Deputy Chief of Party - Operations, Feed the Future Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture Activity

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. 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. Minimum 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.