RTI International to Discuss Partnership in International Development at East African Conference

NAIROBI, KENYA – Representatives from RTI International will share the organization's experience in international development and local capacity building at the first Devex International Development Career Fair and Partnerships Forum in Nairobi, Kenya Oct. 16-17.  

The forum will connect international organizations, contractors, and donors with local partners and candidates based in the region.

Aaron Williams, executive vice president of RTI’s International Development Group, will serve on the plenary panel, and RTI experts in development will host a workshop on local capacity building.

Titled “Demystifying Local Capacity Development: Road map to Funding through Operational Capacity,” the workshop, led by Volkan Cakir, regional director of RTI’s Nairobi office, will represent the perspective of donors and local organizations on how best to develop organizational skills and capacity.

"We've been in Africa for more than 40 years leading projects related to economic growth, education, environmental management, governance and health," said Cakir. "We're excited to have this opportunity not only to highlight the work we've been doing, but expand our relationships with other organizations shaping the future of Africa."

As a premier sponsor of the forum, RTI will guide discussions on the future of partnerships in international development. At the conference, staff members from RTI’s Nairobi office will also recruit potential employees and speak with representatives from local organizations.  

In 2012, RTI opened a regional office in Nairobi. Today, the Nairobi office provides finance, human resources, procurement, information technology, grants and business development support for more than 35 RTI projects in sub-Saharan Africa.

Devex was founded to help make the international aid process more efficient. Its membership includes more than 1,000 funding agencies, companies and nongovernmental Organizations.

“Devex’s understanding of international development is exceptional and we look forward to collaborating with them further to enhance the quality of assistance to developing countries,” Williams said. “One of the fastest growing regional economies in the world, East Africa is an ideal place to highlight the growing trend toward localization of development, and this conference is an excellent opportunity for RTI to connect with local partners and candidates based in the region. These relationships will be crucial in helping RTI succeed in the region in years to come.”