Grants Manager – Ethiopia Food and Agriculture Systems Transformation (FAST) Activity

Job Description

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 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 USAID/Ethiopia Food and Agriculture Systems Transformation (FAST) 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. FAST will also increase incomes gained from agriculture by as much as 40 percent over the next five years. To achieve its goals FAST must collaborate intensively with other USAID funded projects working in the food and agriculture sector.

Position Description

RTI is seeking a Grants Manager for Ethiopia FAST . 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 w ill lead day-to-d ay 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 .

Responsibilities

• Develop the grants management program with the input and oversight of the Chief of Party, FAST 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 .

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in accounting, business management , or related field and 8 years of experience, or a Bachelor’s degree and 1 0 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 .

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 .

For USA Job Postings Only: RTI participates in the US Government E-Verify program. Further information regarding the E-Verify program and laws that are designed to protect you against discrimination relating to your legal right to work in the US can be found here .

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here .

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States.

RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.