Deputy Chief of Party - Operations (Food Baskets)

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

RTI is seeking a Deputy Chief of Party Operations for the anticipated Nigeria Food Basket Activity. The DCOP Operations will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of project financial management, grants management and oversight, procurement, human resources, IT, security, and operations, including systems implementation, budgeting, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting. They will be responsible for ensuring the project’s compliance with both RTI and USAID policies, procedures, rules and regulations. They will lead coordination in the areas stated above with home office, USAID, and partner organizations. The DCOP Operations will lead budget development and monitoring, award monitoring and compliance, procurement, and logistics for RTI in the field. This position will be based in Abuja, Nigeria and will report to the Chief of Party.

This position is contingent upon award and funding.

Responsibilities

• Lead all project finance and operations, including general administrative processes, financial management, procurement, grants management, accounting, administration, human resources, IT, security and logistics.
• Establish and maintain sound and transparent accounting and fiscal control procedures; be able to detect and swiftly deal with any issues of fraud and/or corruption.
• Liaise between RTI headquarters and the field office on financial and procurement matters and ensure compliance of financial and operations systems with RTI policies and procedures, USAID rules and regulations, and local laws.
• Work closely with key RTI staff, government officials, contractors and USAID staff to ensure full compliance with local laws (i.e., taxes, shipping, customs, registration, labor codes) while integrating with current systems and procedures.
• Work closely with COP, technical staff, pertinent RTI home office staff and appropriate USAID staff when necessary to ensure project resources are effectively and efficiently budgeted, analyzed, disbursed, monitored and reported in achieving project objectives and results.
• Travel to project sites throughout Nigeria to conduct operational oversight.
• Advise senior leadership on financial and operations-related matters.
• Oversee provision of training and guidance on procurement, managing project expenses to annual work plan and contract budgets.
• Oversee preparation and submission of monthly financial statements (including expenses, receivable and payables).
• Ensure timely submission of expense reports, bank reconciliations and wire transfer requests to corporate headquarters in the US.
• Supervise the project’s administrative staff, providing oversight to the overall project management and human resources functions.
• Provide oversight and management of program subcontracts, grants and construction funds.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual expenditures and prepare pipeline estimates for the project.
• Prepare biweekly cash requirements, monitor cash flow and reconcile cash accounts in order to maintain appropriate cash balances.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors in the review of project financial management.
• Manage and mitigate risk through monitoring national and regional issues that may impact staff and programming and ensure all staff understand and adhere to RTI staff safety and security policies and plans.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 12 years of experience, or Master’s degree and 10 years of experience.
• 6 years of progressively responsible experience and expertise in the implementation of large and complex projects; regional programming experience preferred.
• Proven leadership of similar sized international donor programs with strong skills in strategic planning, management, supervision, procurement, and budgeting.
  
  

Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of applicable USAID procurement, assistance, rules and regulations, as well as administrative policies and techniques.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Access plus a working knowledge of accounting and procurement software (particularly QuickBooks) is preferred.
• Demonstrated skills in building, mobilizing, and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to work under pressure with multiple concurrent demands.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel and work throughout Nigeria.
• Proficiency in English is required, proficiency in or strong working knowledge of French is highly desirable.
• Experience working in Nigeria preferred.