Afghanistan: Country Director
Country: Afghanistan
Closing date: 22 Mar 2014
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.
The Country Director will provide the strategic vision and leadership for the country program. S/he is responsible for ensuring the design and delivery of quality programs, donor and government relations, fundraising and budget management, security and operations management, and developing a motivated and professional team. Reporting to the Regional Director, the Country Director will work closely with, and receive support from regional and headquarters program technical unit s, safety and security services, regional finance and operations staff. This position is unaccompanied.
The overall security situation in Afghanistan remains dynamic and unpredictable due to reasons of insecurity, weak governance, political polarization and a booming drug economy. The military transition in Afghanistan expected to be completed by the end of this year is filled with ambiguity and uncertainty. Negotiations between the US and the Afghan government continue on the numbers of a residual ISAF contingent to remain in support of the central government.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Planning and Management
* Working closely with the Regional Director, and regional team, develop a strategic direction and plan for the country program that responds to the changing funding environment in Afghanistan;
* Ensure that structures and systems are in compliance wi th IRC standards, and that they support program delivery and promote management coordination, communication, and efficiency throughout the country program.
Program Quality & Development
* Develop program strategies in accordance with IRC mission and program framework;
* Manage, implement and design programs in accordance with exising remote management policy; monitor effectiveness of the policy and adjust as needed in coordination with the regional team;
* Ensure the consistent use of well managed assessment, design and proposal development processes;
* Promote a team approach and positive learning environment utilizing headquarters, country program and operations staff and partners to consistently enhance the quality of design and implementation.
Key Partner & Donor Relations
* Develop IRC as a partner of choice for major local and international donors;
* Develop and maintain a high level of understanding of donor priorities, country plans and planned funding initiatives;
* Maintain and expand participation with key donors, host government, local stakeholders and relevant policy and coordinating bodies.
Fundraising and Budget Management
* Ensure submission of appropriate, timely high quality proposals and lead required donor negotiations;
* Monitor and identify appropriate sources for match fund requirements and coverage of funding gaps;
* Provide timely and effective oversight of the financial position of the country program including identification and implementation of required changes to match funding levels;
* Maintain effective and coordinated budget monitoring processes for grant funds and discretionary funds.
Security & Operations Manage ment
* Working with country senior management team ensure the development, implementation and monitoring of financial and operational policy and procedures to ensure constant compliance with IRC and donor policies across the program;
* Take primary responsibility for the overall management of safety and security for the country program in an increasingly complex environment;
* Maintain coordination with regional team, including the Sr. Regional Safety and Security Advisor, on safety and security concerns and evolving issues.
Human Resources Management and Development
* Supervision of senior management team
* Discuss job expectations, set objectives and provide appropriate and timely feedback regarding performance, including timely implementation of the annual staff performance management system. Provide mentoring and support national staff capable of senior management respons ibilities.
* Clearly define the training needs of direct reports and ensure they are able to access training and professional development resources appropriate to their skill gaps/needs.
* Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions including staff development plans.
* Provide leadership support for the successful implementation of and adherence to the IRC Global HR Operating Policies and Procedures
* Lead with commitment, integrity and accountability to the “IRC Way” – Global Standards for Professional Conduct
Requirements:
* Graduate degree in relevant field or equivalent in years of experience
* At least ten years of international work experience covering both emergency and post-conflict development programming;
* Extensive program development and fund raising experience, prior experience with European, US and international donors;
* Experience supervising and managing a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural setting;
* Experience in mentoring senior national staff;
* Strong human resource management skills;
* Demonstrated success in managing projects;
* Previous budget and fiscal oversight responsibilities;
* A keen understanding of political complexities in the region, as they relate to post conflict recovery;
* Prior experience in Afghanistan and/or the region a must
* Ability to work and live in a complex environment while maintaining a sense of humor.
How to apply:
Please follow this link to apply:
http://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=c3RldmVueS42NDY4OS4zODMwQGlyYy5hcGxpdHJhay...
