NGO JOBS

BACKGROUND The Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU) is Afghanistan’s leading independent policy-research organisation. AREU was formed in 2002 with a mission to conduct high quality research to inform and influence policy and practice. It seeks, therefore, not just to produce reports, but to be part of a process of change that will significantly improve the quality, impact and accountability of reconstruction and development efforts. AREU’s research is largely qualitative, and involves extensive field work in urban and rural areas of Afghanistan. Afghanistan is facing major challenges, with transition of security responsibility, departure of international military, elections, as well as reduction of Official Development Assistance (ODA) levels. AREU will draw upon its extensive research experience to track emerging trends and critical issues during this period. The objective will be to generate policy discussions and recommendations targeted at both Afghan and international decision-makers.In order to ensure that research findings influence policy, AREU invests heavily in communications and advocacy work, including publishing a wide range of research publications and briefing papers, participating in policy meetings, briefing key policy-makers, and disseminating information through national and international media. Since its formation in 2002, AREU has grown significantly. The organisation currently employs around 45 national and 10 international staff, as well as a number of shorter-term consultants. AREU has a Kabul-based Board of Directors with equal representation from multilateral organisations, bilateral donors and NGOs working in Afghanistan. AREU is funded from a number of sources, but most significantly from the governments of Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland and the Netherlands, as well as from the European Commission, International Development Research Center (IDRC), UN Women and UNDP. AREU’s 2012 budget is approximately USD 6 million.AREU has successfully come through a difficult period in 2011, and is now on a sound financial footing. In September 2012 the Director unexpectedly had to resign for urgent personal reasons and the organisation is now looking for a new Director to take it to the next stage of its evolution. More information on AREU is available on the website: www.areu.org.af.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES The role of the AREU Director is to guide the overall strategic direction of AREU, and to oversee the work of four departments within the organisation: (1) Research, (2) Communications and Advocacy, (3) Operations and (4) Finance, in order to achieve the organisation’s goals. Key to the Director’s responsibilities is representation, both in advocacy and media work for policy change, and for management of people, research programmes and financial resources. The Director will be expected to maintain excellent relationships with donors and other partners.In addition to an understanding of the complex political and development challenges facing Afghanistan, the Director will be expected to demonstrate a clear vision of how AREU might respond to these, within its mandate. The AREU Director is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, and reports to AREU’s Board Chairperson or Co-Chairs. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Strategic Planning and Program Development

Oversee the annual review and updating of the three-year strategic plan and related annual operating plans, in close collaboration with key managers and research staff; lead programming and development for AREU activities in line with these plans, while exploring opportunities for growth within the constraints inherent in the operating context of Afghanistan; work with AREU research teams to identify priorities, develop ideas and support the formulation of projects; where relevant, develop partnerships with Afghan and international organisations.

1. Policy/Advocacy and Organisational Representation

Ensure that AREU maintains a constructive dialogue with government ministries and departments, donors, UN agencies, NGOs and the media, and other relevant actors in order to influence policy-making; represent AREU at relevant national and international meetings and conferences, and facilitate the presentation of research by other AREU staff, as appropriate; ensure that AREU’s activities have an appropriate level of media coverage (in print, on radio and TV) both nationally and internationally; work with the Communications and Advocacy team on dissemination strategies for research findings and publications, and ensure that these remain relevant to policy-makers and development practitioners in Afghanistan.

1. Organisational Management

Ensure that AREU’s operational practices meet the requirements of the programme and that effective procedures are in place to address constraints; ensure that all organisational activities conform to AREU policies and procedures; monitor the security situation and continually assess procedures to ensure staff security. Work with the Administration and Finance team to ensure compliance with AREU and donor financial and grant requirements, including reporting; work with the finance team to strengthen budgeting and budget monitoring.

1. Human Resource Management and Staff Development

Ensure that AREU’s structure and practices meet the needs of AREU’s goals and programmes, through the timely recruitment of suitably-qualified staff; devise, secure funding for, and implement appropriate training and development plans aiming at developing the capacity of local staff, especially of local research staff; supervise and evaluate the performance of direct supervisees; ensure that appropriate systems and resources are in place to maintain staff development in an equitable and transparent manner.

1. Resource Mobilization and Partnership Building

Engage partners, including research institutions, think tanks and universities (international and national) in policy discussions. Liaise on a regular basis with donors, and oversee and help in the formulation of timely and relevant funding proposals that are in line with the AREU Strategic Plan 2013-2015.

SALARY AND BENEFITS A competitive salary for this position will be offered, taking into account experience and AREU’s overall salary scale. AREU pays local income taxes. The benefits package also includes health and evacuation insurance, furnished housing, shared use of a vehicle, a home leave ticket after each year of service, 34 paid annual vacation days, an allowance for R&R travel, and a shipping allowance. Afghanistan is a non-family duty station for most organisations.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• At least seven years of proven experience in project, people and budget management at a senior level, with at least four years of experience in the field of international development;• A record of successful fundraising is highly desirable;• Relevant academic qualifications (at least a Master’s degree and preferably a PhD); • Relevant research and research management experience (a record of authorship of research publications is highly desirable); • Strong team building and change management skills, as well as strong communications and representation skills, including excellent spoken and written English; • Proven interpersonal and cross-cultural skills, including team building; • Direct practical experience in Afghanistan would be a distinct advantage; • Ability to work in fast-changing and politically sensitive environment; • Knowledge of Dari and/or Pashto desirable; and • Willingness to make a minimum commitment of two years.