Reference: MM/ACD/AFS
Country: Afghanistan
Job Title: Assistant Country Director – Programmes
Contract Grade: Grade C
Contract Length: Two Years
Date Needed By: 15 May 2012
New Post or Replacement: Replacement
Accompanied / Unaccompanied: Unaccompanied
Exact Job Location: Faizabad, Afghanistan
Reports To: Country Director
Responsible For: Programme Coordinators x 4, NRM Advisor, Senior Programme Engineer, Programme Support Officer, and Gender Advisor (once recruited)
Job Purpose: As a member of Senior Management team to contribute to the management of the country programme in Afghanistan with specific responsibility for programme quality, targeting, efficiency, impact and accountability
Main Duties & Responsibilities (Including Training Role): Senior Management
• Assist the Country Director in the management of the country programme through involvement in decision making
• Contribute to the roll out of the Country Strategic Plan (2009-2013) – which will be reviewed Q3 2012
• Ensure that all programmes are designed, managed and implemented in conformity to Concern’s policies, strategies, Programme Frameworks, CSP 2009-2013
• Participate in Senior management meetings +decision making
• Understand and adherence to all Concern policies and roll out through country programme
Programme Management
• Ensure effective operational management of Concern Afghanistan’s programme through line management of key staff and in participation with the Senior Management Team
• Ensure that the programme is designed, managed and implemented in accordance with Concern policies, strategies, frameworks and Afghanistan’s Country Strategic Plan; and that cross-cutting themes are mainstreamed.
• Ensure the development and maintenance of Results Frameworks for the all programmes
• Ensure optimal quality and timely submission of reports and proposals for Concern and external Donors
• Ensure the programme meets high standards in terms of design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation through Concern Worldwide’s Project Cycle Management System + Accountability and Programme Quality Guidelines and PME Framework.
• Undertakes monitoring visits to programme areas and provides feedback to managers + staff
• Preparation of programme budgets collaboratively with programme and finance staff. Track programme expenditure through monthly management and quarterly financial accounts prepared by the finance department.
• Ensure that Concern Afghanistan retains its capacity to respond to emergencies within its programme areas and is responsible for managing any emergency responses within the programme areas.
• Responsibility for identification and assessment of local civil society partner (inc. networks and LNGOs) and subsequent management of the scale and scope of partnership
• Ensure compliance to donor policies, procedures and procurement (EU, IA, WB, WHH etc.)
Human Resource Management
• In consultation with HR ensure sufficient human resources for the programme to meet its objectives
• Ensure staff comply to the Programme Participants Protection Policy (P4) and Code of Conduct (CoC)
• Maintains system of objective setting and performance appraisal for programme staff
• Capacity building/ training responsibilities of direct reports – e.g. work with direct reports to coach and train in order to develop their own management skills
• Ensure that direct reports set objectives, conduct reviews and perform PDRs with their staff
• Monitoring direct report performance based on agreed job descriptions and ensuing their compliance with all Concern policies
Security
• Ensure programme staff awareness of and adherence to field’s security management system
• Liaise and report all security related issues to the CD, GSM and Security Officer (contact point for Security)
Representation & Communications & Networking
• Produce regular and timely programme reports for the Country Director
• Maintain open dialogue with regional and local government
• Network with regional based donors, UN, NGO and Local partners
• Liaison with Overseas Department (esp. with Desk Officer on programmatic issues)
• Liaise with SAL and assist the CD with management of SAL technical advisors + technical consultants
Organisational Learning
• Seek opportunities for Concern Afghanistan to contribute to Concern Worldwide’s organisational learning through participation in relevant workshops, trainings and liaison with SAL
PERSON SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL
• Education, Qualifications & Experience Required:
• Third level qualification (Diploma/ Degree)
• Three years relevant overseas experience in emergency insecure operational environments
• Three years relevant programme and management experience in the development context DESIRABLE
• MA/Diploma in programme management, programmes planning or related thematic subject (FIM, Health, HIV/AIDS, Education, Gender)
• Training and facilitation skills Special Skills, Aptitude or Personality Requirements:
• empathy with organisational Vision, Mission, Goals + Objectives
• proven track record in proposal and report writing
• ability to work under pressure often to strict deadlines
• ability to surface problems and recommend solutions
• methodical and thorough
• knowledge of computer applications i.e. Microsoft word and excel
• strong budget management skills
• ability to motivate and develop skills of others
• analytical and problem solving skills
• ability to work both as part of a team & independently
• cross cultural awareness and sensitivity (esp. gender and ethnicity)
• tolerance and acceptance of diversity
How to apply:
All applications should be submitted through our website at https://jobs.concern.net by the closing date and CV’s should be no more than 4 pages in length. All candidates who are short-listed for a first round interview will be notified via email after the application deadline
Closing Date: Thursday, 01 March 2012
