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Afghanistan Head of Mission, UMCOR

Job Title: Head of Mission, UMCOR Afghanistan
Location: Kabul, Afghanistan

PURPOSE: The Head of Mission (HoM) is to lead and manage existing programs, develop new projects and coordinate operations in Afghanistan for UMCOR NGO. The position is for twelve months which is contingent upon funding. This will be an unaccompanied position due to security issues.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Head of Mission, (HoM), based in Kabul, will be responsible for country office supervision, program development, and overseeing all aspects of UMCOR’s presence. Central to the position will be the establishment and development of relations with key players, including donors, international and local NGOs, UN offices, government offices, local partners and other stake-holders.

The HoM will be responsible for ensuring that all aspects of UMCOR’s BPRM program in Surobi, Paghman, and Khaki Jabbar Districts is implemented in compliance with the grant agreement and according to schedule. You will oversee a staff of local program personnel including, but not limited to, engineers, site foremen, and community mobilizers. Specific responsibilities include management of beneficiary selection; lead and manage provision of essential livelihood, healthcare, education, water, and shelter assistance programming and reporting on all program activities as per donor and UMCOR internal requirements.

Primary Program Responsibilities: • Develop work plans, in conjunction with program staff, for implementation of the BPRM program; oversee implementation of all program activities and ensure work plans are followed or adjusted as needed. • Maintain oversight of the program budget and expenditures and ensure timely use of funds. • Ensure compliance with UMCOR and donor policies and procedures as they relate to personnel, security, procurement and financial management. • Ensure consistent high quality outputs and comprehensive monitoring, documenting and photographing of all activities and their impacts. • Actively coordinate program activities with other humanitarian and government agencies working in the area. • Provide regular situation reports to UMCOR HQ, and timely program reports according to donor and internal UMCOR requirements.

The HoM will develop and manage current programs focusing on the following sectors: shelter, reintegration, drought alleviation, income generation, health care, education, water, community development and capacity building. As part of program development, the HoM is expected to examine the funding situation in the country and solicit funding for programs. In addition, the position will be responsible for office and management procedures, assessing the security situation, and recruiting/supervising staff.

Primary Mission Responsibilities: • Assess IDP/refugee returnees’ needs and initiate new program development. • To represent UMCOR and maintain relations with donors and in-country authorities. • Design, prepare and negotiate project proposals and budgets. • Oversee all aspects of office, including administration, project management and implementation, including contract compliance • Collaborate with the Finance Director in the administration of finance, including budget preparation and submission of financial reports, funds transfers, accounting, and related functions and also prepare and submit required narrative reports to UMCOR HQ, including project development and monthly reports. • Continually assess security situation and alter operations as appropriate. • Must be willing to travel extensively to conduct regular site visits for all programs • Recruit qualified personnel as needed for the functioning of the office. • Manage the mission strategy for UMCOR’s work in Afghanistan. • Communicate with HQ’s Director of Programs and Program Officer team on all aspects of programming. • Responsible for field office personnel management and staff development. • Monitor developments throughout Afghanistan with the view of expanding programs. • Make recommendations to the HQ about necessary actions to protect staff and asset security. • Other tasks as assigned by the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s Degree in international development or related field and five or more years of international experience. Excellent writing, networking, management, and computer skills required. The position requires someone who is proactive and has experience working in an insecure environment. This will be an unaccompanied position due to security issues.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES: A background in IDP/refugee returns, capacity building, shelter, community revitalization, and/or food security. Experience with managing programs, program development and USG-funded projects.

To Apply: Submit your cover letter (notes) and resume through our website at http://jobs-umcor.icims.com/umcor_jobs/jobs/candidate/job.jsp?jobid=1341.... NO TELEPHONE INQUIRIES PLEASE. Applications received by November 13, 2011 will receive immediate review. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. This post will remain open until filled. Thanks for your interest in UMCOR.