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 Water portfolio has delivered innovative, breakthrough solutions in key development sectors, including water sector governance, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, economic livelihood development, community engagement, and institutional capacity building. Our work spans the Africa continent with a growing presence in South Asia.

Project Description

The purpose of the USAID Dominican Republic Ocean Plastics Solid Waste Management Activity is to work to strengthen the capacity of municipalities to improve waste management practices through innovative and evidence-based use-reduction, reuse, and recycling strategies and to establish enhanced local and regional markets for recycled plastic, targeting waste at the source.

Position Description

RTI is seeking a Chief of Party (COP) for an anticipated Dominican Republic Ocean Plastics Solid Waste Management Activity. The COP will be responsible for overall project performance, management, and execution ensuring all project deliverables are met within budget. This position will provide project planning, oversight, leadership, and coordination. The COP will build and maintain strong and favorable client, partner, community, home office and team relations. They will provide technical assistance, coordination with the local government and support activities where necessary.

The COP will be based in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and report to the RTI Home Office.

Position is contingent upon award and funding.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• 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 IDG Representative with the client and stakeholders regarding overall policy, resource mobilization and allocation, joint initiatives and coordination of project management and planning.
• 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.
• 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.

  Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and 15 years of experience, or master’s degree and 12 years of experience.
  • Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience and expertise leading programs of similar size and complexity for USAID or other international donor.
  • Prior work experience strengthening service delivery, solid waste management practices or community engagement and/or past experience on reducing plastics strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience in the implementation of large international donor programs working with counterparts at various levels of government, private sector leaders, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
  • Prior experience managing projects with large grants under contract components.
  • Demonstrated skills in building, mobilizing, and leading multidisciplinary teams.
  • Proven ability to work under pressure, and with multiple concurrent demands.
  • Knowledgeable and experienced with international development contracting policies and procedures, specifically USAID.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Fluency in written and spoken Spanish and English.