Chief of Party - Bangladesh - Biodiversity

RTI International / Research Triangle Institute (RTI) is both a global research institute and a leading international development organization. We combine these powerful capabilities with those of our partners to co-create smart, shared solutions for a more prosperous, equitable, and resilient world. Based in North Carolina, USA, RTI is one of USAID’s top implementing partners. A commitment to making meaningful change energizes our 6,000 staff who deliver results across eight international development sectors and in more than 80 countries. 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 Environment portfolio has delivered innovative, locally driven, evidence-based solutions in local and institutional capacity building in natural resource governance and environmental policy, countering wildlife and environmental crime, forest and protected area management, sustainable landscapes, climate change and resilience, livelihood development, and economic growth.

Project DescriptionThe purpose of the anticipated $10-25 million USAID Bangladesh Multispecies Biodiversity Conservation Activity is to improve the protection of key wildlife species and habitat in Bangladesh. The anticipated project will be based in Dhaka but support activities throughout Bangladesh.

Position DescriptionRTI’s Environment portfolio is seeking a Chief of Party (COP) for the anticipated USAID Bangladesh Multispecies Biodiversity Conservation Activity. The COP will be responsible for overall project performance, management, and execution ensuring all project deliverables are exceptionally exceeded within budget and compliance. 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.

Position is contingent upon award and funding.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

Hold primary responsibility for project performance and budget management.

Lead planning, oversight and coordination of all project activities and personnel, operational and technical.

Ensure all project deliverables exceed expectations and are managed within budget.

Manage client relations and serves as primary liaison and IDG Representative with the client and stakeholders regarding overall policy, resource mobilization and allocation, joint initiatives and coordination of project management and planning.

Ensure internal integration of project activities through 1) the annual work plan and budgeting process; 2) creating/maintaining an effective project management team; 3) overseeing an effective monitoring and evaluation system.

Provide leadership and oversight for areas such as Finance, Operations, Reporting, Public Affairs, Fund Management and Human Resources; liaise with Regional Office and business partners per policy and practice.

Responsible to ensure all staff receives adequate security and operational support and that Standard Operating Procedures are implemented.

Manage all aspects of staffing and creating/maintaining a clear organizational structure with specific roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines.

Ensure management systems are operational to track expenditures (including labor) and monitor same against the project work plan and budget, according to both company policy and client standards/regulations.

Responsible for developing and implementing practices to ensure a high level of staff morale and retention.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree and 15 years of experience, Master's degree and 12 years of experience, PhD and 8 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Prior experience as a COP or Deputy COP for USAID projects is strongly preferred. Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience and expertise in the implementation of complex projects relating to biodiversity/environmental conservation, protected areas/forest management, countering wildlife trafficking, sustainable management, climate change, or similar fields.

Ten (10) years of progressive senior management experience on programs of similar sized international donor programs with strong skills in strategic planning, management, supervision, procurement and budgeting similar size and scope. Demonstrated experience managing technically, operationally, and geographically diverse teams.

Five (5) years’ substantive experience working with counterparts at various levels of government, private sector leaders, and other stakeholders.

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

Regular Full-Time