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 $25-50M USAID Food Basket (Nigeria) Activity is to increase the productivity and competitiveness of selected value chains (maize, rice and horticulture) and markets by building capacities of agri-businesses, removing barriers to investments, and developing innovative financial products. The anticipated program will be based in Nigeria.

Position Description

SG&R is seeking a Chief of Party for USAID/Food Basket (Nigeria) Activity. The COP will be responsible for overall project performance, management, and execution ensuring all project deliverables are exceptionally exceeded within budget and compliance for small to mid-size projects. 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 may provide technical assistance and support activities where necessary.

Position is contingent upon award and funding.

Responsibilities

• Hold primary responsibility for 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 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.
• 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.
• Provide 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.
• Responsible to ensure all staff receives adequate security and operational support and that Standard Operating Procedures are implemented.
• Manage all aspects of staffing and creating/maintaining a clear organizational structure with specific roles, responsibilities and reporting lines.
• Ensure 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.
• Responsible 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.
• Minimum eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience and expertise in the implementation of similar sized and complex projects relating to food security and agriculture, market systems development, and/or inclusive development.
• Ten (10) years of progressive senior management experience on programs of similar sized international donor programs with strong skills in strategic planning, management, supervision, procurement and budgeting similar size and scope. Demonstrated experience managing technically, operationally, and geographically diverse multidisciplinary teams.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience working with counterparts at various levels of government, private sector leaders, and other stakeholders in strengthening market systems, food security, agriculture, local capacity development, and inclusive participation.
• Experience working with civil society organizations, government and private sector in Nigeria, with demonstrated understanding of local agricultural market systems, particularly in rice, maize, and horticulture is preferred.
• Familiarity with international development systems, policies, finances, and management in developing countries.
• Knowledgeable and experienced with international development contracting policies and procedures, specifically USAID.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, and with multiple concurrent demands.
• Strong skills in project and administrative management.
• Ability to build consensus and demonstrated ability to recruit and develop high performing teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work throughout Nigeria.
• Native/Advanced fluency in English required.

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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.

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