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 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.

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 Feed the Future Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture 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.  Feed the Future Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture will also increase incomes gained from agriculture by as much as 40 percent over the next five years. To achieve its goals, the activity must collaborate intensively with other USAID funded projects working in the food and agriculture sector.

Duties and Responsibilities

Position Description

RTI is seeking a Grants Manager for Ethiopia Feed the Future Transforming Agriculture. The Grants Manager will be responsible for the implementation and management of the Catalytic Investment Portfolio (CIP) grants program. The CIP will work with smallholder farmers, entrepreneurs, and rural consumers and issues grants under three categories: Innovation, Capacity Building, and Impact. This position will lead day-to-day supervision, guidance, and monitoring of all grant funds and activities. This position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and will report to the Deputy Chief of Party – Operational.  

Your primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

• Develop the grants management program with the input and oversight of the DCoP-Operation, Chief of Party, FtFETA Senior Management Team, and the RTI Office of Contracts.

• Conduct grants activity reporting, budget and program monitoring, and other operational activities related to compliance with grant-making guidelines.

• Work with Technical Teams and grantees on grants compliance and progress against workplan schedules.

• 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, compliance with grants financial management policies, monitors all grant expenses, and provides regular updates on grant status.

• Provide technical assistance as required to build the capacity of local partners and grantees.

• Review technical and financial proposals from local organizations, including negotiating annual budgets, and reviews grantee financial expenditure reports for accuracy and adherence to the SOW and budget.

Job Requirments

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in accounting, business management, or related field and 8 years of experience, or a Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum 6 years of relevant work experience in finance and grants management is required, with at least 2 years managing grants portfolio(s) of USD$5-$10 million strongly preferred.

• Experience working on USAID grants programs is required.

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

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.   

• Ability to travel and work throughout Ethiopia in difficult terrain/conditions at times.    

• Work experience in Ethiopia required.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicants can apply online using THIS LINK