VAC-8860 Senior Project Assistant

Brief definition of the organizational context, reporting lines and scope, for example:

IOM Afghanistan’s Stabilization, Reintegration, and Resilience (SRR) unit deliver integrated stabilization, reintegration, and resilience interventions across displacement- and conflict-affected communities in Afghanistan.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in Afghanistan the overall supervision of the Head of Division and direct supervision of the Programme Officer Livelihoods;, the successful candidate will be responsible and accountable for managing  private sector development and cash component of SRR’s livelihoods programming.

1.Independently lead and coordinate the implementation of the livelihood project; monitor implementation of the SME grants, business advisory services, cash based intervention (CBI), cross border trade initiatives, business development and employment generation activities to ensure work is proceeding according to established plans; analyse implementation difficulties and make recommendations for adjusting implementation modalities and work plans to best reflect changing environment on the field.

2.Regularly research, follow-up, compile, analyse and present information/data on national, regional and international developments, reports, legislation, formulate SME promotion strategies and other relevant documentation, highlighting noteworthy issues on the livelihoods and SME ecosystem in Afghanistan for the consideration of appropriate parties.

3.Monitor budget expenditures; verify availability of funds and maintain a proper record of approved project budgets for the livelihood component and their revisions.

4.Coordinate and monitor the financial, administrative and technical aspects of the project in line with IOM policies and donor requirements and ensure synergies with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

5.Plan, coordinate and conduct capacity building workshops for relevant internal and external parties including staffs, implementing partners, service providers and MSMEs.  

6.Participate in meetings and conferences; maintain effective liaison and coordination with local authorities (DoRR, DoCI, ACCI, MAIL/DAIL etc.) partners, United Nation agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to the project. 

7.Coordinate the preparation of correspondence, briefing notes, presentations, implementation plan, procurement plan, narrative and financial reports; ensure status reports are prepared and submitted in a timely manner.

8.Identify and document good practices and lessons learned; contribute to the development of Standard Operations Procedures (SOP), policies and concept papers and support the development of new livelihood projects.

9.Supervise and provide guidance and training to reporting staff. 

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Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 1

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results:produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner;is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

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SKILLS:

·In depth knowledge of the business environment, challenges, opportunities for SME financing in Afghanistan  and related subject areas dealt with by the Organization; and,

·Very good understanding of gender inclusion issues in economic and business development interventions.

·Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming.

·Knowledge of financial rules and regulations

Education:

• School diploma with seven years of relevant experience; or,

·Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business Studies, Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, or related fields from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience.

Experience:

·Strong business background and experience working with urban and rural enterprises, SMEs financial products, business plan development, and SMEs advisory services.

·Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations;

·Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups; and,

·Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.

Languages

•         Dari – Fluent (oral and written).

•         Pashto – Fluency (oral and written).

•         English – Fluent (oral and written).