About the Organization
RTI International is an independent, nonprofit scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition through science-based and evidence-driven solutions. The organization partners with governments, donors, private sector actors, and communities worldwide to address complex development challenges.
RTI works across multiple technical disciplines including agriculture, health, education, energy, governance, and economic development. By combining research excellence with practical implementation experience, RTI ensures sustainable and measurable results.
This position is part of RTI’s Center for International Development, which manages large-scale projects in developing and fragile contexts. The Center integrates technical expertise with local knowledge to improve livelihoods, drive economic growth, and strengthen institutions.
The Procurement and Grants Manager will support a five-year USDA Food for Progress initiative in Ethiopia focused on strengthening the sunflower value chain. The project aims to improve productivity, expand market access, enhance financing opportunities, and address policy constraints in the agricultural sector.
By ensuring strong procurement and grants systems, this role will directly contribute to the transparency, accountability, and effectiveness of a major agricultural transformation program in Ethiopia.
Job Description
The Procurement and Grants Manager will serve as the primary local resource for all grants and procurement activities under the project. The role involves end-to-end oversight of grant and sourcing processes to ensure efficiency, compliance, and best value.
The position requires advising project leadership on procurement and grant strategies that align with technical workplans and program objectives. The manager will work closely with the Chief of Party (COP), Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), Finance and Administration Manager (FAM), and RTI’s global Grants and Procurement teams.
The role includes overseeing sourcing activities across Ethiopia to achieve competitive pricing, timely delivery, and compliance with donor regulations. Budget impact assessments and financial risk considerations will be integral to procurement decisions.
The Manager will train and guide staff on RTI’s grants and procurement policies, ensuring adherence to U.S. Government and Ethiopian regulations. This includes maintaining strong internal controls to prevent fraud, wastage, and abuse.
Where applicable, the position may supervise grants and procurement staff to ensure high-quality and compliant operations.
In grants management, the role includes developing and implementing a grants program known as the Technology Adoption Fund. This involves collaborating with technical teams and ensuring alignment with project goals.
The Manager will lead the preparation of funding opportunity notices, including Requests for Applications (RFA), Expressions of Interest (EOI), and Annual Program Statements (APS).
The position will coordinate grant selection committees, conduct pre-award assessments, negotiate budgets and scopes of work, and prepare grant packages for internal and donor approval.
Grant monitoring is a key responsibility. The Manager will oversee grantee performance, financial reporting, compliance with grant agreements, and achievement of project milestones.
Maintaining accurate records in the Grants Management System (GMS) and SharePoint will ensure audit readiness and transparency.
On the procurement side, the Manager will coordinate procurement planning with technical and operations teams to ensure timely and efficient acquisition of goods and services.
The role involves developing Requests for Quotations (RFQs), issuing and managing purchase orders, consultant agreements, and short-term independent contractor agreements in compliance with RTI policies and USG regulations.
Strategic sourcing, vendor prequalification, best value analysis, and supplier performance monitoring will be key to ensuring high-quality service delivery.
The Manager will identify procurement risks such as inflation, supply chain disruptions, and seasonal constraints, particularly within agriculture markets, and implement mitigation strategies.
Regular coordination with the Regional Procurement Manager will be required for complex or high-value procurements.
The position also supports property and inventory management by ensuring accurate tracking of purchases and deliveries.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least eight years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with at least six years of relevant experience. Equivalent combinations of education and professional experience will be considered.
Professional certifications in grants management, procurement, supply chain management, or logistics are strongly preferred.
Work Experience
Candidates must have demonstrated experience managing grants and procurement functions within international donor-funded projects. Experience with U.S. Government-funded programs is required.
Experience working with agrodealers, financial institutions, and private sector companies is preferred.
Applicants should have experience providing guidance and technical assistance to project partners and internal staff.
Prior experience with RTI and/or agriculture-focused projects will be considered an advantage.
Required Skills and Competencies
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written in English, are required.
Applicants must demonstrate excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
The ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment is essential.
Candidates should possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Willingness and ability to travel frequently across Ethiopia to regional project sites is required.
Integrity, accountability, and commitment to compliance and transparency are critical attributes for this role.
Job Location
The position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with frequent travel to regional activity sites.
Employment Type and Salary
This is a full-time position under a five-year development program.
Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, in accordance with organizational policies.
This role offers significant professional growth opportunities, including leadership in grants and procurement systems, exposure to U.S. Government donor regulations, and participation in a large-scale agricultural value chain transformation program.
Working with RTI provides a platform to strengthen technical expertise in international development operations, build leadership skills, and contribute to meaningful economic progress in Ethiopia.
RTI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further recruitment steps.
Please note that scanned certificates or additional attachments are not required at the time of application.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified applicants should apply online through RTI International’s official careers portal using the link below:
https://careers.rti.org/jobs/13315?lang=en-us
Applications must be submitted no later than February 25, 2026. Late submissions may not be considered.