Program Lead, Afghanistan

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Department of Programs is the central management and coordinating function for program delivery and capacity development.It is responsible for the implementation of IDLO’s global program portfolio for field and non-field locations in line with organizational strategy.

Under the direct supervision of the Country Manager, Afghanistan, and in close cooperation with the Program Team at IDLO HQ, the Program Lead, Afghanistan engages with internal and external functions to lead, develop and manage three multi-million dollar programs, including developing the design and management of the complete work, monitoring and staffing plan, ensure compliance requirements and budget monitoring controls. Overseeing IDLO Afghanistan Program portfolio, s/he will supervise a varied team composed of Field Program Managers (3), technical Team Leads, the Monitoring and Reporting Manager and will facilitate cooperation between departments, ensure collaboration, coordination, resource allocation, and conflict resolution within the Program Team.

The Program Lead, Afghanistan represents IDLO and actively liaises with Partners, IDLO HQ staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, donors and civil society.

IDLO IN AFGHANISTAN

For over 15 years, IDLO has been assisting Afghanistan to develop a more inclusive, accessible, and professional justice sector. IDLO is currently implementing three projects in Afghanistan covering professional capacity development, access to justice, and a large-scale assessment of the justice sector. In its programmatic work, IDLO has developed a strong partnership with a broad range of Government stakeholders including the Supreme Court, Attorney General’s Office, the Ministry of Justice (among other Ministries), as well as civil society organizations promoting access to justice.

THE POSITION

Summary of Functions:

• Oversee program implementation and ensure that all project phases are consistent with the project design and delivery schedule, and in line with IDLO processes and procedures.
• Monitor program activities to ensure program compliance with donor contracts and procedures and that program cycle quality controls are in place.
• Program Development and Program Representation.
• Lead the Program team, ensuring effective, efficient, result-based and timely delivery of activities and results.
• Act as a deputy to the Country Manager, Afghanistan, when requested.

Key results expected:

1. Oversee program implementation, including: work planning, budget management, monitoring, and reporting, and ensure that all phases of the project are consistent with the project design and delivery schedule, and IDLO processes and procedures:

• Monitor program implementation issues, including revisions to project design and work plans; make decisions for timely and optimal course corrections;
• Maintain oversight of the overall financial management, accurate financial forecasts, including reviewing financial reports and identifying areas of over- or under-spending, and flagging any urgent budgetary issues;
• Review and provide inputs to annual and quarterly reports; clear the submission of financial and narrative reports; highlighting the value and impact the program/activity brings;
• Design, research, draft, and edit legal working papers, memos, briefs, and other original materials in the field experience, and utilize these materials for the development of relevant outputs; and
• Ensure program deliverables meet quality standards and proactively seek input from relevant substantive internal experts.

2. Monitor program activities to ensure program compliance with donor contract as well as quality standards:

• Ensure compliance with program contracts and subcontracts;
• Conduct research on legal, political, social, and economic events, trends, and/or developments relating to the program; respond to internal and external requests for such research;
• Design, research, draft, and edit legal working papers, memos, briefs, and other original materials in the field experience, and utilize these materials for the development of relevant outputs; and
• Ensure program deliverables meet quality standards and proactively seek input from relevant substantive internal experts.

3. Program Development and Program Representation:

• Represent IDLO in program events, and under the guidance of the supervisor, build relationships and liaise with donors, UN agencies, government institutions; CSO's and other stakeholders in the rule of law field through meetings and the preparation of reports and briefs;
• In coordination with the supervisor, generate ideas and identify new program opportunities; provide substantive input in the development of proposals or concept notes aimed at innovatively expanding IDLO’s program portfolio in line with country/regional/organizational strategies; contribute to the development of such strategies; and
• Responsible for design of implementation plans by means of standardized program cycle management tools, logic models and frameworks, work plans, monitoring reports, and others.

4. Lead the program team ensuring effective, efficient, result-based and timely delivery of activities and results:

• Effectively lead the team by providing clear direction, addressing development, and performance management through ongoing dialogue, and mentoring; fostering a teamwork approach in meeting objectives and goals; address possible conflicts in a positive and constructive manner; encourage initiative and maintain effective working relationships within a multi-cultural setting;
• Develop staffing plans, coordinating with Human Resources in the recruitment and selection of employees and consultants, when requested; and
• Oversee the monitoring of contracts, responsible for providing recommendations on amendments and changes to relevant contracts and status.

5. Act as a deputy to the Country Manager, Afghanistan, when requested.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education and Experience

• Advanced university degree in in Law, International Relations Development Studies or other related field is required;
• Minimum 8 years of significant relevant professional experience within an international organization, designing and implementing complex programs;
• Professional experience in Rule of Law or Justice sector reform would be an asset; and
• Prior experience working in Afghanistan or a similar context is an advantage as is experience with US-funded projects.

Languages

• Fluency in English is required;
• Knowledge of Dari or Pashto would be an advantage.

Specific knowledge, skills and behavioral competencies

• Familiarity with standard program and data management tools, as well as results-based management and monitoring and evaluation principles;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Proficient use of other ICT software and internet software;
• Works well with others and actively participates. Shares information, contributes, encourages and motivates others to become involved in team activities. Provides constructive feedback and willingly helps others. Contributes to a fair environment that fosters collaboration and cooperation.Works effectively across and within IDLO organizational boundaries;
• Acts as a role model and offers guidance to colleagues. Takes initiative to share knowledge, experiences and information with others. Accepts and gives constructive feedback (up, down and across) to develop and motivate others;
• Proven ability to see through tasks set and deliver results;
• The ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, flexibility and an entrepreneurial spirit;
• Ability and willingness to travel to the region, if necessary; and
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO’s mandate. Self-motivated and dynamic with a willingness and ability to use initiative to assist the organization to achieve its objectives.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The successful candidate will be contracted for an initial period of 12 months, with the possibility of extension, depending on satisfactory performance and continued funding availability.

For this internationally recruited position, IDLO shall offer a monthly basic salary of USD 9,000 and an additional benefits package including a lump sum relocation allowance, a monthly hardship allowance, provident fund at 14%, medical and mission insurance, 30 days’ annual leave, sick leave, home leave and rest and recuperation (R&R).

This is a non-family duty station. The Program runs a five-day working week from Sunday to Thursday. Accommodation, cleaning, laundry and meals are provided in a pleasant, secure and fully serviced compound. Rigorous security is in place at all times.

DISCLAIMER AND CLOSING DATE

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the employee assigned to this work.

This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.The Director - General of IDLO reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities or even to cancel the recruitment to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

Application deadline is 31 March 2020 (23:59hrs Rome time)

In the interest of making most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.