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Country Representative Afghanistan

Kabul

  • Organization: WeWorld
  • Location: Kabul
  • Grade: Senior Executive level - Senior Executive
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: Closed

Company Description

WeWorld, recently constituted from the merger of two NGOs, is an Italian secular and independent organization working since 1971 in international cooperation and humanitarian aid. Present in 29 countries with 128 projects, WeWorld operates in the following areas of assistance: human rights (gender equality, prevention and combating violence against children and women, migration), humanitarian aid (prevention, emergency relief and rehabilitation), food security, access to water, health and hygiene, education, global citizenship education, quality teaching and international volunteering. WeWorld works mostly with girls, boys, women and youth, actors of change in every community for a fairer and more inclusive world. Supports people overcoming emergencies and guarantees a life with dignity, opportunities and a better future through human and economic development programs, in the framework of the 2030 Agenda. Joining the WeWorld team means being part of the development of a dynamic organisation where the contribution of each staff member is promoted and valued, working together towards the collective achievement of shared goals and vision. At present, the main donors are Italy (AICS), the EU (DG ECHO), UNICEF, OCHA, and Belgium (DGD).

Position

Position: Country Representative Afghanistan

Reporting Relationship: Head of Regional Unit

Location: Kabul, Afghanistan

Deadline: 21/03/2022

Starting date: ASAP

Type of contract: a first 3 (three) month collaboration contract subject to verification of the achievement of specific objectives (these objectives will be agreed together with the Head of Regional Unit and Head of International Programmes Department); a second collaboration contract of 9 (nine) months renewable, following the positive evaluation of the first three months of contract (according to fund availability)

Gross Salary: to be defined according to the candidate’s profile and WeWorld salary scale


Working context

WeWorld dated back is presence in Afghanistan at 2002 when, in Kabul, it started to support orphanages; in 2008 WeWorld established his operational base in Herat Province. For around 15 years WeWorld has managed humanitarian and development projects in Herat region mainly funded by the UN and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

From 2018 to 2020 WeWorld has suspended its direct implemented programmes in Afghanistan, while keeping contacts with its former staff in the field and collaboration with local partners. The summer of 2021 saw a collapse of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the establishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, following the withdrawal of the U.S. led coalition forces and the capture of Kabul by the Taliban. The economy has drastically shrunk by 40%, partly as a result of the collapse of the financial system that has prevented much-needed cash from entering and sustaining the country. As such, the livelihoods of many families have been lost and households struggle to pay for food, water, rent, electricity and other basic necessities. The last events in 2022 related to the shrinking of the humanitarian space from the authorities and the cholera outbreak further increased the needs of vulnerable population. As a result of the a.m. crisis, WeWorld reactivated its programs and a first response plan has been developed together with RRAA, a well-established local NGO with whom WeWorld collaborated in the past.

WeWorld on-going programme is focused on Cash for Food addressing the needs of women headed families in Heart Governorate, and assessment are on-going for responses in other sectors.


Purpose of the Role

The Country Representative is based in the country for which he/she is the legal representative and head of mission of the organization. He/she reports to the Head of the Regional Unit .


AREAS OF WORK

· Representation, external relations and accountability

· Strategy, partnerships and resource mobilization

· Local office(s) management, human resources

· Program Management

· Administration and control

· Communication, policy and advocacy

· Knowledge Management and Innovation


Representation, External Relations and Accountability

· Legally represents WeWorld in the relevant country vis-à-vis the country government and all relevant authorities

· Represents WeWorld and is responsible for relations with relevant country authorities, donors, local and international partners, and all relevant stakeholders

· Participates in events including public events and speaks on behalf of WeWorld

· Is responsible in-country for the dissemination, implementation, compliance and monitoring of the application of WeWorld Child Safeguarding Policy and Child Safeguarding & PSEAH Policy, as well as all other organizational policies adopted by WeWorld

· Is the safeguarding focal point in-country for relevant stakeholders both internal and external, has the obligation to report any behavior contrary to the duties expressed in the Safeguarding and Prevention of Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy by preparing appropriate report and to provide all necessary information to staff in-country for prevention and reporting including appropriate and continuous training on the subject

· Is responsible for and promoter of on-site dissemination and training, compliance with and monitoring the application of WeWorld Code of Ethics and Conduct and all internal policies (anti-fraud, environment and anti-terrorism)

· Is responsible for the analysis and assessment of risks present in the country, reporting periodically to Unit Head

· Is responsible for the security of the organization's people and assets in the country whose management he/she monitors in line with WeWorld policy and reports periodically to Headquarters

· Is responsible for establishing and adhering to WeWorld Security and Evacuation Plan in the country in line with the organization's relevant policy and procedures and updating it periodically in consultation with the Security Advisor

· Is responsible for disseminating the Security and Evacuation Plan and providing security training and information to expatriate and local staff

· Is responsible for adopting and updating the Local Operations Manual and monitoring its implementation


Strategy, partnerships and resource mobilization

· Is responsible for the formulation and periodic review of WeWorld in-country strategy and, in collaboration with the relevant Regional Manager, ensures its consistency with the organization's regional and global strategy

· Builds and strengthens strategic partnerships in the country through active participation in networks and coordination mechanisms, promotion of new networks and partnerships by enhancing the expertise of the organization

· Develops and enhances in-country strategic programmatic partnerships defined globally and regionally by WeWorld

· Examines the risks and opportunities presented by WeWorld strategic positioning in the country and prepares appropriate responses to ensure sustainable projects and operations;

· Contributes to the drafting of project proposals of its area of reference where required and in coordination with the Regional Manager and the Planning and Knowledge Management Area

· Strengthens relationships with institutional donors in the country enhancing WeWorld expertise and achievements over time

· Identifies and develops funding opportunities with new donors present locally in collaboration with the Regional Manager


Local Office(s) Management, Human Resources

· Is responsible for all human resources, expatriate and local, employed in the country for the implementation of WeWorld institutional activities

· Proposes and updates the most effective organizational chart, roles, and functions to carry out WeWorld activities in the country in a logic of sustainability and enhancement of local human resources

· Ensures that the selection of staff at the local headquarters is done in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner with the aim of finding the most competent and appropriate person for the required task

· Analyzes and evaluates, in a constructive and participatory manner, the competencies of staff at the local headquarters and prepares training and improvement plans

· Reports training needs and capacity building needs of local office staff to headquarters and supports in finding and/or processing training opportunities for growth and continuous improvement


Program Management

· Ensures that projects implemented in-country are in line and consistent with the organization's country and regional strategy, have high quality standards, and achieve their objectives

· Is responsible for the local office's program monitoring system, supervises and monitors the proper implementation of projects and the work of project managers

· Is ultimately responsible for the quality of project reporting and its compliance with the rules and timelines defined by WeWorld and those established by the relevant donors

· Reports periodically, on a quarterly basis, to the Regional Manager on the progress of the organization's programs in the country and the operation of the local office


Administration and Controlling

· Develops the country's annual budget proposal and submits it to the Regional Manager

· Plans and monitors the approved annual budget

· Is ultimately responsible for the proper use of WeWorld funds in the country, in line with legal requirements, and promotes a culture of proper and efficient financial management, quality, transparency, and credibility

· Ensures compliance in the management of the local office and projects implemented by it with the regulations and provisions of WeWorld and its donors


Communication, policy and advocacy

· Is responsible for WeWorld external communication in the country and its adherence to the organization's relevant regulations and guidelines

· Ensures proper visibility of donors in line with donor regulations and rules on the subject

· Disseminates the guidelines for external communication and the use of WeWorld logo to the local office staff ensuring its proper use

· In collaboration with the Regional Manager, proposes external communication and advocacy activities in the country

· Coordinates and supervises the production of content for external communication affecting the country on its own initiative and/or at the request of WeWorld Communication Department

· Contributes to sector policy development where required and ensures the implementation of global and/or regional policies and approaches developed by WeWorld

· Ensures that projects/programs feed into the organization's advocacy initiatives in coordination with the Advocacy Department at headquarters

· Is responsible for the production and implementation of the country advocacy strategic plan and its alignment with the organization's overall advocacy strategy


Knowledge Management, Policy and Innovation

· Contributes to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure that WeWorld continuously integrates good practices and innovative approaches into locally implemented programs

· Contributes to the dissemination and sharing of good practices and lessons learned at the local level, as well as thematic Policy so that they can be capitalized and systematized for the overall benefit of the organization

· Contributes to the planning, implementation and organization of strategic capacity building of staff, partners and stakeholders

· Sets priorities, in consultation with the Regional Manager and IPR Manager, for targeted investments in growth and innovation at the local level

The duties and responsibilities set forth above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to perform additional duties.



Requirements

Job Specifications

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Knowledge

· An advanced university degree or equivalent in the field of Social or Political Science, Development Studies, International relations, Project Management, Human rights

· Good knowledge of MS Office

· Fluent in English both written and oral

Professional experience

· Minimum 5 years’ relevant working experience in related fields or at least 5 years of experience as program manager in emergency context

· Working experience with international NGOs in management of international cooperation projects funded by institutional, private donors and sponsorship programs

· Proven experience in Project Cycle Management

· Sound project development and proposal writing experience

· Experience in Security Management

Skills and Abilities

· Strong flexibility and capacity to adapt behaviour to the needs of the situation

· Capacity to work autonomously and in problems prevention/resolution

· Proven organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks while fostering quality, team spirit and positive working relationships with colleagues

· Ability to identify, initiate and maintain good relationships with partner organizations, donors and national authorities including building professional relationships with senior decision-makers and influencers / leaders

· Good communication, negotiation skills and sensitivity in dealing with local institutions on critical issues

· Cultural, gender, religion, and age sensitivity and adaptability

· Strong commitment to the Mission of WeWorld, genuine interest for international cooperation development topics


DESIDERABLE REQUIREMENTS

· Experience in Cash and Voucher or Livelihoods programs

· Previous Experience in scaling up missions

· Previous work experience in the area

· Fluent in Italian, both written and oral

Other information

WeWorld is an equal opportunity organization and will not allow discrimination based upon age, ethnicity, ancestry, gender, national origin, disability, race, size, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or any other status prohibited by applicable law. WeWorld has also a zero-tolerance approach to any harm to, or exploitation of, a child or a vulnerable adult by any of our staff, related persons or partners. Safeguarding checks are part of the selection process.

WeWorld commitment to being a safe organization begins with the staff recruitment process which includes meticulous checks, such as criminal records checks or check disclosure of previous convictions, to ensure children and vulnerable people are safeguarded and abuse is prevented. WeWorld promotes a welcoming, diverse and discrimination- and harassment-free workplace and expects the highest standards of behaviour from all its staff, who are requested to adhere to the principles and behavioural rules defined in the CoEC and the Organisational Policies. The CoEC and all the internal policies can be found here: https://www.weworld.it/en/about-us/transparency



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