Program Manager: Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

The Norwegian Afghanistan Committee (NAC) is a member-based, non-aligned, non-religious and non-commercial organization which operates independently of national authorities. Established in 1979 as a demonstration of solidarity with the Afghan people, NAC has evolved into a professional relief and development NGO. NAC’s mission it to assist the Afghan people to rebuild and develop the country. Our purpose is to support the long-term interests of Afghanistan and we aim to contribute to strengthening the basis for development and self-sufficiency through knowledge, strengthening of human rights, the sustainable management of the environment and natural resources, and greatly improved health. We maintain a multi-disciplinary and integrated approach with activities that are based entirely on the needs of the people and support those who are most in need through targeting vulnerable groups in remote rural areas. NAC’s DRR program aims to reduce the vulnerability of remote communities to natural disasters through enhancing their ability to mitigate disasters before they occur and to help them survive and cope during and after disasters. On a provincial level, NAC seeks to strengthen the capacities of local and provincial authorities to enable them to coordinate disaster risk management in the long term. The NAC is looking for an experienced Program Manager for its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Program to identify and assess hazards, manage emergency preparedness and response activities, supervise staff, co-ordinate with donor and partner organisations, and ensure the day-to-day administration of program activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES • Manage program set-up and overall implementation, including drafting and negotiating MoUs with partners, setting up and managing the operational systems, resolving human resources and finance issues, and ensuring compliance with the both the internal M&E system and the donor agreement; • Analyse results and adjust program implementation accordingly; • Plan and communicate program activities effectively with all stakeholders; • Maintain close communication and positive working relations at all times with donor representatives and provincial, district and local authorities; • Work with field teams and logistics to procure program supplies within program budgets and according to agreed work plans; • Determine training needs for subordinate staff and program beneficiaries in accordance with the goals and objectives of the grant(s); • Train and/or facilitate training for NAC staff in order to build capacity • Implement and maintain prescribed reporting systems to the record the outcomes of the DRR/M program; • Take on added responsibility as and when needed, particularly in the event of a natural disaster or the rapid onset of a crisis situation;

QUALIFICATIONS: • Masters degree from an accredited university in civil or environmental engineering, disaster management, environmental geology, hydrology or related fields; • At least 5 years of experience in senior management in a humanitarian NGO; • At least 3 years of management experience in Disaster Risk Reduction/ Management • Proven management and communication skills; • Sound knowledge in program design and project cycle management; • Proficiency in emergency communication tools and associated computer applications ( ArcGIS) • Excellent written and spoken English, additional proficiency in Dari/Farsi advantageous; • Willingness and ability to work in a culturally-sensitive setting with maturity and respect; • Ability to exercise sound judgment and make quick decisions with limited supervision; • Experienced in coping with stressful situations and a low-resource environment; • Team player - able to relate to and motivate local staff effectively. • Willingness to travel frequently within Badakhshan (Hindu Kush) and to the main office in Kabul;

NAC OFFERS: • A stimulating, progressive team-oriented working atmosphere; • A 9-month contract with a good possibility of extension; • Dynamic and challenging work in a growing organization; • Competitive salary package (7,000 USD per month tax free including allowances); • Comprehensive insurance package (medical, evacuation, liability); • Full board and lodgings in a comfortable and safe mountain environment; • All travel and supporting costs covered.

How to apply:

Send CV with covering letter to: simon.forster@nacaf.org