Afghanistan: Chief of Party for the Agricultural Research and Extension Development Program (AGRED)
Country: Afghanistan
Closing date: 04 Sep 2013
Title: Chief of Party (COP)Location: Kabul, AfghanistanReports to: ROP Executive DirectorStart Date and Duration of contract: ASAP/ September 2013. The contract goes through June 30, 2017 – Roots of Peace is looking for a 2+ year commitment.
RoP has seven active programs with over $100 million in funding in Afghanistan focused primarily on agribusiness. The objective of the AGRED program is to provide extension and advisory services to Afghan farmers and build the capacity of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s (GIRoA) Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) and Directorates of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (DAILs) to sustainably develop and deploy technology and knowledge solutions and provide extension and advisory services. More information can be found at www.rootsofpeace.org.
Individuals should have extensive experience interfacing with governmental officials and agencies, and serving as lead on implementation of multi-million dollar projects. We are seeking professionals with excellent communication skills at all levels and with the ability to manage field implementation while also keeping the big picture in perspective. Individual should be able to juggle multiple, complex activities simultaneously and while effectively managing each project to ensure they are on track, within budget and all necessary parties (i.e., donors, staff, third party partners) are consistently informed in a timely manner as mutually agreed upon in the contract. You will be provided additional information on each of these programs during interviews.
Responsibilities: 1. Assume overall responsibility for program• Manage multi-year program with staff over 50• Team is comprised of expatriates (finance, DCOP) and national staff• Manager of multi-million dollar USAID contract.
Liaise with USAID, US Department of Agriculture (USDA), US Department of Defense (DOD) regional command and Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA):• Is responsible for all communications with USAID, DOD, GIRoA, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL), Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Economy, Department of NGOs, insuring that all reports and requests for information are delivered on time. Insure that cordial, working relations are maintained with USAID, DOD and the GIRoA and that their appreciation and understanding of our work continues to strengthen.• When possible lead USAID, DOD and/or GIRoA officials to visit program implementation sites and explain the work.• Provide in person brief to USAID and GIRoA at least on a monthly basis, on the progress and challenges of the program.• Work proactively and directly with USAID and GIRoA on any issues impacting the program by presenting challenges and recommending solutions
Administration of Program• Be able to continuously assess program implementation and make adjustments where necessary to keep program on track and/or enhance implementation• Insure program deliverables are met• Conduct field visits to verify quality work• Oversee M&E system• Manage any contract amendments or revisions if required
Budget & Financial Management• Assume responsibility for the management of program budgets• Work with ROP financial team to insure timely (within 30 days) invoicing for program activity• Trouble shoot any invoicing problems with ROP financial team• Anticipate purchasing needs and oversee procurements to maintain compliance with donor regulations• Manage budget modification process as needed
Human Resources• Work with ROP HR (Home Office & In Country) on all personnel issues including all hiring, firing, position changes and salary changes for the teams
Reporting• Assure that all USAID, DOD and GIRoA reports are submitted in a timely manner. Respond to USAID, DOD and GIRoA ad hoc information requests in a timely and professional manner• Provide monthly updates and submit to Country Director and Executive Director• Alert Country Director of any problems or issues immediately
Security• Monitor security in all program areas and make changes or improvements for ROP security plans, policies and procedures as required
Qualifications Requirements:
Experience --At least 10 years’ experience in international development and preferably experience working with USAID, experience in Agriculture or agribusiness is required; additional experience in business is a plus. Demonstrated expertise in agricultural development and host-country capacity building program management. Prior experience in designing and implementing agriculture and host country capacity building programs in Afghanistan, the region, or a conflict or post conflict country is highly desirable.
Communication -- Excellent ability to communicate effectively at every level (verbal and written), from donors, to government representatives to local Expat and national staff. Extensive experience working and managing activities and interpersonal relationships in challenging political and physical environments;
Management --Managed programs as a COP or team leader-- minimum of 2 assignments. Geographic Experience -- Multiple country experience required, Afghan experience is very important.Funders – Minimum of 5+ years’ experience working with USAID.Languages -- Fluent in English. Pashto or Dari a plus, but not required.Education – Masters’ degree or higher in an agriculture-related, international development, governance, or a related field.Travel -- Willing to travel into program areas that are considered safe for expatriates.
Compensation: Compensation is dependent upon past compensation history. ROP has a full benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid leave, tax deferred savings and paid holidays.
How to apply:
How to Apply: Please send a resumes and cover letter to carol@internationalink.net and include “Chief of Party for AGRED-Afghanistan” in the subject line. Finalist will be expected to provide references.
Deadline: Accepting candidates through September 4, 2013, but will review as received and until position is filled.
