Afghanistan

Required profile and experience

Education

BA in relevant field, Master in Business Administration or equivalent

Professional Experience 

• Essential working experience of at least five years in related activities at Senior Management level
• Desirable previous experience with NGOs
• Experience in setting up new projects and programmes and of developing and implementing departmental and organisational strategies
• Experience of planning, budgeting and executing complex strategies
• Experience in managing medical, protection and interdepartmental technical staffs
• Experience of working with diverse range of donors, EU, ECHO, BHA, FCDO, SDC, SIDA, Gulf donors and UN etc.

Professional Requirements

• Strategic vision
• Leadership, people management and development
• Planning and organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Teamwork and cooperation
• Negotiation and networking skills
• Excellent budget/financial management skills
• IT literacy (Google Suite, MS Suite, etc.)

Languages

Excellent written and spoken English

Personal requirements 

• Behavioural flexibility
• Innovation and creativity
• Decision making and influence
• Communication skills written and oral
• Commitment to INTERSOS principles

INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.

Terms of reference

Job Title: Head of Programme

Code: SR-28-9143

Duty station: KABUL with frequent visits to field locations

Starting date: 01/01/2024

Contract duration: 12 months 

Reporting to: Country director

Supervision of: Programme Managers, Grants and Reporting Manager, Medical Coordinator, Protection Coordinator

Functional Supervisor: Deputy Regional Director

Type of duty station: Non-family duty station

General context of the project

Over 40 years of conflicts and political turmoil have taken a massive cumulative toll on the people of Afghanistan. A total of 18.4 million people, almost half of the total population, have been estimated by the UN to need humanitarian assistance prior to recent events. Severe droughts are recurring in Afghanistan, currently resulting in nearly 14 million people in acute food insecurity, with over 3 million children facing severe malnourishment. The recent displacement of 550,000 people is adding to an estimated 2.9 million people who remain internally displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance, while winter months are around the corner.

INTERSOS has been working in Afghanistan since 2001, with a country office in Kabul, and field bases in Kandahar and Zabul provinces. In recent years INTERSOS has been focusing its assistance based on integrated community-based approach that includes primary health care (including sexual and reproductive health care), nutrition and protection programmes serving conflict-affected populations, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, with a special focus on socially excluded individuals, including women, children and persons living with disabilities.

With its operational approach and active engagement with the communities, INTERSOS has been enjoying strong community acceptance and operational access. All INTERSOS activities continue to be implemented in Afghanistan at present time, with no operational restrictions and with full inclusion of female staff. It is widely anticipated that Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation may deteriorate further, given that the international support to key essential and social services – food aid, health, education, and other essential services, is currently frozen. Although humanitarian aid can not replace this gap, the international assistance that prioritises urgent humanitarian needs will be essential. At the same time, unless the operational environment with all its impediments (including in relation to banking/cash transfers and counter-terrorism measures) does not improve, the response will continue to be a challenge.

General purpose of the position

The Head of Programme is responsible for the overall programme quality & strategy across the country and for providing technical input to the team within the different sectors.

S/he is also responsible for developing policies, processes and standards within the respective area of responsibility. S/he will enable and oversee the monitoring and evaluation of the activities across the country and s/he is finally responsible for the development of the portfolio, ensuring consistent donors reporting, internal and external representation. Ultimately, s/he will be active in high level and strategic decision-making, collaborating closely with the Country Director and the Head of Operations (when in organogram).

Donor focal point on programme and proposal development.

Main responsibilities and tasks

Strategy and vision

• Together with the Country Director and the Head of Operations, contribute to the development and update of the country strategy, within INTERSOS overall global strategic plan, values and principles
• Work as part of the Senior Management Team to share ideas and programme recommendations, supporting and implementing continuous improvement on activities, processes and procedures to optimise results and improve quality of delivery in line with quality standards
• Determine, set and deliver goals and objectives for the programme team in line with the mission strategic objectives
• Provide technical expertise to develop high quality programme ideas and proposals
• Ensure that programme strategies and processes are in place to meet objectives and operational needs in terms of budget, quality and delivery targets
• Develop holistic and needs-based programmes, identifying funding opportunities and strategic partnerships.
• Design and roll-out creative and innovative programming, lead assessments for rapid response or scale-up programming in existing or new areas of intervention
• Together with the Country Director and the Head of Operations, create and implement best practice programme management vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to aid and improve organizational performance
• Responsible for developing policies, processes, and standards within the area of responsibility
• With/in lieu of the CD responsible for the outreach to donors and potential donors.

Programme management

• Supervise and guide the program team (Programme Managers, Grants Managers, Technical Coordinators)
• Ensure programme coordination and coherence across portfolio
• Ensure programme and project reviews are regularly and effectively conducted, monitor the delivery of programmes based on work plan
• Together with the Head of Operations, ensure adequate resources allocation are provisioned to deliver programmes.
• Develop and oversee the design of concept notes, proposals and budgets for cost-related activities in coordination with Programme Managers and Grants Manager and in line with INTERSOS and donors’ requirements
• Ensure timely communication and information flow on programme achievements to internal and external parties
• Monitor the completion of tasks and ensure good performance and record on appropriate systems
• Conduct risk assessments of processes and tasks within the area of responsibility

Accountability and quality control

• Oversee and support continuous improvement of programme quality standards
• Explore innovative solutions and think creatively to identify solutions that will maximise the impact on programme
• Oversee the development, implementation and management of key performance indicators (KPIs) within the area of concern
• Ensure the appropriate systems and procedures are established and followed, ensuring best practices in project management are developed and adopted with appropriate programme management frameworks in place

Representation and advocacy

• Together with the Country Director and Head of Operations, establish strong and efficient partnerships with organisations, donors and authorities, in line with the country strategy
• Represent INTERSOS in relevant coordination forums
• Contribute to the definition of the country advocacy strategy and represent INTERSOS within national and international media and participate in community activities as appropriate
• Upon delegation of authority, act as Country Director when needed

People management

• Lead the program team ensuring daily supervision and regular support to maximize efficient performance
• Communicate with the program team on programme status, risks and issues in an appropriate and timely manner. Ensure regular and timely communication between project team members
• Monitor the completion of tasks and ensure good performance and record on appropriate systems
• Motivate and coach the program team. Communicate key performance Indicators (KPIs) to the staffs so that they are aware of the strategic annual plan
• Consistently promote high standards through personal example and roll out through the team so that each member understands the standards and the behaviours expected
• Undertake continuous training and staffs’ development. Inspire the team and provide technical expertise
• Support the identification and deployment of the technical skill sets, resource levels and systems to deliver projects, including the engagement of external resources as required. 

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates are invited to apply following the link below: 

https://www.intersos.org/en/field-eng/#intersosorg-vacancies/vacancy-details/65451039933197002961049b/ 

Please note that our application process is made of 3 quick steps: register (including your name, email, password and citizenship), sign-up and apply by attaching your CV in PDF format. Through the platform, candidates will be able to track their applications’ history with INTERSOS. 

Please also mention the name, position and contact details of at least three references: two line managers and one HR referent. Family members are to be excluded.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.

 

Medical doctor or nurse or midwife
Master’s in Public Health is desirable
Minimum 4 years’ experience in similar positions or in humanitarian sector
Experiences in public health and in managing health welfare in communities
Experience in supervising health promotion activities and some basic mental health activities
Experience in hard negotiations with local authorities, partners and staff in a tricky context
Experience in outbreak management and emergency response
Understand a healthcare system (including organisation, curriculum of medical profiles and national healthcare programmes) and summarise the broad outlines
Understand and analyse a health context, health problems and data
Draft a project (including funding formulation)
Ability to take quick decisions according to the context in coordination with the team
Ability to manage a team and work in an international team
Ability to have a global overview of a program (not only on medical plan)
Excellent Microsoft Office skills (especially Word and Excel)
Languages: Fluency in English is mandatory (oral and written), knowledge of Dari or Pashto is an asset
You embrace the core values and support the proactive philosophy of Médecins du Monde.

TELEPHONE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
Médecins du Monde reserves the right to fill the vacancy before the closing date for applications.
MdM stands up for the integration of people living with disabilities and fights against discrimination.

For more than 40 years, Médecins du Monde, a campaigning medical organisation committed to international solidarity, has been caring for the most vulnerable populations at home and abroad. It has continued to highlight obstacles that exist in accessing health care and has secured sustainable improvements in health-for-all policies. 

Those working for this independent organisation do not solely dispense care and treatment but condemn violations of human dignity and rights and fight to improve matters for populations living in precarious situations.  

MdM currently works in 30 countries across all continents where it focuses on 5 priority areas: emergency and crisis, sexual and reproductive health, harm reduction, migrants and displaced populations (health rights), health and environment. 

MdM is currently operating in Kabul, with a program aimed at increasing access to an integrated primary healthcare services – including nutrition, MHPSS and reproductive, maternal, neonate and adolescent health (RMNACH) – for IDPs and host communities, supporting one district hospital and 2 CHC’s. MdM is also supporting harm reduction project (for drug users) in Kabul through implementing partners. Recently, MdM expanded the program activities in Wardak province through direct implementation in 2 districts and through implementing partners for kochi nomads as well.

MdM long-term strategy consist of expanding the activities in Kabul and to additional provinces in Afghanistan, especially focusing on primary healthcare services.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of the general coordinator and in collaboration with the health advisor based at HQ, you are in charge of designing, planning, implementing, adapting and monitoring health activities. You directly manage the medical team. 

Your main responsibilities are: 

• Participate in the definition of the country strategy led by the general coordinator and drive the medical and technical aspects in the development of this strategy 
• Design, plan, implement, adapt and monitor the programme’s health activities 
• Ensure the quality and relevance of health activities, supervise the collection and analysis of medical data 
• Recruit, manage, train, and motivate the medical team 
• Ensure the management of pharmaceutical products 
• Carry out health needs assessments and evaluations of medical partners 
• Cooperate with the administration team regarding budgeting and supervise the medical purchase process
• Represent MdM with authorities, partners and other NGOs on health issues
• Participate in the writing of proposals and reports

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Status : Employee Contract : Fixed-term contract
Duration : 6 months

Starting date: as soon as possible
Gross monthly salary: 3 119 euros
Premium equal to one month salary paid in two instalments - minimum of 6 months seniority required
Expatriation bonus (10% gross salary per month) Transportation cost, vaccines and visas covered
Guesthouse housing
22.5 recovery days per year
5 weeks of paid leaves per year
Health insurance (60% covered by MdM and 40% by the employee)
Insurance (repatriation…) Médecins du Monde promotes trainings and internal mobility As part of our measures to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism, any selected candidate may be subject to a background check on international sanctions lists (UN, the EU, France, the United States…). This information is handled confidentially and stored on a secure server. For more information on the processing of personal data throughout this process: http://bit.ly/3CSTDYO

YOUR PROFILE:

• You hold a degree in Humanitarian Action/ Social Work/Development studies or social fields (anthropology, psychosocial, sociology, protection) and disability studies is an asset
• You have 5 years’ experience in I/NGO work in emergency contexts (compulsory) and 2 years’ experience in project management with I/NGOs(compulsory)
• You have also one year experience in advocacy related to disability and vulnerability issue with NGOs, preferably in emergency contexts
• You a deep knowledge of rights-based approaches
• You have excellent verbal and writing skills in English.

Handicap International/Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is an independent and impartial international solidarity organization, which intervenes in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflicts and disasters. Working alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, it acts and speaks out to meet their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights. More info: www.hi.org

At Handicap International-Humanity & Inclusion, we truely believe in the importance of inclusion and diversity within our organisation. This is why we are engaged to a disability policy to encourage the inclusion and integration of people with disabilities.

Please indicate if you require any special accommodation, even at the first interview.

JOB CONTEXT:

HI started working in Afghanistan in 1996 and currently works across 6 provinces (Kabul, Kandahar, Kunduz, Heret, Nimruz and Bamyan). The population groups targeted by HI interventions include IDPs, returnees, persons with disabilities, women headed households and other vulnerable people who have been affected by natural and manmade disasters. HI is a strong actor promoting and advocating for the rights of survivors of landmines and other people with disabilities as a whole and provides technical support to key stakeholders including humanitarian partners.

HI’s activities cover several thematic areas including Mine Risk Education, Physical rehabilitation, Mental Health and Psychosocial support (MHPSS) and Livelihoods.

HI co-chairs the Disability Inclusion Working Group (DiWG) as well as supports Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) as an integral aspect of mainstreaming disability inclusion in the country and across the humanitarian response.

YOUR MISSION:

Under the line management of the Technical Head of Programmes, the IHA Specialist contributes to the implementation of the HI’s mandate and country and global strategy. The IHA specialist will input into the Mission strategy, support design, implementation and monitoring of HI’s inclusive humanitarian action activities.

The IHA Specialist will work in close collaboration with the Inclusive Governance Officer, and other humanitarian actors to promote inclusive humanitarian action within the Afghanistan context. The role holder is also expected to forge strong relationships with a key cohort of local stakeholders (Organisations of People with Disabilities – OPDs).

In addition, this position uniquely holds an additional role as Co-chair of the interagency and inter-cluster Disability Inclusion Working group.

Your missions will be:

1. Expertise

• Contributes to the development of mission and global strategies
• Ensures technical support to projects in line with the global technical frameworks and standards.
• Ensures technical learning from projects
• Ensures the control & monitoring of the technical quality and the relevance of HI’s activities in the Programmes under her/his scope
• Adopts a cross cutting intersectoral approach within programming:
• Contributes to the development of research and innovation projects when relevant and within sectorial scope
• Contributes to the animation of the Technical Divisions professional channel

2. Influence and external influence

• Represent HI as co-chair of the Disability Inclusion Working Group (DIWG) within the Inter-Cluster Coordination Mechanism (ICCM), and work collaboratively with the other co-chair(s).
• Provides technical expertise on behalf of HI in her/his thematic area to relevant networks;
• Contributes to advocacy on specific themes in line with HI’s IHA strategy and operational strategy, promoting participatory approaches. Ensures harmonized technical messaging is provided in interagency working groups and that HI speaks with a common voice on technical issues;

3. Business development

• Contributes to the development of context analysis with her/his sectorial scope;
• Contributes to the design and writing of concept notes/proposals for new projects in the country;
• Identifies & develops local partnerships and/or consortium with NGOs and relevant institutions with a focus on delivering technical priorities within his/her sectorial scope;
• Promote and support the active participation of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in the Working Group and their engagement with the clusters
• Supports capacity building of the OPD network, including supporting the design of fundraising initiatives with the OPDs

4. Coordination and reporting

• Supports the mission teams to produce regular reports on HI both for internal use and submission to external stakeholders e.g authorities, donors;
• Ensures quantitative and qualitative reporting through relevant tools, focusing on technical support outcomes and learnings;

 

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POSITION:

The security rating of the security environment Afghanistan continues to remain high. However, continues to enjoy has wide acceptance from stakeholders and within the communities it works in.

This position is based in Kabul where expatriates live in secure within compounds in houses equipped with safe rooms and armored doors. Social interaction with other members of the humanitarian community is allowed and expatriates visit other NGO compounds (subject to validation of the security situation by the security manager). In addition, HI has bases in Kunduz, Bamyan, Kandahar, Nimroz and Herat and expats are expected to travel to and work from field locations as and when required.

 

CONDITIONS:

At HI, the conditions offered are up to your commitment and adapted to the context of your mission. https://hi.org/en/join-the-team

• 12 months International contract starting as soon as possible
• The international contract provides social cover adapted to your situation:
• Unemployment insurance benefits for EU nationals
• Pension scheme
• Medical coverage with 50% of employee contribution
• Repatriation insurance paid by HI
• Salary from 2750€ gross/month upon experience
• Perdiem: 603.89€ net/month - paid in the field
• Hardship: 500 € net/month paid with your salary
• Paid leaves: 25 days per year;
• R&R: 5 days every 8 weeks
• Position: unaccompanied
• Housing: Collective taken in charge by HI

 

How to apply

Only online by joining a CV and cover letter via the following link:

http://www.jobs.net/j/JzQmJtXW?idpartenaire=142&jobdetails=true

Applications will be processed on an ongoing basis, don’t wait for applying!

Only successful candidates will be contacted.

Significative experience on a similar position and in a mission opening context
Experience in a conflict setting or challenging environment
Experience in negotiation and relationships with authorities in a complex and volatile legal environment
Strong human resources and financial skills
Ability to classify and to manage priorities
Excellent Microsoft Office skills (especially Excel)
Knowledge of SAGA
Languages: Fluent English (written and spoken) mandatory
You embrace the core values and support the proactive philosophy of Médecins du Monde.

TELEPHONE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
Médecins du Monde reserves the right to fill the vacancy before the closing date for applications.
MdM stands up for the integration of people living with disabilities and fights against discrimination.

For more than 40 years, Médecins du Monde, a campaigning medical organisation committed to international solidarity, has been caring for the most vulnerable populations at home and abroad. It has continued to highlight obstacles that exist in accessing health care and has secured sustainable improvements in health-for-all policies.

Those working for this independent organisation do not solely dispense care and treatment but condemn violations of human dignity and rights and fight to improve matters for populations living in precarious situations.

MdM currently works in 30 countries across all continents where it focuses on 5 priority areas: emergency and crisis, sexual and reproductive health, harm reduction, migrants and displaced populations (health rights), health and environment.

Following Taleban takeover of power in August 2021, the cumulative effects of the conflict, international sanctions and the economic crisis, recurrent drought and Covid has led to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. In view of this situation, MdM has decided to reopen its mission in the country to contribute to the humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Afghan people.

A first contact mission has been sent late November 2021 to evaluate the feasibility of an intervention under the de facto authorities. The result of this first contact being positive, it has been decided to send an exploration team to further assess needs and define an operational strategy. MdM is now launching the third phase of its deployment in Afghanistan by recruiting the expatriate team that will be in charge of finalizing the mission opening, rolling out policies and launching activities.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of the general coordinator and in the context of the mission opening, your main responsibilities are the following:

• Define and supervise the implementation of the mission’s human resources set-up
• Define, adapt, plan and supervise the implementation of the mission’s human resources frameworks, procedures and policies while respecting the local context, local legislation and MdM policies and values
• Plan, centralise, coordinate and supervise the financial management and administration of the mission (accounting, budget construction and follow-up, internal and external reporting, donor compliance, audits, administrative legal obligations, etc.) in line with MdM policies, procedures and templates
• Follow up the evolution of the legal environment under the de facto authorities and ensure MdM remains in line with official guidelines and policies in the framework of its principled approach
• Recruit, train and manage the administrative department team
• Ensure representation of MdM towards donors when needed
• Liaise with INGOs heads of administrative departments in-country and actively participate in interagency coordination meetings
• Provide technical support to operational staff on the HR and financial management of the mission

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Status : Employee Contract

Fixed-term contract
Duration : 6 months

Starting date: As soon as possible
Gross monthly salary: 2940 euros
Based in Kabul with regular field visits
Premium equal to one month salary paid in two instalments - minimum of 6 months seniority required
Expatriation bonus (10% gross salary per month)
Transportation cost, vaccines and visas covered
Guesthouse housing
22.5 RTT (recovery days) per year
5 weeks of paid leaves per year
Health insurance (60% covered by MdM and 40% by the employee)
Insurance (repatriation…)
Teleworking agreement for positions eligible to telework: 110 days/year (minimum of 1 day per week onsite)
Given the current circumstances of Covid-19 pandemic, we are taking special measures to apply health protocols and hygiene measures to guarantee the safety of our staff.
Médecins du Monde promotes trainings and internal mobility
Single posting