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Country Director

GoodWeave International (www.goodweave.net) is a global network of non-governmental organizations working to end child labor in the handmade rug industry and offering educational opportunities to children in South Asia. The Goodweave™ certification offers the best assurance that no child labor was used in the production of a rug and ensures that a percentage of the purchase price of a rug pays for child rescue, rehabilitation and education.

GoodWeave currently has operations in five countries – India, Nepal, Germany, the United Kingdom and the U.S. The organization has rescued thousands of children from exploitative labor within South Asia and provided health and educational benefits to them, their families and the weaving community in general.

GoodWeave is beginning an exciting new phase of its development with expansion into Afghanistan. The organization seeks a seasoned professional with considerable management experience to become the new Country Director. The Country Director will be responsible for supervising (either directly or indirectly) a team of 10-15 staff members who plan, deliver and implement on-going support for the organization’s product certification program and social programs that benefit children and workers in the carpet industry.

Duties and Responsibilities
Manage and lead the planning, development, implementation, monitoring and reporting of all Afghanistan country operations and program activities, including:
• Refine and implement work plans to meet GoodWeave’s program objectives, in coordination with the GoodWeave Management Team in the US.
• Supervise all aspects of GoodWeave’s Afghanistan operations, including but not limited to: 1) ensuring compliance with child labor monitoring and certification commitments, including unannounced visits to rug production sites; 2) offering recovery and education for rescued child laborers and at-risk children; 3) leading advocacy efforts and information messaging to reduce or eliminate child labor in communities.
• Supervise in-country staff including hiring, payments, performance reviews, and scheduling. Recruit, oversee and mentor Monitors in Kabul and northern Afghanistan who will monitor carpet weaving establishments for certification compliance. Provide staff with the necessary assistance to ensure that all program activities and all reporting requirements (financial, donor, statutory) are carried out efficiently and on a timely basis in accordance with GoodWeave and local government requirements.
• Help to establish GoodWeave’s Kabul office, such as finding an appropriate location, negotiating rent, hiring of support staff, procuring phones and Internet connectivity.
• Identify key NGO partners well as exploring partnerships with government officials and appropriate industry representatives. Develop and manage relationships with these partners including securing and signing license agreements with industry partners. Schedule and attend meetings and establishing working relationships with those partners.
• Serve as the GoodWeave spokesperson within communities and especially with village elders to explain the GoodWeave program.
• Monitor field budget and expenses and oversee expense reports provided to the US Management Team.
• Ensure that weekly and monthly priorities are achieved and reported on as required. Communicate updates and developments to the US Management Team.
• Liaise with key stakeholders in Afghanistan and with GoodWeave global network partners.

Qualifications:
This position requires strong initiative and an entrepreneurial attitude along with respect for the project goals of establishing international fair labor practices and private sector development. The Afghanistan Country Director must provide strong leadership for overall Afghanistan country operations, be responsible for compliance with all project requirements, and be an effective link to the US Management Team.

Strong project management background required: Five to seven years’ experience in program and staff management for an NGO or internationally supported development project. Experience with international child labor standards or private sector development a plus. Familiarity with international donor project management policies, and budget and financial management experience is strongly preferred. Knowledge of the Afghan carpet sector would be a strength, though not required.

Ability to work independently and under pressure to achieve objectives on time. Ability to travel frequently to northern Afghanistan (initially Balkh). Strong team-building and interpersonal skills essential. Fluency in English and Dari essential. Computer skills required.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Location: Based in Kabul, with some travel to Mazar, and possibly Herat. The position may require some international travel. Travel to India will be required for initial orientation and training.

Reports to: GoodWeave US Management Team

How to apply: Resume, references and one page cover letter describing interest in position, related experience and any other relevant information to Beth Huber, beth@goodweave.org, with a deadline of June 15, 2011.