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 International Education Division is supporting education development around the world by strengthening education policy, management and practice in order to achieve measurable improvement in teaching and learning. From our well-established reputation in education system strengthening, to innovative work in early grade assessment and learning, RTI is improving education quality, relevance and efficiency through implementation of projects funded by USAID, DFID, DFAT and other donors and clients.

Project Description

The purpose of the anticipated USAID Georgia Educating the Future Program is to strengthen the quality and equality of the basic education system in Georgia. The activity will support the Government of Georgia (GoG) in enhancing the quality of pre-service teacher education programs; building the capacity of school administrators as instructional leaders; and strengthening the implementation of decentralization policies with a specific focus on refining the roles and responsibilities of Educational Resource Centers (ERCs) and improving their capacity to support schools. The activity will work towards the following three objectives:

  1. Objective 1: Enhance the quality and inclusiveness of pre-service teacher education programs
  2. Objective 2: Improve school governance
  3. Objective 3: Support the decentralization of the basic education system

    The anticipated program will be based in Tbilisi, Georgia.

    Position Description

    RTI’s International Education Division is seeking a Chief of Party for the upcoming USAID Georgia Educating the Future Program. The Chief of Party (COP) will be responsible for the overall management of the activity and will develop the various interventions that result in the desired outcomes and impact. In addition, the COP will lead their team and provide overall supervision on the implementation of the interventions. The Chief of Party will serve as the primary liaison with USAID/Georgia on management and technical matters and will ensure exceptional quality and timeliness of project deliverables within budget and compliance parameters.

    Position is contingent upon award and funding. Local nationals and international candidates are encouraged to apply.

    Your primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

    • Lead the coordination of program activities among a diverse group of stakeholders and beneficiaries including the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) and other government counterparts, USAID, local Georgian universities and organizations and other program partners.
    • 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.
    • Manage technical and administrative personnel, as well as subcontractors in the implementation of a large, complex activity to improve student learning outcomes.
    • Ensure that all activities conform to the terms and conditions of project requirements, including cost, schedule, and quality parameters.
    • Serve as primary liaison to USAID/Georgia on management and strategic issues to maximize impact and scale, minimize costs, and maximize efficiency and sustainability in achieving project requirements.
    • Serve as the project’s primary interlocutor with the leadership of the MOES; represent RTI, USAID and the project with key beneficiaries and stakeholders in public and international forums.
    • Provide overarching leadership and direction across all technical and functional areas such as technical strategies, monitoring and evaluation, finance, operations, reporting, communications, and human resources.
    • Manage and control funds and other resources for the project and associated sub-contracts and grants under contract as required.
    • Lead the activity’s technical and financial reporting, especially the preparation of quarterly and annual reports and budget forecasts for USAID.
    • Develop and implement practices to ensure a high level of staff morale and retention.
    • Remain in close contact with the home office, providing regular presentations and updates about the project’s progress.
    • Perform other duties as assigned by the project.

      Required Skills and Qualifications:

      • 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.
      • Minimum of ten years of experience in similar education intervention activities, and experience managing complex international donor-funded development activities in challenging environments.
      • At least five years of experience in development in Eastern Europe/Central Asia or former Soviet countries; minimum of two years of experience in development in Georgia preferred.
      • Demonstrated leadership, effective organizational development, partnership-building, managerial, team building and communication skills.
      • Prior experience working on USAID-funded projects and strong knowledge of USAID rules and regulations preferred.

This vacancy is archived.

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