Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International has over 30 years of experience assisting international development donors, governments, communities, and the private sector achieve their goals. As a not-for-profit, independent research institute based in North Carolina, USA, RTI has roughly 5,000 employees with global experience implementing international development projects. 

The Global Health Division (GHD) of RTI works in Neglected Tropical Diseases, infectious disease, including TB, HIV/AIDS, and Malaria; global health security, Heath Systems Strengthening - including Health Governance, Health Finance, Human Resources for Health, Capacity Building, and Health Policy and Advocacy; Public-Private Partnerships; and Maternal-Neonatal-Child Heath and Reproductive Health and Family Planning. We address a range of public health problems to reduce disparities, lower disease burdens, and build locally owned sustainable health programs in lower- and middle-income countries. RTI has worked in Ethiopia consistently since the 1990s and has been a leading organization supporting improved health outcomes in Ethiopia.

The purpose of the five -year $28M USAID Ethiopia Lowlands Health Activity is to improve health and nutrition outcomes in the pastoral geographies of Ethiopia, through increased access and utilization of quality reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition (RMNCAH-N) services. The Activity will operate in 25 selected districts across the Somali Region and selected pastoral areas of the Oromia and Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s (SNNP) Regions of Ethiopia. The Activity has three primary Intermediate Result Areas: 1) Improved Primary Health Care (PHC) facility governance and functionality to deliver essential health services, 2) Improved access to and quality of services through client-centered and contextualized service delivery models, and 3) Improved adoption of healthy behaviors, including utilization of services.

Position Summary:
The COP will be responsible for overall project performance, management, and execution ensuring all project deliverables are achieved within budget and in compliance with all applicable RTI and USAID rules and regulations. The COP will be responsible for leading a team of multi-functional subject matter and operations experts to design and implement interventions in partnership with local stakeholders. The COP will be RTI’s primary liaison with the USAID Mission in Ethiopia for this Activity and will ensure high levels of donor satisfaction. Most importantly, the COP will be responsible for achieving RMNCAH-N results as outlined in the cooperative agreement.

The position will be based in Ethiopia and will report to GHD’s Portfolio Director for RMNACH-N based in RTI’s headquarters in the U.S. The position will require frequent travel within Ethiopia particularly to the focus areas of Somali, Oromia, and SNNP.  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 are managed within budget. 

• Manages client relations and serves as primary liaison and RTI 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.  

Job Requirements

Required Education & Experience

• 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. Medical Doctor (MD) or Masters in Public Health (MPH), or related field, preferred.

• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience and expertise in the implementation of large and complex projects related to strengthening RMNACH-N outcomes and overall health systems in a similar context.

• Ten (10) years of progressive senior management experience on programs of similar size with strong skills in strategic planning, management, supervision, procurement and budgeting. Demonstrated experience managing technically, operationally, and geographically diverse teams.

• Experience working with health sector stakeholders, particularly at the PHC level preferred.

• Experience working with pastoralist populations preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated skills in building, mobilizing, and leading multidisciplinary teams.

• Proven ability to work under pressure, and with multiple concurrent demands.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong skills in project and administrative management. 

• Proven knowledge and experience managing an international project with international and local staff. 

• Knowledgeable and experienced with international development contracting policies and procedures, specifically USAID or major European Donors. 

• Ability to build consensus and demonstrated ability to recruit and develop high performing teams.

• Strong leadership skills across various levels of staff and locations.  

• Ability to travel and work in any of the focus three regions and difficult terrain/conditions at times.

• Proficiency in English is required, with professional local language capabilities appropriate for the Somali, Oromia, and SNNP regions desired.

How to Apply

RTI invites eligible candidates to indicate their interest in the position no later than November 14, 2022. Applications should consist of a letter, detailed curriculum vitae, supporting credentials and 3 professional references, including your professional relationship with that person, the person’s telephone number and an email address.

Successfully candidates is expected to start immediately.

Submit applications to recruitment@et-ntd.rti.org with the position title on the subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please note:

RTI International does not use agents or require any form of payment in the recruitment process. 

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V