Job by Research Triangle Institute July 7 2024

Position Description

RTI is seeking a Communications Manager for the USAID DRM Activity. The Communications Manager will be responsible for establishing a vigorous communications strategy and annual plans, using media relations including web-based, social media, and printed publications, to raise public awareness, build demand for local innovations, and increase motivation within the private sector and local governments. The Communications Manager will conduct a dynamic and robust media outreach campaign to raise awareness of the project and strategic activities.

This position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and will report to the Deputy Chief of Party – Operations.

Responsibilities

• Establish and advise on communications strategies as part of technical activities. This may include organizing television/radio talk shows on public and private broadcasting services.
• Support awareness raising of the program and the support provided by USAID via activities such as a media outreach campaign or news releases to radio, television, and electronic media.
• Lead activities to showcase project work with an emphasis on results, including human interest and measurable impact examples.
• Provide updates on the progress of communications deliverables against project activities.
• Strengthen RTI’s network for communications and advocacy with relevant partners to optimize and prioritize the decentralization of DRM.
• Develop, write, and edit case studies, briefs, announcements, and other project-related documentation.
• Support coordination of project-hosted events, including logistics, writing speeches, developing collateral, and posting on social media.
• Develop and regularly update an annual plan of communication products that covers project deliverables, reports, success stories, blogs, social media, and other products.
• Update the project’s website and/or social media profiles.
• Work with technical managers to write success stories, lessons learned, and activity reports. Draft and disseminate media releases and project success stories to strategic stakeholders.
• Support project activities that include communications products such as radio, television, and events.
• Engage and manage communications vendors such as photographers, videographers, graphic designers, editors, and writers.
• Ensure client and project branding guidelines are adhered to.
• Train staff and partners on branding and marking requirements and ensure that guidelines are adhered to.
• Request and obtain signed consent forms for all interview, photograph, and video recording subjects, as well as relevant geotagging.
• Create and expand a project visual library of relevant and visually impactful edited images and/or videos.
• Develop other communication tools (newsletters, pamphlets, project briefs) as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 8 years of experience, Master’s degree and 6 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A degree in Journalism, Public administration, International affairs, or a closely related field.
• 5 years of experience designing and successfully implementing communication strategies and media outreach events.
• Demonstrated experience working with USAID or other major donors preferred.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills. Writing samples will be required as a part of the interview process.
• Ability to accurately and concisely convey complex and technical information.
• Excellent management, coordination, and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, and with multiple concurrent demands.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Verbal and written fluency in English is required.
• Ability to travel and work throughout Ethiopia in difficult terrain/conditions at times.

Apply

Project Description

The Ethiopia Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Activity is a five-year USAID-funded program implemented by RTI International. The USAID DRM Activity aims to strengthen DRM planning and preparedness capacity, improve DRM coordination, enhance resource mobilization and management, and enable timely implementation of anticipatory actions to preempt crises and reduce the impacts of shocks. The activity will also strengthen gender in emergencies (GiE) capacity, increase private sector engagement in DRM, and expand local organizations’ capacity to engage in DRM. The Activity will provide strategic support to DRM institutions in implementing Ethiopia’s new Disaster Risk Management Policy and Disaster Risk Finance Strategy.

Position Description

RTI is seeking a Procurement and Operations Specialist for the USAID Ethiopia DRM Activity. The Procurement and Operations Specialist will support the Subawards and Procurement Manager and will be responsible for leading local and international procurement processes, and providing operational support related to asset management, inventory control, and transport of procured goods. The Procurement and Operations Specialist will provide leadership and coordination of the entire procurement SOPs within the project.

This position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and will report to the Subawards and Procurement Manager.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with project team members on identifying procurement needs, requirements, and specifications.
• Conduct market research on potential suppliers and vendors, including small and diverse businesses and organizations, and document market research and source selection information and process.
• Support the preparation and implementation of the annual procurement plan supported with clear allocation of budget and timetables.
• Coordinate and lead end-to-end procurement processes for goods and services, including developing and issuing Request for Quotations (RFQ), compiling supplier quotations, managing competition and selection, coordinating negotiations, and preparing agreements and supporting documentation for internal and client approvals, by RTI processes and procedures and donor rules and regulations.
• Perform all phases of sourcing activity to ensure best value within required lead times for a variety of requirements in Ethiopia, including analysis of overall budgetary impact for all types of procurement transactions.
• Coordinate issuance of purchase orders by RTI policies and procedures.
• Create and maintain a tracking system for all active and delivered procurements.
• Ensure the timely and documented delivery of goods and services by purchase orders.
• Engage in frequent communication and follow up with vendors and suppliers to ensure delivery schedules and terms of the purchase order are adhered to
• Maintain detailed, complete, and well-organized procurement documentation
• Work closely with the sub-awards and finance team to carry out the procurement under the Activity and issue timely payments to vendors
• Manage the hotel booking for the staff lodging/accommodation, training, and workshops.
• Conduct procurement training workshops for staff as needed
• Develop and submit weekly and monthly reports to the supervisor and Chief of Party on procurement for submission to RTI/Headquarters
• Escalate risks, issues, and potential process improvements to his/her supervisor
• Provide operational support to the Logistics Manager, including but not limited to transportation of supplies and equipment to and from regional offices, management of project inventory and property, supply chain management and importation of goods, procurement of logistics services, tracking of restricted commodities, etc.
• Other duties related to the job.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 5 years of experience, Master’s degree and 3 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Additional professional training in procurement and logistics management is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of competitive procurement processes and principles, procurement terminology, as well as basics of contract administration.
• Prior experience with and working knowledge of USAID procurement procedures, policies, rules, and regulations is strongly preferred
• Excellent knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint, and procurement software.
• Demonstrated a solid understanding of governmental regulations to ensure compliance with relevant procurements.
• Ability to perform duties that require close attention to detail.
• Strong ability to prioritize workload and competing tasks and follow tasks through to completion.
• Ability to understand prime contract contents to ensure procurements comply.
• Ability to understand and implement RTI processes and procedures for goods and services procurement and management.
• Very strong communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with various teams and external suppliers/vendors in person and remotely.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to travel and work throughout Ethiopia in difficult terrain/conditions at times.
• Verbal and written fluency in English is required.

Apply

Responsibilities

• Support all phases of sourcing activity to ensure the best value and within required lead times for a variety of requirements in Ethiopia.
• Support the preparation and implementation of the annual procurement plan with budget and timetables.
• Effectively negotiate with suppliers on a wide variety of commodities (protective equipment, vehicles) and services for the best overall value to the project.
• Support the issuance of purchase orders by company policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the supply chain management efforts up to and including logistical support from the ordering point through the follow-up, expediting, and delivery of the required goods and/or services.
• Support logistical management of the project inventory and commodities required for operations within Ethiopia.
• Manage and track the procurement of goods and services for the project and grantees in compliance with approved procurement plans to ensure the best value and within required lead times for a variety of requirements in Ethiopia.
• Obtains technical input on specifications, costs, and quality.
• Ensure the timely and documented delivery of any goods or services.
• Works closely with the Procurement Manager to identify any needs for logistics and procurement assistance.
• Helps to maintain complete documentation of procurement files for audit purposes; Ensures procurement folders in SharePoint are complete, well-structured, and up to date.
• Assists in maintaining procurement files both hard and soft under applicable policies and procedures to maintain an audit trail throughout the procurement process.

Performs other duties assigned by the supervisor, FOD, or DCOP-Ops.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or bachelor’s Degree and 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Skills & Abilities

• An understanding of and commitment to RTI’s mission and values
• Additional professional training in procurement and logistics management is preferred.
• Knowledge of USAID procurement policies and regulations is a plus.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office and procurement software.
• Strong organizational, reporting, and management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Strong verbal and written English communication skills.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills
• Ability to build effective relationships with all clients, peers, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work hands-on, independently, and within the team.
• Demonstrated success managing and leading technical and administrative teams.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team-oriented setting.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and ability
• Strong computer skills: Microsoft Office Applications
• Willingness to travel frequently to the field offices.

Apply

Project Description

The Ethiopia Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Activity is a five-year USAID-funded program implemented by RTI International. The purpose of the USAID DRM Activity is to strengthen DRM planning and preparedness capacity, improve DRM coordination, enhance resource mobilization and management, and enable timely implementation of anticipatory actions to preempt crises and reduce the impacts of shocks. The activity will also strengthen gender in emergencies (GiE) capacity, increase private sector engagement in DRM, and expand local organizations’ capacity to engage in DRM. The Activity will provide strategic support to DRM institutions in the implementation of Ethiopia’s new Disaster Risk Management Policy and Disaster Risk Finance Strategy.

Position Description

RTI is seeking an Accountant Assistant for the USAID Ethiopia DRM Activity. The Accountant Assistant will support with the implementation of appropriate financial management systems and procedures (payroll, cash management, vendor payments, budgeting, and other related expenditures) to properly disburse, account, budget, and report project funds that are cost-effective, timely, have proper internal controls, and comply with the terms of the agreement.

This position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and will report to the Finance Manager.

Responsibilities

• Provide functional support for RTI’s finance and accounting procedures.
• Support the finance and accounting team in the preparation and submission of monthly expense reports to the RTI home office.
• Support the Accountant and Finance Manager in consolidating monthly, quarterly and annual expenditure projections
• Review project expenditures and financial transactions to ensure they comply with RTI policies and procedures, the terms of the agreement, and donor rules and regulations.
• Support the compilation of expense support documents and prepare expenses for payment
• Reconcile cash accounts for field offices.
• Support the cash management functions required in maintaining RTI bank accounts and managing petty cash accounts.
• Follow up with regional offices to ensure that bi-weekly expense reports are submitted within the deadline.
• Support the finance team in the preparation of tax withholding vouchers, reconciliation with the ledger, and timely declaration to the Ministry of Revenues
• Support the finance team in preparing USAID VAT refunds and ensure vendors have declared their VAT monthly and submitted to USAID on time.
• Reconcile monthly VAT receivables and VAT requested.
• Support electronic and physical filing by printing, scanning, and timely uploading of accounting records in a well-organized manner.
• Support in conducting routine spot checks and performing audits as required
• Flag potential risks and issues and recommend process improvements to the Finance Manager to mitigate risks and improve the quality of reporting.
• Support the provision of training materials for regional finance staff.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by their supervisor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 1 year of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior experience working in an accounting function and environment is desired.
• An understanding of and commitment to RTI’s mission and values.
• Discreet in the judgment and management of confidential matters, materials, and sensitive issues.
• Ability to answer most inquiries and questions independently and follow up on requests in an efficient manner.
• Ability to resolve problem situations is a tactful and effective communicator, both orally and in writing, and ability to deal with persons of diverse cultures.
• Ability to understand and interpret policies and procedures and apply them with consistency in various circumstances.
• Ability to follow guidelines and controls required of the position.
• Ability to function independently and carry out routine responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Must be proficient in MS Excel and working knowledge of accounting software is preferable.
• Ability to monitor the progress of a project against milestones or deadlines double-check the accuracy of information to discover weaknesses or missing data and strive for high-quality performance.
• Excellent management, communication, and organizational skills (attention to detail is required); flexibility and capacity to multi-task.
• Verbal and written fluency in English is required.
• Ability to travel and work throughout Ethiopia in difficult terrain/conditions at times.

Apply 

Project Description

The purpose of the USAID/Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture (ETA) Activity is to increase access to healthy diets, particularly for women and children, by improving competitiveness, inclusiveness, and resilience of the Ethiopian food and agriculture system. ETA is the core component of a suite of food and agriculture activities funded by USAID. It is the largest project and serves as the hub. As such, FAST must collaborate intensively with other USAID-funded projects working in the food and agriculture sector.

Position Description

RTI is seeking an Information Technology (IT) Assistant for the Transforming Agriculture Activity in Ethiopia. The IT Assistant will support IT systems for staff located in the Addis Ababa Office as well as staff located throughout Ethiopia.

The IT Staff will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and report to the IT Specialist.

Position Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to the project including laptop setup and troubleshooting as needed, support Microsoft365 applications, and any other related IT support.
• Support staff onboarding and data maintenance, security, and confidentiality.
• Manage the use and maintenance of technology required for day-to-day operational support of the project staff and implementation, including first level of support Windows PCs, MacOS, and RTI cloud-based applications, and maintain network infrastructure including the ISP, Routers, Ethernet switches, and PBX phones, as well as maintain spare parts and hardware repairs and restoration.
• Set up, maintain, and support the IT infrastructure and equipment for project offices in at least six locations and any additional project offices as required.
• Ensure Windows and other software are maintained and that patches are promptly applied.
• Ensure anti-virus software is kept current.
• Ensure information is backed up and maintained by RTI policies and procedures.
• Undertake projects that reduce the complexity of work processes and deploy systems and services that can be scaled without altering the basic design or architecture of the system, such as setting up an efficient Video Conferencing system in Project Offices to facilitate online meetings and collaboration between staff.
• Provide timely and cost-effective procurement of IT resources, working closely with colleagues in Administration and Finance to source appropriate IT items, solutions, and equipment, using relevant frameworks and ensuring value for money.
• Negotiate robustly with suppliers to deliver contracts and services that are sustainable into the future by providing technical specifications for IT items and equipment.
• Provide support on the Financial Management System (QuickBooks) to the project finance team.
• Maintain IT inventory for all IT equipment and/or software by RTI policy and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and 3 years of relevant experience, Master’s degree and 1 year of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting Windows PCs, servers, cloud-based applications, and networks.
• Prior experience as an IT Assistant is preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Experience in Windows 10 /11, Windows 2016 and 2019 server/printers etc.
• Ability to work under pressure and within tight deadlines.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English; proficiency in one or more local languages strongly preferred.
• Experience in the Lowland regions of Ethiopia is preferred.

Apply

Project Description

The USAID Ethiopia Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Activity is a five-year USAID-funded program implemented by RTI International. The purpose of the DRM Activity is to strengthen DRM planning and preparedness capacity, improve DRM coordination, enhance resource mobilization and management, and enable timely implementation of anticipatory actions to preempt crises and reduce the impacts of shocks. The activity will also strengthen gender in emergencies (GiE) capacity, increase private sector engagement in DRM, and expand local organizations’ capacity to engage in DRM. The Activity will provide strategic support to DRM institutions in the implementation of Ethiopia’s new Disaster Risk Management Policy and Disaster Risk Finance Strategy.

Position Description

RTI is seeking a DRM Regional Manager, Somali for the USAID Ethiopia DRM Activity. The DRM Regional Manager, Somali will be responsible for leading the implementation and coordination of all technical activities at the Somali regional level while providing oversight to day-to-day project operations. RTI has established a regional field office in Somalia that will be overseen by a DRM Regional Manager who will maintain local relationships and make locally focused programmatic decisions.

This position will be based in the Somali region of Ethiopia, anticipated to be in Jijiga, and will report to the Deputy Chief of Party–Technical.

Responsibilities

• Overall coordination and manage DRM activities in the Somali region.
• Support and coordinate with DRM technical teams in nutrition, food and agriculture systems, and market systems to ensure technical quality of core activities to ensure scale and impact across sectors.
• Develop and maintain relationships with private sector actors, national non-governmental organizations and civil society organizations, within the region, engaging them as grantees, learning partners, and stakeholders.
• Engage with other donors and/or donor-funded activities by including them as active participants in learning agendas and events, to ensure that learnings are shared, and successes are amplified and replicated.
• Coordinate and work closely with regional government and district (woreda) level government technical implementation of DRM activities.
• Oversee and coordinate local partners, sub-contracts, and grantee’s implementation and reporting.
• Oversee all activities including grant, procurement, logistics, HR, and IT functions for the regional office.
• Responsible for data collection and submission to the main office. Ensures that regional support needs are identified to the head office.
• Supervise and support technical and operational staff in the field, including coordination in the preparation process of work plan development and activities implementation, monitoring of activities and progress made using partners’ data platform, and identification of needs for technical.
• Continually monitor field travel and day-to-day risk assessments in the region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 8 years of experience, Master’s degree and 6 years of field management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated skills in building, mobilizing, and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Field or HQ supervisory experience required.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, and with multiple concurrent demands.
• Familiarity and experience with USAID-funded activities.
• Experience working with sub-national government institutions in Ethiopia.
• Experience establishing and maintaining systems for managing project operations.
• Ability to maintain working relationships with all project stakeholders and engage in coalition-building.
• Excellent management, communication, and organizational skills (attention to detail is required); flexibility and capacity to multi-task.
• Verbal and written fluency in English is required.
• Ability to travel and work throughout Ethiopia in difficult terrain/conditions at times.

Apply