Country Director, Afghanistan

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Country Director will provide the strategic vision and leadership for the country program as outlined in the IRC 2020 strategy and in the specific Afghanistan strategic action Plan. S/he is responsible for ensuring the design & delivery of quality programs, donor & government relations, budget, security and operations management; and developing a motivated & professional team. The Country Director will also need to significantly expand the portfolio in country with aggressive plan for growth and fund raising in place. Reporting to the Regional Director, the Country Director will work closely with, and receive support from regional and headquarters program technical units, safety and security services, regional finance and operations staff.  This position is unaccompanied.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Strategic Planning and Management

• Working closely with the Regional Director and regional team’s, continue developing strategic direction based on IRC 2020 that responds to the changing funding environment in Afghanistan;
• Ensure that structures and systems are in compliance with IRC policies and standards, and that they support program delivery and promote management coordination, communication, and efficiency throughout the country program.

Program Quality & Development

• Support the development of program strategies in accordance with IRC mission and program framework;
• Oversee and  manage, program implementations in cooperation with the deputy contry director program in accordance with exising remote management policy; monitor effectiveness of the policy and adjust as needed in coordination with the national and regional team’s;
• 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

• Assure and Develop IRC as a partner of choice for major local and international donors/ private and public;
• 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 operations,  grant funds and discretionary funds.

Security & Operations Management

• 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 responsibilities.
• 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;
• Be an excellent communicator in English and a networker
• Experience of working with advocacy and communication
• 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; minimum level 15 million USD
• 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