DescriptionWhy RTIRTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you. About the Hiring GroupRTI’s Center for International Development implements large-scale, multidisciplinary projects across health, energy, agriculture, water, and education by leveraging RTI’s deep cross-Institutional knowledge, proven solutions, and contextual expertise to increase global impact by improving lives, driving economic growth, and enhancing stability in fragile and developing geographies. What You'll DoRTI is seeking a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) – Operations for the U.S. Department of State–funded Feed the Future Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture Activity, a five-year activity (2022 – 2027) that works across Ethiopia to sustainably improve the diets of 7 million people. The DCOP – Operations provides strategic operational leadership across finance, procurement, grants, human resources, risk management, administration, and security to ensure efficient, high quality, and compliant implementation aligned with project goals. This role collaborates closely with the Chief of Party (COP), technical leadership, and RTI regional and home office teams. This position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and will report to the Chief of Party. Primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to: General Operations Leadership:Lead and mentor a team of 40+ staff across finance, grants, procurement, administration, security, HR, and IT, ensuring full compliance with RTI policies and U.S. Department of State regulations; engage RTI home office partners for guidance as needed. Provide strategic operational leadership by integrating operational feasibility, compliance requirements, and risk insights into decision-making, strengthening coordination between technical and operational teams. Advocate for operations leaders as needed. Monitor alignment with contractual obligations and local government requirements, highlighting compliance needs, and coordinating with HQ, regional office, and Project Management Unit (PMU) for guidance and approvals as appropriate. Monitor operational KPIs (including dashboard reviews), documentation quality, and compliance, driving timely corrective actions and coaching teams to close performance gaps. Ensure strong processes, internal controls, documentation, and oversight systems are in place to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse to meet donor and RTI standards. Foster effective collaboration, coordination, and accountability across all project teams to proactively identify and resolve operational challenges. Financial Management:Support the COP and project management team in budgeting, forecasting, expenditure monitoring, and financial reporting to ensure compliant, cost-efficient use of resources aligned with project priorities. Grants:Oversee award, management, and closeout of the $12.5M Catalytic Investment Portfolio (CIP), ensuring partners receive necessary support to address gaps identified in pre-award assessments and subsequent evaluations. Procurement: Serve as the escalation point for procurement decision-making, advising on appropriate mechanisms, alignment with strategic partnerships, and resolution of complex procurement issues. Ensure robust inventory and asset management, including resource allocation, tracking, maintenance, and required reporting. Administration:Coach, mentor, and train project staff developing both technical and soft skills and connecting staff to professional development resources. Oversee the implementation and updating of security and fleet management plans, identifying actions to reduce risk and strengthen the project’s security posture. Other duties as assigned. What You'll NeedMinimum Requirements: Master’s degree and 10 years of relevant professional experience in donor-funded project operations; or bachelor's degree and 12 years of relevant professional experience in donor-funded project operations. Minimum 8 years of experience in a managerial role with increasing roles of responsibility with expertise in finance, grants, procurement, and administration for donor-funded activities. Only applicants who are Ethiopian citizens or permanent residents will be considered. This position will be paid in Ethiopian Birr on RTI’s Ethiopia local salary scale and benefits package. Preferred Experience: Prior experience as a Deputy Chief of Party – Operations or equivalent role on a USAID-funded project of similar scope and complexity, preferred. Experience managing operations teams of more than 10 people preferred. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Knowledge of U.S.-government Federal Acquisition Regulation policies and procedures related to grants, procurements, and subcontracts. Demonstrated commitment to high-quality, detail-oriented work, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and operational excellence across finance, grants, procurement, and administrative processes. Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, complex workflows, and detailed operational requirements in fast-paced environments. Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to delegate effectively, mentor staff, and build a culture of accountability, professional development, and continuous learning and improvement. Sound judgment in identifying, managing, and escalating risks, ensuring issues are addressed promptly, and compliance is maintained across all operational functions. Ability to travel and work throughout Ethiopia in difficult terrain/conditions at times. Verbal and written fluency in English required. #LI-EP1
ResponsibilitiesRTI is seeking a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) – Operations for the U.S. Department of State–funded Feed the Future Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture Activity, a five-year activity (2022 – 2027) that works across Ethiopia to sustainably improve the diets of 7 million people. The DCOP – Operations provides strategic operational leadership across finance, procurement, grants, human resources, risk management, administration, and security to ensure efficient, high quality, and compliant implementation aligned with project goals. This role collaborates closely with the Chief of Party (COP), technical leadership, and RTI regional and home office teams. This position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and will report to the Chief of Party. Primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to: General Operations Leadership:Lead and mentor a team of 40+ staff across finance, grants, procurement, administration, security, HR, and IT, ensuring full compliance with RTI policies and U.S. Department of State regulations; engage RTI home office partners for guidance as needed. Provide strategic operational leadership by integrating operational feasibility, compliance requirements, and risk insights into decision-making, strengthening coordination between technical and operational teams. Advocate for operations leaders as needed. Monitor alignment with contractual obligations and local government requirements, highlighting compliance needs, and coordinating with HQ, regional office, and Project Management Unit (PMU) for guidance and approvals as appropriate. Monitor operational KPIs (including dashboard reviews), documentation quality, and compliance, driving timely corrective actions and coaching teams to close performance gaps. Ensure strong processes, internal controls, documentation, and oversight systems are in place to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse to meet donor and RTI standards. Foster effective collaboration, coordination, and accountability across all project teams to proactively identify and resolve operational challenges. Financial Management:Support the COP and project management team in budgeting, forecasting, expenditure monitoring, and financial reporting to ensure compliant, cost-efficient use of resources aligned with project priorities. Grants:Oversee award, management, and closeout of the $12.5M Catalytic Investment Portfolio (CIP), ensuring partners receive necessary support to address gaps identified in pre-award assessments and subsequent evaluations. Procurement: Serve as the escalation point for procurement decision-making, advising on appropriate mechanisms, alignment with strategic partnerships, and resolution of complex procurement issues. Ensure robust inventory and asset management, including resource allocation, tracking, maintenance, and required reporting. Administration:Coach, mentor, and train project staff developing both technical and soft skills and connecting staff to professional development resources. Oversee the implementation and updating of security and fleet management plans, identifying actions to reduce risk and strengthen the project’s security posture. Other duties as assigned
QualificationMinimum Requirements: Master’s degree and 10 years of relevant professional experience in donor-funded project operations; or bachelor's degree and 12 years of relevant professional experience in donor-funded project operations. Minimum 8 years of experience in a managerial role with increasing roles of responsibility with expertise in finance, grants, procurement, and administration for donor-funded activities. Only applicants who are Ethiopian citizens or permanent residents will be considered. This position will be paid in Ethiopian Birr on RTI’s Ethiopia local salary scale and benefits package. Preferred Experience: Prior experience as a Deputy Chief of Party – Operations or equivalent role on a USAID-funded project of similar scope and complexity, preferred. Experience managing operations teams of more than 10 people preferred. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Knowledge of U.S.-government Federal Acquisition Regulation policies and procedures related to grants, procurements, and subcontracts. Demonstrated commitment to high-quality, detail-oriented work, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and operational excellence across finance, grants, procurement, and administrative processes. Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, complex workflows, and detailed operational requirements in fast-paced environments. Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to delegate effectively, mentor staff, and build a culture of accountability, professional development, and continuous learning and improvement. Sound judgment in identifying, managing, and escalating risks, ensuring issues are addressed promptly, and compliance is maintained across all operational functions. Ability to travel and work throughout Ethiopia in difficult terrain/conditions at times. Verbal and written fluency in English required. #LI-EP1