Afghanistan: Operational Manager
Country: Afghanistan
Closing date: 18 Aug 2013
Organisation Description: Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V. is a German Christian non-governmental organisation, dedicated to excellence in the field of first aid, ambulance service, social service programmes and other projects in the medical and social field. The federal headquarters are based in Berlin, Germany.
Johanniter International Assistance is the department for development cooperation and emergency assistance, with a focus on implementing and supporting health projects worldwide. (www.thejohanniter.de)
Project Description:
The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate, with growing needs amongst internally displaced people (IDPs), other people struggling with the impact of conflict and natural disasters and communities exposed to communicable diseases coupled with challenges for some populations to access basic services. The Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V. (Johanniter International Assistance) is implementing a number of projects in Kabul and Balkh Provinces in the sectors of Health and Disaster Risk Reduction.
Job Description:
The Operational Manager will be responsible for the overall implementation management of the Johanniter programme at field level. As his main function he will therefore oversee the implementation of actual field activities that aim at achieving the strategic objectives of the country programme. The Operational Manager will be required to have a good understanding of the overall country programme. He is expected to travel from Kabul to field sites for approximately 40% of total time
The Operational Manager will be
? reporting to: Country Director Afghanistan; HQ Berlin only when required.
? working with: the whole team of national and international staff in Afghanistan.
Job Responsibilities:
? Manage the implementation of programme operations, review management systems and make appropriate improvements at field level.
? Overall responsibility for effective and efficient management of project implementation at all project sites, in line with the project management cycle, program objectives, activities and indicators
? Co-ordinate activities between the sites
? Monitor project partners
? Monitor and maintain compliance with standard Johanniter procedures and guidelines.
? Maintain cordial relationship with Government of Afghanistan, Donors, NGO community and networks.
? Support of writing concept notes, proposals, and budgets for new projects & extensions of projects in conjunction with the other Country Office team members and the field sites’ teams
? Ensure project monitoring systems are in place and that reviews are undertaken periodically in conjunction with the team, the country Director, project partners and relevant local stakeholders
? Ensure regular communications are maintained between the field sites and the Country Office team.
? Initiate regular project team meetings at all sites to ensure successful project implementation
? Contribute to programme development and strategy
? Provide technical support to program staff in terms of Health, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Humanitarian Emergency Relief.
? Monitor the evolving humanitarian situation in the project regions and consider strategic and immediate responses
? Regularly travel to all field sites depending on needs of project needs, security and staff etc. with subsequent documentation
? Act as Deputy –Country Director when Country Director is away
? Develop and implement Annual Capacity Building Plan
? In collaboration with the admin and logistics ensure appropriate administrative, financial and logistical procedures and systems are in place at field level, maintained and adhered to so that all support functions are carried out effectively and efficiently
? Monitor appropriate field documentation of projects for transparency and possible donor audits
? Maintain and support positive team communications & dynamics in the field
? Monitor staff welfare in the field sites and ensure appropriate steps are taken to improve working conditions where necessary
? Represent field site teams at the Country Office team meetings, and the Country Office team in the field sites
Person Specification:
Profession/Qualification: Operational Manager, relevant university degree.
Experience:
? 5 years field management experience
? Experience in security management in high risk areas and under stressful circumstances
? Experience in the region is an asset
? Networking and coordination with partners
? Previous Grant Management Experience with NGOs
? Excellent writing skills
Skills:
? Multi-tasking and organizational skills
? Preferably financial management skills
? Communication, negotiation and representation
? Analytical, written and oral communication skills
? Sensitivity to cross-cultural dynamics and ability to work in an international team
? Situation analysis (safety and security) and stress management
? Fully computer literate
? Fluency in English required, knowledge of German an asset
? Accurate and precise work style
Terms and Conditions:
Duration: 12 months/as of 15. September 2013
Remuneration: Salary range according to the ARV-J regulations depending on qualification and experience + per diem according to the German travel expense act (BRKG)
How to apply:
Applications (including cover letter, CV, copies of job certificates, and reference contact details to three former employers) for this position should be sent to: staff@johanniter.de . Please insert the following references in the subject field of your email: “Operational Manager Afghanistan”. Only short-listed candidates will be notified.
