For nearly four decades, Research Triangle Institute International (RTI) has worked to improve education globally. From addressing education delivery in historically underserved areas of post-apartheid South Africa, to expanding disability-inclusive education in Cambodia, to raising reading scores nationwide in Kenya and elsewhere around the world, RTI seeks to ensure that all children fulfill their potential. Working with and in support of local partners (government and non-governmental), we employ evidence-based approaches to strengthen education practice, management, and policy at every level-from classrooms to ministries, to improve education outcomes.

Project Description:

Through the LAC Regional Fund for Basic Education, USAID intends to transfer money and services to an implementing partner or consortium of partners to address barriers to access and increase the quality of basic education for marginalized groups in selected countries of the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region. The total funding provided by USAID is expected to be between USD 25M and 50M. USAID anticipates this will be done through the financial and technical support of a new or existing LAC-focused regional fund or platform that will provide grants and technical support to local entities in select LAC countries that are currently engaged in or have ideas for innovative and/or scalable activities that aim to address existing systemic barriers and improve access and foundational learning outcomes specifically for marginalized and vulnerable groups. USAID also anticipates this activity will include rigorous measurement to inform the adaptation and scaling of such interventions in the future. USAID is open to working jointly with other donor organizations on a new or existing regional funding platform, both in terms of catalyzing additional funding as well as technical collaboration for knowledge sharing and implementation. They also encourage implementing partners to be thinking about ways of mobilizing other donor and private sector investments and cost sharing as part of this activity.

Position Description:

RTI seeks a Chief of Party (COP) to lead RTI's proposed consortium for the LAC Regional Fund for Basic Education. The COP will be responsible for overall project performance, management, and compliant execution ensuring all project deliverables are exceptionally exceeded within budget. This position will provide project planning, oversight, leadership, and coordination. The COP will build and maintain strong and favorable client, partner, community, home office and team relations. They may provide technical assistance and support activities where necessary. This position is expected to be based remotely and is contingent upon award and funding.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for overall management of the project including technical, administrative, financial, operational, security, and logistical management.
• Provide overall project vision and leadership; manage overall project design and delivery.
• Liaise with USAID and RTI home office on technical and financial matters; implementation of and reporting on programming.
• Foster and maintain effective, professional relations with a broad range of government counterparts, local organizations, and donors, for successful implementation.
• Cultivate constructive relationships with public and private sector partners, showcasing a track record of collaboration, effective communication, and diplomacy to contribute to programmatic objectives.
• Oversees preparation and delivery of high-quality reports to USAID, including quarterly and annual reports, and other reports required by the contract. This includes providing project data and information, reviewing documents for accuracy, and writing relevant sections as agreed with the home office.
• Ensure synergies across technical components of the project; ensures good team planning, coordination, deployment of resources, and intra-team communication in support of project objectives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree and 18 years of experience, Master's degree and 14 years of experience, PhD and 10 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of eight (8) years' experience in managing complex, donor-funded international development programs in education or other fields.
• Robust experience in managing complex projects across multiple geographies, demonstrating adaptability and strategic thinking to address challenges in diverse contexts.
• Proven ability to manage and mobilize large funds, with a demonstrated track record of successfully leveraging funding through partnerships and collaborations with other donors and the private sector, strongly preferred
• Demonstrated Skills in problem solving, leadership, communications, consensus building and coordination of diverse stakeholders including government, civil society, and local community actors.
• Minimum of five (5) years of demonstratable experience providing technical and operational management of education programs strongly preferred, but not necessarily required.
• Proven ability to work under pressure with multiple concurrent demands.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Professional fluency in written and spoken Spanish and English is required.

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.