Rti is an independent research institute that specializes in putting research and innovation into real-world practiceIn addition to managing contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants from usaid and other u.sGovernment 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 governanceRti invests in this research with a wide array of partners – from domestic and international academic institutions and private companies, the u.sGovernment and state and local governments nationwide.
Position description:
Rti is seeking a chief of party/program director 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 cop will lead the project’s strategy and implementation, 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 countriesThe cop will be responsible for overall project performance, management, and execution, ensuring all project deliverables are accomplished within budget and in compliance with usaid rules and regulationsThey will provide project planning, oversight, leadership, and coordination, and build and maintain strong and favorable client, partner, stakeholder, home office and team relations.
Responsibilities:
Drive successful implementation of project objectives including policy development, training & capacity building, technical assistance, and partner engagement
Lead the coordination of program activities among a diverse group of stakeholders and partners, including usaid missions and ous, subcontractors, consultants, and internal partners
Ensure integration of project activities through: 1) the annual work plan, budgeting process, and risk mitigation plan; 2) creating/maintaining an effective management team; 3) overseeing an effective cla and project communications system
Manage technical 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
Serve as primary liaison to usaid on management and strategic issues to maximize impact at scale, minimize costs, and amplify efficiency and sustainability in achieving project requirements
Represent rti, usaid and the project with key beneficiaries and stakeholders in public and international forumsImplement a robust project communications strategy to ensure strong visibility of the project’s impact and achievements
Provide overarching leadership and direction across all technical and functional areas including technical implementation, monitoring and evaluation, finance, operations, reporting, communications, and human resources
Manage and control funds and other resources for the project and associated sub-contracts and grants under contract as required
Prepare status reports, budget information and other documentation as needed
Contribute to the body of knowledge through the writing of blogs, lessons learned, participation in local and international conferences, and scientific journals
Develop and implement practices to ensure a high level of staff morale and retention
Qualifications:
Master`s degree in business administration, international development, international economics, technology related disciplines or related field and 15 years of relevant professional experience, or phd and 10 years of experience
10+ years of experience supporting international development and/or digital transformation activities of similar scope and scale, including 5 years of experience leading complex international donor-funded development activities with direct oversight and accountability for project deliverables
Experience building and leveraging relationships with counterparts at various levels of government, and private sector
Experience successfully managing client relationships with usaid/washington and mbios
Advanced understanding of digital innovation, digital strategy, and change management
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
Excellent leadership, management, communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to lead large teams through complex change
