Post Date: Jun 23, 2024
Closing Date: Jul 06, 2024
Reference: NR/KBL/06/24/051
Number of Vacancies: 1
Salary Range: NTA Grade A
Years of Experience: 10 – 11 years
Probation Period: 3 month
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Contract Duration: 1 year
Contract Extensible: Maybe
Minimum Education: Master’s Degree
Gender: Any
About Agha Khan Foundation
The Aga Khan Foundation, Afghanistan (AKF (Afg)) is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of international, private, non-denominational development agencies working to improve living conditions and opportunities for people in some of the poorest parts of the developing world. The Network’s organizations have individual mandates that range from the fields of health and education to architecture, rural development and promotion of private-sector enterprise and institutions that seek to empower communities and individuals, usually in disadvantaged circumstances, to improve living conditions and opportunities. The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a non-denominational international development agency established in 1967 by His Highness the Aga Khan. Its mission is to develop and promote creative solutions to problems that impede social development, primarily in Asia and East Africa. Created as a private, non-profit foundation under Swiss law, it has branches and independent affiliates in 19 countries. AKF seeks to provide sustainable solutions to long-term problems of poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and ill health. In Afghanistan, AKF works with rural communities in mountainous, remote or resource poor areas to improve quality of life in the areas of natural resource management, market development, governance, education, and health.
Job Summary
POSITION OBJECTIVE
The National Lead Empowering Microfinance and Enterprises for Resilience and Growth Project (EMERGe) is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the day-to-day implementation and delivery of the project. The incumbent will be accountable for ensuring that project activities are carried out in accordance with the project agreement, AKF and World Bank guidelines, and best practices in project management.
Duties & Responsibilities
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Management
• Lead and manage the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) team, ensuring that staff are motivated, productive and focused on delivering results.
• Ensure that project implementation is carried out in accordance with the project agreement, World Bank guidelines and best practices in project management.
• Develop and manage project implementation plans, schedules, and budgets, ensuring that resources are effectively used, and results are achieved.
• Oversee the procurement of goods, works, and services required for the project, ensuring that procurement processes are transparent, competitive and in accordance with the AKF and the World Bank guidelines.
• Regularly monitor project progress and performance, using data and information to make informed decisions and adjustments to the project as needed.
• Prepare regular project reports and updates for the AKF management, the World Bank, and other stakeholders, ensuring that information is accurate, timely and presented in a clear format.
• Manage risks to project implementation, taking proactive steps to mitigate potential challenges and ensuring that project delivery is not impacted.
• Ensure that project activities are carried out in accordance with environmental and social safeguards and standards.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement within the PIU.
• Coordinate closely with the Afghanistan Credit Guarantee Foundation (ACGF) for the successful implementation of Component 1 of the project.
• Oversee the consolidation of all reporting requirements as per the Grant Agreement with the World Bank, covering both Component 1 and Component 2.
• Ensure that the project adheres to all World Bank monitoring and evaluation standards.
Communications and Coordination
• Act as the primary representative and ‘face’ of the EMERGe project in interactions with government counterparts, other stakeholders ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
• Coordinate with project stakeholders, including project partners, communities, and the de facto administration authorities, where necessary to ensure that project activities are carried out effectively and efficiently.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders, including the World Bank, AKDN agencies, and project partners.
• Ensure that all project stakeholders are informed of project progress and performance and are engaged in decision-making and problem-solving as appropriate.
Disputes Resolution
• Identify potential conflicts and disputes that may arise during project implementation and take proactive steps to resolve these conflicts promptly and effectively.
• Develop and implement strategies for managing conflicts and disputes, including negotiating and mediating between project stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and cooperation among project stakeholders and encourage constructive dialogue and communication to resolve conflicts and disputes.
• To carry out the responsibilities of the role in a way which reflects AKF (Afg)’s commitment to safeguarding staff, beneficiaries and protecting children from harm and abuse in accordance with AKF (Afg)s Safeguarding policy.
• To report any suspicions or actual violations of the Safeguarding Policy and/or Child Safeguarding Policy as per the given training.
OCCASIONAL SIGNIFICANT DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Any other tasks around preparation of policy and briefing documents on EMERGe and the financial sector in Afghanistan and as assigned by the CEO and Program Director.
Job Requirements
JOB SPECIFICATION
• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as project management, development studies, or engineering.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in project implementation, with a proven track record of managing large and complex projects.
• Knowledge of World Bank procedures and policies and experience working on World Bank-funded projects.
• In-depth knowledge of project management methodologies, processes, and tools.
• Strong financial management skills, with experience in developing and managing budgets.
• Fluency in English and Dari Persian or Pashto, with excellent writing and presentation skills.
REQUIRED CORE COMPETENCIES
• Adherence to ethical practices and core values fosters accountability to create a sense of integrity that encourages professionalism among workers.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong leadership, managerial and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively lead and manage a team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and address issues and risks in a timely and effective manner.
Submission Guideline
APPLICATION
Interested applicants should submit their CV along with a cover letter to Jobs.afghanistan@akdn.org no later than 06th July 2024.
Important Notes:
• Please quote the Vacancy Number as the Subject of the e-mail when applying.
• No supporting documents (e.g., diplomas, recommendation letters, identification card(s) etc.) are required at this stage.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for further assessment.
• Salary scale: Grade A based on NTA Salary scale.
Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to equal opportunity and safeguarding of children, beneficiaries, partners, community members and employees in accordance with AKF(Afg)’s safeguarding policy.
Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
Your details and information shared on this advertisement shall remain confidential.
The Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan (AKF- Afg) promotes a transparent and equitable recruitment process. We reiterate that all services related to job applications, including processing, seminars, and training programs, are provided free of charge.
Our official job announcements are posted on the ACBAR website (acbar.org/jobs). Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications through our designated email address: jobs.afghanistan@akdn.org. Please note that each job vacancy is assigned a unique identification number for your reference. After you submit your application, you will immediately receive an automatic confirmation acknowledging its receipt.
Aga Khan Foundation – Afghanistan (AKF- Afg) recruitment and selection process reflect our commitment to equal opportunity and protecting children and at-risk adults, beneficiaries, partners, community members and employees from safeguarding violations. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with children and at-risk adults are recruited to work for us. In the process of recruitment, selection and appointment AKF (Afg) implement a range of procedures and vetting checks including criminal records disclosures to ensure everyone associated with AKF (Afg) is kept free from harm and abuse is prevented.
Protection from Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) is the responsibility of everyone, and all selected individuals will be required to comply with AKF (Afg)s Safeguarding Policy at all times.
By sharing your cover letter and resume with AKF (Afg) in response to this job application, applicants consent AKF (Afg) to keep this information on file for Recruitment and Human Resources Management purposes.
We request all job seekers to be attentive and report any instances of individuals or entities claiming to charge fees on behalf of AKF Afghanistan to AKFA.HR@akdn.org. Our commitment to ethical practices ensures that your career aspirations are supported without any financial burden during recruitment.