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 Water portfolio has delivered innovative, breakthrough solutions in key development sectors globally, including water sector governance, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, water resources management, community engagement, urban resilience, and institutional capacity building.

Project Description

• The purpose of the five-year USAID Climate Resilient (CR) Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Activity is to support accelerated access to inclusive and resilient WASH services targeting lowlands areas.

• The Activity will be based in Ethiopia and target the lowland areas of Afar, Oromia, Somali, and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR).

• The Activity will work to fulfill this purpose through four complementary intermediate results:

• Professionalize and expand climate-resilient water services;

• Increase sustainable access to and use of sanitation and hygiene products and services, including for menstrual health and hygiene;

• Improve gender power dynamics;

• Strengthen the enabling environment for climate-resilient water and sanitation services.

Position Description

RTI is seeking a Grants Manager for the recently awarded USAID CR WASH Activity in Ethiopia. The Grants Manager will be responsible for the implementation and management of the grants program. The Grants Manager will be expected to design flexible and innovative grants mechanisms that will bolster project activities and build local capacity. This position will conduct grants activity reporting, budget and program monitoring, and other operational activities related to compliance with grant making guidelines.

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

Responsibilities

 Your primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

•  Develop the grants management program incorporating a strong focus on gender and youth empowerment, with the input and oversight of the Deputy Chief of Party, Finance and Operations Director, and other technical staff as needed.

• Review technical and financial proposals from local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including negotiating annual budgets, and review grantee financial expenditure reports for accuracy and adherence to the scope of work and budget.

• Conduct pre-award audits of financial and administrative capacity of potential grantees, in addition to audits during implementation and at close-out.

• Oversee grants management process and subcontracts for local organizations, including grant proposal tracking, review, and approval process.

• Maintain financial management files for grants and ensure audit trail for all necessary grant documentation.

• Ensure timely financial disbursements and compliance with grants financial management policies, monitor all grant expenses, and provide regular updates on grant status.

• Collaborate with the technical team, including as a problem solver and bridge builder, to build capacity of local partners and grantees, facilitating organizational learning and adapting throughout implementation.

• Ensure compliance with all USAID rules and regulations and RTI policies and procedures.

• Supervise and train Grants Specialist staff.

EEO & Pay Equity Statements

As a global employer of choice, RTI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace and the communities and markets where we serve our mission. We value diversity of thought, culture, background and perspective and welcome applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, creed, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable discrimination laws or RTI policy.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Further information is available here.

RTI International is an independent, nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach and one that integrates expertise across the social and laboratory sciences, engineering, and international development. We believe in the promise of science, and we are inspired every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses around the world. For more information, visit www.rti.org.

Job Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of experience, Master's degree and 6 years of experience, PhD and 1 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• At least 5 years of experience in grants design and administration, management, and distribution of grants.

• Experience administering USAID-funded grants-under-contract strongly preferred.

• Experience working with local NGOs in Ethiopia preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of development issues in the program regions preferred.

• Ability to travel and work in the field with administrative and sector experts as well as civil society organizations in Ethiopia.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

• Fluency in one or more local languages of Ethiopia.

• Professional proficiency in English.

How to Apply

RTI invites eligible candidates to indicate their interest in the position no later than October 20, 2023.  Applications should consist of a letter, detailed curriculum vitae, supporting credentials and 3 references, including your relationship with that person, the person’s telephone number and an email address.

Successfully candidates is expected to start immediately.

Submit applications by this LINK. 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