Senior Program Assistant

Why RTI

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and 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 social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

About the Hiring Group

Energy Secure Philippines (ESP) is a multi-year program funded by the US Department of State. It aims to assist the Government of the Philippines (GPH) in promoting a more competitive power sector through investment mobilization, deployment of modern energy technologies, and support in policy reforms and regulation. Implemented by RTI International, ESP’s overall goal is to enhance energy security and reliability in the Philippines. It focuses on advancing inclusive economic growth and resilient development through increased private investment, promoting advanced technology deployment, and boosting the energy sector’s resiliency.
On January 20, 2025, the US Government issued Executive Order 14169 designed to revisit and realign the country’s foreign assistance. Viewed through this lens, the America First policy frames U.S aid primarily as a tool to advance direct American interests and emphasizes strict alignment of assistance with U.S. national security, economic, and strategic priorities; a preference for measurable returns that make America safer, stronger, or more prosperous. Under this approach, foreign assistance is scrutinized for cost-effectiveness and political alignment, often favoring trade, investment, private-sector solutions, and cost-sharing, while reducing or restructuring programs seen as inefficient, dependency-creating, or insufficiently tied to U.S. interests.

What You'll Do

Provides a wide range of administrative support duties for the Energy Secure Philippines. The Program Assistant independently responds to extensive and diverse inquiries, and makes decisions when multiple courses of action are required for the office.

• Coordinate travel and activity requirements with courier, accredited travel agencies, car rental companies, hotels and other suppliers, and request for travel advance, in accordance with RTI’s Finance and Administration (F&A) policies and procedures;
• Ensure complete documentation for timely reporting of field procurement activities;
• Assure proper e-filing of all field procurement-related documentation
• Coordinate the timely processing and payment of all staff travel claims, vendor and supplier payments and other transactions with Finance;
• Actively maintain and update the filing system of the office to ensure all records are properly filed in appropriate folders on a timely basis. Advice the Finance Manager on any issues or improvements needed with the filing systems to ensure it is efficient, properly stored and safeguarded.
• Supports staff other administrative initiatives;
• Performs other duties assigned by the COP

What You'll Need

• An understanding of and commitment to RTI’s mission and values
• Additional professional training in procurement and logistics management preferred
• Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations a plus.
• Ability to work hands-on, independently, and within team.
• Culturally astute, respectful and tolerant
• Physically healthy to perform the duties required
• Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and Power Point preferred.