Organization: RTI International (RTI)

Country: Zimbabwe

City: Harare, Zimbabwe

Office: RTI in Harare, Zimbabwe

Organization Summary

Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International is an independent, nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across the social and laboratory sciences, engineering, and international development.

Division Summary

RTI's Governance and Youth Economic Opportunities (GYEO) Division within its International Development Group provides high-quality technical assistance to improve governance practices at the national, regional, and local levels that promotes development, ensures equitable access to resources, and delivers effective services that meet people's basic needs. Good governance practices build bridges between governments and citizens and strengthen democratic reforms. GYEO focuses on ensuring that best practices at the local and regional levels inform national policy reforms and contribute to strengthening democratic decentralization processes, foster sustainable economic growth, job creation, and increased standards of living.

Anticipated Project Summary

The expected Activity in Zimbabwe will promote implementation of the devolution measures in the 2013 Constitution and greater understanding among stakeholders of the associated rights and responsibilities. The activity may support legal and academic analysis of devolution and civil society efforts to enhance public understanding and participation. ​The activity may also help develop the capacities of local organizations.

Position Summary

RTI is currently accepting applications for

Chief of Party (COP) for the anticipated USAID-funded local governance activity in Zimbabwe.

The COP must be a governance and civil society expert with experience in Zimbabwe. This position will be a full-time role based in Harare, Zimbabwe, with regular travel throughout the country.

Primary Responsibilities

Responsible for overall management of the Local Governance Activity including technical, administrative, operational, security, and logistical management.

Lead the strategic planning for the Activity, including annual work plans; ensure close coordination with USAID and program partners and stakeholders.

Foster and maintain effective, professional relations with a broad range of government and civil society counterparts.

Confer with USAID management on strategic issues to maximize impact and scale, minimize costs, and maximize efficiency and sustainability in achieving project requirements.

Serve as primary Activity liaison with USAID, host country governments, other implementers, and the RTI home office.

Oversee project management, technical work, scheduling, and deadlines associated with the Activity. Ability to assign specific tasks and duties as necessary to fulfill deliverables.

Ensure all activities conform to the terms and conditions of project requirements, including cost, schedule, and quality parameters.

Ensure the timely and quality completion of all Activity deliverables and reports in accordance with USAID guidelines.

Provide day-to-day operational oversight and administration of the Activity.

Directly supervise and mentor project staff.

Direct and supervise the performance and delivery of services by both international and national subcontractors.

Education and Experience

Tags basic needs capacity development citizen engagement decentralization development projects economic growth financial management international relations local governance municipal government personnel management political science project management public administration resource mobilization technical aspects

Master's degree in International Development, Public Administration, Political Science, International Relations, or related area, with 12 years of relevant experience or a bachelor's degree and 15 years of experience.

At least 5 years of experience in the implementation and management of international donor- (including USAID-) funded projects that focus on taking innovative approaches (such as those outlined above) to governance, decentralization, municipal support, and civil society strengthening.

Experience in innovative local governance improvement methodologies, government capacity development, decentralization, or institutional strengthening programs in Zimbabwe is required.

Proven track record in working effectively with other projects, high-level host country host government counterparts, and other international partners.

Significant experience in the administration and management of implementing donor-supported development projects of similar size and complexity.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Extensive technical expertise in one or more of the following: decentralization reforms, public financial management, domestic resource mobilization, municipal government capacity development and citizen engagement.

Track record and commitment to decentralized governance, a thought leader with a strong reputation in sector.

Broad knowledge of key government, civil society, private sector, faith-based and media actors who are potential allies for the project's goals.

Reputation for professional excellence including outstanding facilitation, strategic planning, and management skills (as evidenced by references and achievements).

Excellent leadership and personnel management skills and ability

Ability to communicate effectively on the technical aspects of implementation with a wide variety of stakeholders.

Ability to resolve sensitive and complicated work issues with senior high-level country counterparts, donor representative and senior-level staff.

Proficiency in English required.

Position is contingent upon award and funding.