The Food Security and Agriculture Specialist (RTI Internal Title: Research Food and Agriculture Specialist 3) will provide significant contributions and support to the development and expansion of an RTI-wide strategic initiative in food security and agriculture, with a goal to expand RTI’s portfolio domestically and internationally. This position is a unique opportunity for a senior-level professional seeking an opportunity to contribute to strategic portfolio growth, design, and implementation of food security and agriculture projects. This role offers global exposure as a technical specialist combined with substantial opportunity for program management, research opportunities, and future career growth.
The successful candidate will sit within the International Development Group (IDG) and will support business development efforts and the proposal development process on specific opportunities through research, business development, and technical tool and methods development, ensuring efficient management of the process while working collaboratively with staff across the Institute. Candidates should be strategic thinkers, with a proven track record supporting business development efforts for major international programs, competing successfully for funding from the U.S. Government and other donors.
The position requires travel (both international and domestic) of up to 20% of time and will preferably be based in Washington, DC (subject to negotiation).
Essential Duties:
- Provide thought leadership for food security and agriculture technical area, assisting in development of an RTI-wide strategic initiative in food security and agriculture. Lead the development of technical approaches, strategies, and tools and help build a team of sectoral practitioners.
- May act as a Project Manager and/or Project Coordinator in support of moderately complex food security, agriculture, and economic development projects.
- Write and/or lead the development of proposals, concept notes, and expressions of interest.
- Lead other business development activities which may include capture, partner identification and development, Salesforce updates or other related tasks.
- Develop and manage relationships with key sector partners, donors, consultants, host country counterparts and stakeholders.
- Collaborate with colleagues across RTI on technical, administrative, and strategic planning initiatives.
- Mentor and supervise staff, as required.
- Author and publish technical articles, papers, reports and lead presentations, seminars and workshops on international governance topics.
- Lead presentations, seminars and workshops on topics relevant to the global food and agriculture sector.
Qualifications
Master’s Degree in agriculture, agronomy, anthropology, international development, international relations, environmental science or relevant field. Minimum of 9 years of work experience designing, implementing and leading donor-funded food security, value chain, nutrition or sustainable agriculture programs, including long-term, in-country work experience in developing countries.
- Knowledge and experience working in of one or more key technical areas within the food security and agriculture sector.
- Knowledge and experience providing technical and management leadership to complex projects.
- Knowledge and experience managing USAID, DfID funded projects or other key donors in international development sector.
- Ability to lead development of technical proposals and reports.
- Knowledge and experience in research areas and methodologies and technologies in technical area.
- International field experience in developing countries.
- Experience in mentoring and supervising staff.
- Excellent knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines under pressure.
- Ability to multi-task and work independently and within matrix project and program teams.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to travel internationally for extended periods as needed.
- Culturally sensitive and respectful.
- Proficiency in French, Spanish and/or Arabic preferred.
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