Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has over 30 years’ experience
assisting governments, communities, and the private sector in managing
their environment and natural resources. We have delivered innovative,
breakthrough solutions in key development sectors including: countering
wildlife crime, forestry, protected area management, climate change,
economic livelihood development, community engagement, and institutional
capacity building.
Project Description
The goal of the recently awarded Tuhifadhi Maliasili activity is to
address dynamics that hinder habitat connectivity and the long-term
persistence of biodiversity in Tanzania. This activity will incorporate a
series of interventions that support and strengthen government and
civil society capacity for biodiversity conservation in a manner that:
i) increases private sector engagement in conservation and natural
resource management (NRM); ii) builds the capacity of the public sector
and civil society; and iii) strengthens the policy and regulatory
framework for conservation and NRM. These interventions together will
reduce threats to biodiversity in Tanzania while moving Tanzanian
institutions further on their journey to self-reliance.
Position Description
The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) – Operations will be responsible for
supporting the Chief of Party in all operational and management aspects
of the project, alternating with the DCOP – Technical to serve as second
in command in the Chief of Party’s absence. In this role, the DCOP –
Operations will ensure efficient and compliant administration of the
project and facilitate operational aspects of project implementation.
This position will be responsible for oversight of all financial
management, procurement, and operations on the project.
The Responsibilities of the DCOP – Operations include, but are not limited to:
- Leads all operations and grant activities, including human resources (HR), procurement, and Activity startup and closeout.
- Ensures financial, operational, and administrative activities are compliant with USAID and RTI rules and regulations.
- Applies knowledge and understanding of USAID/Tanzania and local context to maintain Activity accountability.
- Partners with the Chief of Party and DCOP-Technical in all technical, operational, and management aspects of the project.
- Ensures efficient and compliant administration of the project and oversees all financial, procurement and operational areas of responsibility, in keeping with internal and external compliance requirements.
- Manages the grants program from inception to close out, including selection of grantees, budget reviews, financial reports, and monitors audits of grantees.
- Manages team of professionals in operational management and support roles, providing strong oversight and supervision. Specifically, supervises the HR Manager, Grants Officers, two Grants Assistants, Finance Manager, Accountant, Junior Accountant, Procurement and Administrative Assistant, Drivers, Communications Specialist, and Communications Officer.
- Coordinates the development, implementation, and reporting on detailed management plans that may include but are not limited to: implementation plans, deliverable tracking, financial analysis, risk forecasting and mitigation, etc., in assigned areas of responsibility.
- Monitors and reviews project budget, expenditures, and financial forecasts, working with Home Office, International Regional Office, and local counterparts to ensure compliance with corporate and client regulations.
- Responsible to ensure project financial goals are met.
- Responsible for the accuracy of project timelines, tasks, milestones, resource requirements, costs, risks, and execution.
- Tracks and reports quarterly on programmatic achievements as required for project deliverable reporting. Produces technical and/or operational reports and updates for deliverable reporting and project success stories.
- Collaborates with Chief of Party to identify, mitigate, and manage risks and actively participates in the resolution of performance issues with project staff and sub-contractors or sub-awardees.
- Assists Chief of Party in managing all aspects of staffing and creating/maintaining a clear organizational structure with appropriate operational controls, specific roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines.
- Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with USAID, RTI International’s home office, project subcontractors and grantees, senior Government officials, private sector partners, research institutions, community groups, and other stakeholders in his/her role as a public representative of the program.
- Interacts with various levels and locations of the organization for project management, technical, and operational support to the project.
- Regularly confers with clients with regard to performance feedback and to resolve problems or issues should they arise.
- Master’s in accounting, business administration, or related field with a minimum of 9 years of relevant professional experience or a Bachelor’s plus twelve years of professional experience.
- Over twelve years of experience managing finance, operations, administration, logistics, and/or HR of complex international development projects ($25- $50 million) of similar scope.
- Experience working with and coordinating activities with local government counterparts, stakeholders and partner organizations.
- Previous senior management experience on USAID projects with strong skills in strategic planning, management, supervision, and budgeting. Demonstrated experience managing technically, operationally, and geographically diverse teams.
- Substantive experience managing large grants programs with local organizations from inception to close out, including experience in reviewing and negotiating budgets, reviewing financial reports, preparing for and monitoring audits of grantees, and file management.
- Substantive experience working with counterparts at various levels of government, private sector leaders, community groups, and other stakeholders in natural resources management, biodiversity conservation, and/or enforcement of conservation regulations.
- Demonstrated skills in building, mobilizing, and leading multidisciplinary teams.
- Superior English written and verbal communication skills, including expertise writing and editing reports and communications products for a USAID and US Government audience.
- Proven ability to work under pressure, and with multiple concurrent demands.
- Proven ability to manage projects with satellite or remote offices and team members.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to travel and work in rural areas and difficult terrain/conditions at times.
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