Senior Operations Manager

Job Description

RTI is an independent research institute that specializes in putting research and innovation into real-world practice. In addition to managing contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants from USAID and other U.S. Government agencies, RTI conducts leading research and development focused on uncovering technology innovations to solve the world’s most pressing challenges, such as COVID-19, climate change, food insecurity, and transparent and accountable governance. RTI invests in this research with a wide array of partners – from domestic and international academic institutions and private companies, the U.S. Government and state and local governments nationwide.??

Position Description?

RTI is seeking a Senior Operations Manager for the anticipated USAID Digital Strategy Implementation & Programs Activity, which will build the capacity of USAID Missions, Washington Operating Units, and partners to advance digital initiatives that enhance security and economic prosperity in partner countries while safeguarding individual rights, freedom of expression, and democratic norms and practices.??

The Senior Operations Manager will lead all project buy-ins from idea to implementation to closeout, focused on driving the research, training, strategic thinking, digital-sector partnerships, and behavior change that will equip USAID for the digital age, and supporting the growth of open, inclusive, and secure digital ecosystems in partner countries. The Senior Operations Manager support the Project Director to work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that individual buy-in project results are achieved on time, in scope, and under budget.?

Position is contingent upon award and funding.

Responsibilities:?

• Support COP/Project Director in all operational management aspects of the project and serves as second in command in the COP/Project Director absence.
• Ensure proper operational oversight of the project core funding and buy ins, overseeing all financial, grants, subcontracting, procurement, HR/staffing, logistics, security and field operations.
• Monitor the overall operational quality and completion of project deliverables and ensure project is compliant with USAID rules and regulations.
• Maintain responsibility for the accuracy of project timelines, tasks, milestones, resource requirements, costs, risks and execution.?
• Using key performance indicators, address project operational performance issues and maintain alignment with the activity’s goals.?
• Support the COP/Project Director in the definition and execution of buy-in activities and the development of plans, schedules, budgets and deliverables.??
• Monitor and review project budget and expenditures, financial forecasts, working with business partners to ensure compliance with corporate and client regulations.?
• Responsible to ensure project financial goals are met.??
• Collaborate with COP/Project Director to identify and manage risks and actively participate in the resolution of performance issues with project staff and sub-contractors or sub-awardees.??
• Collaborate with COP/Project Director to regularly confer with client to get performance feedback and to resolve problems or issues should they arise.??
• Manage all finance, grants, and operations personnel, as well as subcontractors and grantees in the implementation of the project??
• Ensure that all activities comply with terms and conditions of project requirements, client rules and regulations, including cost, schedule and quality parameters?
• Prepare status reports, budget information and other documentation as needed?

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Qualifications:?

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, international development, or information technology-related disciplines or related field and 12 years related professional experience, or Master’s in business administration, finance, international development, or information technology-related disciplines or related field degree and 10 years of relevant professional experience?
• 5 years of progressive experience managing development activities, including contracts and buy-ins.??
• At least 2 years of experience working with non-governmental organizations managing grants implemented in developing countries.??
• Proven experience in customer service and client relations; creation and management of sub-awards and grants; and relationship management.?
• Must be experienced with working on awards that support digital development.?
• Experience successfully managing client relationships with USAID/Washington and MBIOs?
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, work across different cultures, and manage diverse teams to deliver impact within agreed timelines?
• Ability to promote operational excellence through familiarity with best practices in budget management, financial controls, procurement norms, and human resource management??
• Knowledge of USAID contracting policies, requirements, and procedures, and experience managing sub-awards and contractors??
• Eligibility to work in the US??

About the Organization