ABOUT RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE (RTI)

Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has over 30 years of experience assisting governments, communities, and the private sector. As a not-for-profit, an independent research institute based in North Carolina, USA, RTI has roughly 5,000 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.

ABOUT SG&R’s Global Food Security and Agriculture portfolio

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.

ABOUT FIRST CONSULT

First Consult is a leading economic development consulting firm implementing projects in Ethiopia. Founded in 2006, First Consult (FC) has grown to design and implement projects across the agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors. Our multidisciplinary teams combine a capacity to execute with clarity of the local context. As a result, we have delivered at-scale real impact in terms of jobs & wealth creation, business formation & growth, and investment attraction & mobilization.

ABOUT THE PROJECT/PROGRAM

The purpose of the USAID/Ethiopia Food and Agriculture Systems Transformation (FAST) 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. FAST will also increase incomes gained from agriculture by as much as 40 percent over the next five years. To achieve its goals FAST must collaborate intensively with other USAID-funded projects working in the food and agriculture sector.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Regional Operations Manager will be responsible for ensuring and improving the performance, productivity, efficiency and profitability of the departmental and organizational operations in the regional office where s/he is assigned through the provision of effective methods and strategies. In addition, the Regional Operations Manager will be responsible for enhancing the operational procedure, systems, and principles in the areas of information flow and management, business processes, enhanced management reporting, and be able to carry constant communication with National Project Office. Moreover, the Regional Operations Manager will have to maintain a high degree of confidentiality in dealing with personnel and finance matters. Moreover, s/he is responsible for maintaining the office culture in the region s/he is responsible for.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Managerial

• Following RTI/USAID procurement policy/procurement manual, prepare bid specifications, request for quotations and the preparation of bidding documents for all goods and services.

• Manage and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of Operation Services (Admin, Finance, HR, IT and Logistics)

• Having a system of coordination and communication with in the Operations Department, and among different departments

• Ensure effective and efficient operational services and overall management of the internal system:

• Develop appropriate tools to deliver on operational department within the required time frame and set up an appropriate monitoring system for the service requests

• Frequent communication with the Technical department to check on progress with respect to collaboration

• Maintain a constant communication with the National Project Office to contribute operations information and recommendations to the frequent meetings

• Supervision of all staff in the Operations Unit with individual work plans and performance monitoring

• Identify bottlenecks and operational solutions to operational obstacles

• Analyze and improve organizational process and workflow, employee and space requirements, and equipment layout; implement changes

• Maintain safe and healthy work environment by establishing, following, and enforcing standards and procedures; complying with legal regulations

• Communicate issues with operations team and devise ways of improving the process, including resolving problems and complaint

• In collaboration with National office HR, prepare recruitment plan and involve in human resource management for the region

• Communicate all operating policies and/or issues at department meetings

• Assist in the development of strategic plans for operational activity. Implement and manage operational plans

• Supervise Regional Finance Officer, Regional Admin and Procurement Officer and Drivers

• Performs additional duties as assigned by the Regional Manager, Finance and Operation Director or other

Finance

• Implementation of effective internal controls such as maintenance of the internal expenditures control system, financial recording/reporting system;

• Ensure that the needed regional financial records are up to par with RTI and USAID standards

• Ensure that the day-to-day processing of accounts and producing reports as requested.

• Ensure that any requests that come from the National Office or donor office regarding the region’s finance is dealt with in a timely manner.

• Ensure the reconciliation of monthly activity, generating year-end reports, and fulfilling tax- related requirements.

• Develop operations systems that enable the proper handling of regional office inventories

Procurement

• Oversee the proper set-up and maintenance of office equipment

• Focal point for establishing contracts with various vendors and set up pricing agreements

• Track vendor pricing, rebates, and service levels

• Responsible for all aspects of vehicle and heavy equipment rentals

• Manage relationships with key operations vendors

• Ensure proper and timely payment of vendors

• Ensure proper documentation of purchases

• Ensure the proper management of inventory to perform analysis of our inventory and ensure we are utilizing our inventory effectively, purchasing the right equipment, maintaining solid inventory data, and reducing sub-rental expenses

REPORTING

The Regional Operations Manager reports directly to the reports to Regional Manager.

REQUIRED SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor (BA) Degree in Business Administration/Management, or relevant Social Science from a recognized University/College. Or more than 10 years of relevant work experience with different donors preferably in USAID-assisted projects.

• Outstanding and effective oral communication and writing skills in English and Amharic additional local language is a plus.

• Strong understanding of HR functions, best practices and Ethiopian Labor Law.

• Experience with office administration and operations.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a service-oriented attitude.

• Strong administrative and organizational skills.

• Ability to handle complex or confidential matters requiring considerable discretion and judgment.

• Must be detail-oriented and able to work independently.

• Willing to travel to field sites as necessary.

• Good interpersonal skills and a good team player

• Excellent computer skills; Good proficiency in Microsoft Office – significant experience with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

• This position is open to Ethiopian citizens.

HOW TO APPLY

Please use the HaHuJobs easy apply platform link CLICK HERE to apply for this job