Afghanistan: Programme Support Officer in Afghanistan
Country: Afghanistan
Closing date: 31 Oct 2013
Programme Support Officer in Afghanistan
Country: Afghanistan Job Title: Programme Support Officer Starting date: ASAP Contract Length: 18 months Exact Job Location: Mazar-e Sharif, with frequent travel to the field (Balkh and Samangan provinces) Reports to: NRM and Livelihoods Programme ManagersType of position: traineeship, junior positionOrganisation context:People in Need (PIN) is a Czech NGO that provides relief and development assistance in over 20 countries around the world. Formed in 1992, PIN has grown to be the biggest organization of its kind in post-communist Europe, providing relief where it is needed, and empowering civil society at home and abroad. PIN has been active in Afghanistan since 2001, responding to humanitarian needs where they arise, and through targeted development programmes. Today PIN activities are conducted from programme offices in Paktya, Nangahar, Balkh, and Samangan as well as two central offices in Kabul and Mazar-e Sharif, with 11 expatriate staff and over 240 national staff members. PIN currently focuses on the main sectors of education, urban poverty, rural development and emergency relief, with support from a variety of key donors, including EU member states, European Commission, the Czech Development Agency, and ECHO.PIN has a long term strategic commitment to contribute to the alleviation of suffering caused by extreme poverty and both natural and man-made disasters in Afghanistan, by providing impartial relief and assistance, regardless of the prevailing national and international dynamics. PIN aims to promote community based approaches to avoid undermining local structures.As a small and dynamic organization all employees are expected to contribute towards the wider development of the country programme and the management of the mission, as well as the development of the organization. PIN also believes in supporting frequent travel to the field and experiencing Afghanistan from outside the compound walls.
Job overview:The Programme Support Officer ensures the smooth implementation of the Natural Resource Management, Livelihoods and Agricultural programmes of PIN Afghanistan. The Programme Support Officer will support reporting, programme development, administration. He/she will provide technical support to the NRM sector to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the projects implemented, and integrate them within a holistic watershed management approach.The Programme Support Officer reports to the NRM and Livelihoods Programme Managers, and is based in Mazar-e Sharif with frequent travel to the field.Main Duties & Responsibilities:Administrative and Management Support• Human Resource management of the administrative staff and ensuring the smooth functioning of the programme, including development and oversight of procurement, contracts, HR folders, money requests, advances and advance clearance, and providing all required documents to Finance and Admin departments.• Ensuring all required project documentation is collected, including beneficiary lists and agreements with communities.• Ensuring that all documentation is properly archived within the PIN archiving regulations in hardcopy, and within the PIN Document Management System (ELO). Through close cooperation with the Programme Manager and Finance Officer, the Programme Support Officer ensures that the Programme is in compliance with all donor regulations and guidelines.• Development of staff job descriptions, as well as planning and developing ToRs for national and international consultants and researchers.
Reporting and Coordination• Reporting (internal and external): In cooperation with the Programme Manager, provide regular internal reporting and ensure that all donor reports are produced in a timely and accurate fashion. Ensure the timely production of financial reports together with the Finance Officer.• Advocacy: Support PIN advocacy goals by providing media outputs and written reports to the PIN Media Department.• Ensure that cross-cutting agendas and principles of PIN such as gender equality and non-discrimination are implemented in the NRM project.
Sector Development • Together with the Programme Manager, build upon the Natural Resource Management and Watershed Management approach of the programme, implementing the current activities, piloting new approaches, and ensuring that sustainable approaches are mainstreamed across the programme.• Work with Programme Managers to strengthen the integration of sustainable solutions across the programme portfolio in the target areas (southern Balkh and Samangan) in particular ensuring a strong watershed management approach by understanding the hydrology and water use in the target area.• Researching, piloting and evaluating sub-projects within the NRM programme to develop sustainable solutions to the problems being faced by the local communities• In addition, the Programme Support Officer will be in charge of programme and project evaluations, both internal and external. For external evaluations, the Programme Support Officer develops ToRs for consultants, and plans evaluation trips in collaboration with the Head of Programmes.
Knowledge Management• Document and Knowledge Management: Ensure that all information and experience in the field and during the implementation of the programme is documented and stored appropriately, and methods for the sharing of such knowledge are utilised.
Requirements for Applicants:Education and Experience• Third level qualification (Diploma / Degree)• Masters levels degree in Environmental studies, Natural Resource Management or similar background or with work experience in this sector• relevant overseas experience is advantage• Working knowledge of Farsi a significant advantage• Experience supporting or managing programme, administration and financial issues• Experience working in Afghanistan or similar context preferred
Aptitude and Personality • Excellent written and oral communication in English• Empathy with the organisation’s values and its approach• Ability to quickly grow into new challenges• Ability to work under pressure often to strict deadlines• Methodical and thorough• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint• Ability to motivate and develop skills of others• Cross cultural awareness and sensitivity• Tolerance and acceptance of diversity
PIN offers• Working in modality of “People in Need Volunteer” (PIN V), i.e. per diems 30 EUR / each day are covered, no salary received• Work experience with professional and flexible NGO, the largest in Central Europe, participation in meaningful, sustainable development projects• Background of well established mission• Reimbursement of travel expenses with travel to the country of residence once every 6 months of work,• Medical helpdesk and psychological consultation available on line,• Travel insurance,• 25 days of leave annually,• Rest & recovery: each employee is entitled to up to 15 days of R&R per year in addition to the standard 25 days• Accommodation in PIN guesthouse, on PIN expenses.
How to apply:
How to apply: Send your CV and cover letter via email to Ms Barbora Jancová ,HR@clovekvtisni.cz ; closing date for the applications is October 31st 2013. Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
