Afghanistan: Program Management Advisor
Country: Afghanistan
Closing date: 16 Sep 2013
Average salary up to US$120,000.00/annum plus allowances based on relevant qualifications and work experiences1. Organizational ContextMinistry of Foreign Affairs is the key ministry and a significant player in the sector of foreign policy and international relations. The ministry was first conceptualized some 86 years back during the Amani Era. The mandate of MOFA is to establish and maintain effective foreign relations with all countries of the world; and to advance the national interests of Afghanistan through the development and implementation of comprehensive foreign affairs policies. The Civilian Technical Assistance Program (CTAP) is an Afghan government program that aims to create stronger government institutions with more effective structures, efficient processes and skilled personnel. It assists Afghan government organizations to implement capacity development and performance improvement programs by providing them with skilled international technical experts and capacity development advisors. On behalf of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, CTAP is now seeking to fill the position of Program Management Advisor to work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Directorate-General for Economic Cooperation (DGEC). This position is open to international passport holders only: Afghan expatriates and nationals of regional countries are especially encouraged to apply.
- Position2.1 Nature and Scope of AssignmentThis assignment involves supporting a government-led human and institutional capacity development program within MOFA. Under the supervision of the Director General of Economic Cooperation, the successful candidate will provide technical support in the development and implementation of international trade policies, change management and organizational development processes, communication strategies, and policy analysis.The successful candidate will be expected to work through and with his/her Afghan national counterparts, and progressively transfer skills and knowledge to them. This position does not involve any management or line responsibilities.
2.2 Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the direct supervision of the Director-General for Economic Cooperation, the Program Management Advisor will provide technical support in capacity development of the DGEC to ensure adequate capacity is available in economic policy analysis, international trade negotiations, WTO regulations, economic partnership agreements, bilateral and multilateral trade protocols and other related issues.The Program Management Advisor will be responsible for ensuring all policy procedures and standards are adhered to in the implementation of programs and projects under the ministry’s leadership. The Program Managment Advisor will guide the implementation of effective coordination and implementation mechanisms to meet the present and future needs of MoFA; paying particular attention to multi-departmental linkages, management information systems and providing technical backstopping to the Program Support System. The successful candidate will support the implementation and coordination of policies, organizational change, communications, information flow, integrated delivery services to MoFA departments enabling them to support the implementation of programs and projects of the office of the Chief of Staff. Key duties and responsibilities of the Program Management Advisor include but are not limited to the following:• Conduct country needs assessment in capacity building in fields of diplomacy and international studies• Develop human resource strategic plans that define human resource objectives, needs, and approaches • In cooperation with the private sector identify lessons for human resource development• Develop a curriculum for training staff in diplomacy and international relations • Conduct diplomacy and international relations training using interactive methodology based on Adult Learning Theory (ALT)• Develop the capacity of trainers by conducting competency-based Training of Trainers workshops focused on mastery of technical content, the successful use of ALT-based technical curriculum, and the skills to ensure successful administration of training, such as the development of training roll out plans• Identify and rectify functional gaps in PICU including MIS • Provide advice and guidance in developing action plans for strategic planning• Develop knowledge management strategies on strategic planning for local staff, based on international and similar country best practices• Advise in planning and oversight of the management activities • Conduct program progress reviews and establish mechanism/system to track program performance• Provide technical support in the development and implementation of new systems, and procedures for organizational change• Coach, mentor and train staff in programme management• Provide technical support to the Chief of Staff in organizing regular monthly program review meetings with various programs of the Ministry• Review the Work plans and implementation plans for programs to ensure programs are implemented as per approved Aide Memoirs and Ministry and Donor strategies
2.3 Deliverables:
The deliverables of the Program Management Advisor will be as follows:• A program management system designed complete with manuals and handbooks• Skills transferred to national staff on effective program management• An operational program management in the ministry
2.4 Skills, Experience and Qualifications:
The successful candidate should have the following skills, experience and qualifications:• University degree, preferably in international relations, organizational design/development, human resources management, public administration• A Master’s degree in international relations or above in organizational design/development, human resources management, public administration or relevant field is highly preferred • Minimum of 10 years experience in Capacity development, organizational design/development, governance. A minimum of five years in strategic planning, business processes re-engineering, change management, and public administration reforms.• Practical experience in the delivery of training and coaching and mentoring of local counterpart staff.• excellent verbal and written communication skills• Previous experience in under-developed, insecure or post-conflict environments a plus• Fluency in Dari and/or Pashto is a strong plus
Afghan expatriates and nationals of countries in Afghanistan’s region are preferred for this position. Women are especially encouraged to apply.
How to apply:
Application should be completed online via www.ctapafghanistan.orgOnly short listed candidates whose background and experiences corresponds to the above criteria will be contacted for further consideration. CTAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Females are highly encouraged to apply for CTAP’s positions.
