and the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams.
• Evidence of strong communication skills, both interpersonal and written, to fulfill the diverse technical and managerial requirements of the Activity. This includes presenting to USAID, GOR, and other stakeholders the vision and progress of the activity towards achieving its goals.

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