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 Afghanistan Program Lead in the Country Office (CO) engages with internal and external functions to lead, develop, and manage the IDLO Afghanistan Program. Duties include developing the design and management of the work, monitoring, and staffing plans; ensuring compliance requirements and budget monitoring controls are met; supervising varied teams composed of Field Project Managers, Technical Team Managers (advocacy, curriculum and training, legal translation, organizational capacity building), and the Monitoring and Reporting Manager. They will facilitate cooperation between departments, ensure collaboration, coordination, resource allocation, and conflict resolution within the Program Team.
The Afghanistan Program Lead, CO, represents IDLO and actively liaises with partners, IDLO HQ staff, government officials, technical advisors and experts, funding partners, and civil society.

IDLO IN AFGHANISTAN
For over 17 years, IDLO has been assisting Afghanistan to develop a more inclusive, accessible, and professional justice sector. Its work is focused on improving access to justice, increasing women’s meaningful participation in the justice sector, and developing the capacity of justice sector professionals. In its programmatic work, IDLO has developed strong partnerships 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 and women’s rights.

THE POSITION
Summary of Functions:

• Guide and oversee program implementation and ensure that all projects are successfully implementing sustainable programming that is aimed at increasing the capacity and independence of institutional partners.  
• Lead the program team, ensuring effective, efficient, results-based, and timely delivery of activities and results.
• Monitor program activities to ensure program compliance with IDLO policies and procedures and that program cycle quality controls are in place.
• Program development and program representation.

Key results expected:
1.  Guide and oversee program implementation and ensure that all projects are successfully delivering sustainable programming that is aimed ultimately at increasing the capacity and independence of institutional partners.

• Monitor program implementation issues, including revisions to project design and work plans; make decisions for timely and optimal course corrections.
• Oversee program implementation, including work planning, budget management, monitoring, and reporting, and ensure that all phases of the project are consistent with the goals of the project.
• Design, research, draft, and edit legal working papers, memos, briefs, and other original materials in the field experience, and proactively seek input from relevant substantive internal experts to utilize these materials for the development of relevant outputs; and
• Ensure program deliverables meet quality standards.

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

• 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.
• Assess staffing needs, coordinating with Human Resources in the recruitment and selection of employees and consultants, when requested; and

3.  Monitor program activities to ensure program compliance with IDLO policies and procedures as well as quality standards:

• 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.
• Ensure compliance with contracts and subcontracts of funding and implementing partners.
• Ensure program deliverables meet quality standards.

4.     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, civil society organizations, 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
• Design implementation plans by means of standardized program cycle management tools, logic models and frameworks, work plans, monitoring reports, etc.

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.
• 8-10 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.
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 always in place.
HOW TO APPLY
IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome and encourage diverse applications.
All interested applicants are encouraged to apply via our website: www.idlo.int/jobs  and submit the completed IDLO Personal History Form (PHF), resume and cover letter.
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 11 July 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.