Procurement Director

Research Triangle Institute (RTI)has over 30 years experience assisting governments, communities, and the private sector. As a not-for-profit, independent research institute based in North Carolina, USA, RTI has roughly 5,000 employees with global experience implementing international development projects. 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&Rs Global Food Security and Agriculture portfoliois working to strengthen agricultural markets, engage youth and women as critical leaders of the on- and off-farm workforce, and tackle the dual burden of malnutrition around the globe. RTIs work is helping foster stronger food systems, reduce malnutrition in all its forms, build resilience and engage the next generation of food security leaders. RTI is currently partnering on nearly 30 projects in East Africa, including activities focused on private sector-driven agricultural growth in Rwanda and market systems development in Kenya.

Job Summary:

The Procurement Director leads and manages all procurement activities for the Feed the Future Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture Activity, ensuring cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and strict adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and RTI's procurement and logistics guidelines, policies, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). This includes developing and implementing strategic procurement plans, overseeing supplier selection and management, managing logistics, and leading a team of six professionals. This position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,andwillreport to the Director of Finance and Operations.

Essential Duties:

Specific Responsibilities including but not limited to:

• Lead the development and implementation of the annual procurement plan,aligned with budget and timelines. Drive the execution of procurement strategies across the project, ensuring consistent and high-quality value delivery.
• Lead all phases of sourcing activity while ensuring best value for money and within required lead times for a variety of requirements, including analysis of overall budgetary impact for all types of procurement transactions.
• Lead all phases of sourcing activity while ensuring best value for money and within required lead times for a variety of requirements, including analysis of overall budgetary impact for all types of procurement transactions.
• Develop and execute a long-term strategy for continuous improvement of Procurement Services.
• Identify and implement sustainable and ethical procurement practices and ensure adherence to RTIs procurement and logistics SOPs for commodities/goods/materials and services.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant local laws,ACSO regulations,and guidelines.
• Lead the supply chain management efforts up to and including logistical support from the ordering point through the follow-up, and delivery of the required goods and/or services.
• Ensure timely submission of weekly and monthly procurement and logistics reports and updates to the Director of Finance & Administration and DCOP-Ops.
• Provide leadership on overall property,inventory control and management,reports,custody control documents,and reconciliations for both expendables and non-expendables according to USAID rules and regulations.
• Oversee the preparation and timely issuance of procurement solicitation documents (RFQs/RFPs), and required documentation. Coordinate negotiation of contracts and lead the timely issuance of purchase orders in accordance with RTI's policies and procedures.
• Coordinate clearing and freight forwarding efforts with relevant RTI departments,USAID,and the Home Office Team.
• Identify any funding gaps and work with the Finance and Operations Director, DCOP-Ops, Chief of Party to mobilize additional resources.
• Lead planned and cyclical inventory counting exercises,reconciliations,and maintain updated asset and inventory records.
• Coordinate timely reporting on inventory status to program implementation staff and support their planning for inventory replenishment.
• Lead and mentor a team of six procurement professionals,providing coaching,development,training, workshop, and performance management.
• Ensure adherence to RTIs procurement and logistics SOPs for commodities/goods/materials and services.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Finance & Operations or DCOP-Ops.

Minimum Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree and 12 years of experience, masters degree and 10 years of experience, PhD and 6 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills & Abilities:

• An understanding of and commitment to RTIs mission and values.
• Additional professional training in procurement and supply chain management/logistics management preferred.
• Knowledge of USAID procurement policies and regulations a must.
• Excellent knowledge and strong computer skills of Microsoft Office applications and procurement and inventory control software.
• Strong organizational, reporting and management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Strong verbal and written Amharic, English and in other regional languages communication skills.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with all clients, peers, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work hands-on, independently, and within team.
• Demonstrated success managing and leading technical and administrative teams.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to coordinate activities with officials from host country government, US Government, NGOs, and other agencies.
• Experience in general business administration and financial management.
• Willingness to travel frequently to the field offices.