Director of Operations

RTI (www.rti.org) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to conducting innovative, multidisciplinary research that improves the human condition. With a worldwide staff of more than 4,000 people, RTI offers innovative research and development and multidisciplinary services. 

RTI International, the International Education Division is currently accepting applications for a Director of Operations to support the Early Grade Reading Program (EGRP), a USAID-funded five-year program to improve early grade reading in Nepal. This is a full-time position. The 5-year project will work closely with and support the Government of Nepal’s design and initial implementation of a national education model that standardizes early grade reading in public schools.  The Position is based in Kathmandu with expected travel to target districts across Nepal. 

Director of Operations will be responsible for supporting the Chief of Party in the overall operation and management aspects of the program. H/She will ensure smooth operation of the program and facilitate operational aspects in the implementation of the program.  The Director of Operations should provide the link between operation and technical units and ensure all are working as a team. S/he should show initiative and be proactive in all s/he does. The Director of Operations reports to the Chief of Party. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible to lead operational component on the program which includes Administration, Finance, Grants, Human Resources, Logistics, Procurement, and IT by ensuring the overall operational quality of program deliverables.
• Responsible for the accuracy of project timelines, tasks, milestones, resource requirements, costs, risks and execution.
• Ensure that all the units of operation and procedures are effective and working properly.  
• Using key performance indicators, address performance issues and maintain alignment with the each operation department’s strategic goals.
• Support the Chief of Party and program Team Leaders in the definition and execution of program activities and the development of plans, schedules, budgets and deliverables. 
• Monitor and review program budget and expenditures, financial forecasts, working with sub-contractors to ensure compliance with corporate and client regulations. 
• Facilitate the smooth operation of the program by ensuring that all necessary procurement is carried out in an efficient and timely manner.
• Collaborate with Chief of Party to identify and manage risks and actively participate in the resolution of performance issues with project staff and sub-contractors. 
• Regularly confer with partners’ to get performance feedback and to resolve problems or issues should they arise. 
• Collaborate with the program’s technical teams on the production of their reports. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree in public administration, business administration or communication with 12 years of experience in related area required at the national or international level.
• Ability to perform a broad range of specialized activities related to operation management, including administration, monitoring and reporting.
• Knowledge of USAID administration rules and regulations is an advantage.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Demonstrated openness to change and ability to manage complexities while remaining calm and in control.
• Ability to use Computer accounting packages; MS Office products, MS Access, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint etc. 
• Hard-worker with good interpersonal skills.
• Respectful and tolerant; able to work well in a diverse team.
• The candidate must be professionally proficient and fluent in written and spoken English.

TO APPLY: Qualified candidates are invited to apply via email to sranathapa@np-egrp.rti.org by Tuesday, October 06, 2015. Please clearly mark “Application for Director of Operations-Nepal” as subject of the email. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Only short listed applicants will be contacted. RTI is proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V.