Afghanistan Deputy Chief of Party

Project Description:

IFES began operating in Afghanistan in February 2002. Projects have included fielding of experts to the United Nations and the Afghan government in the fields of election systems and administration, conducting a comprehensive civic education campaign through a network of trainers and NGOs, and providing electoral support, skills and knowledge development to the Independent Elections Commission of Afghanistan (IEC). In June 2008 IFES was awarded a three-year contract with USAID, named the Support to the Electoral Process in Afghanistan (STEP). The STEP team is tasked to provide support to the Independent Election Commission (IEC) of Afghanistan in its long-term capacity building and other areas of operation.

Job Responsibilities:

IFES is looking for an experienced electoral administrator with knowledge of USAID procedures to assist the IFES Chief of Party in the field with the delivery of tasks associated with this high-profile contract. The Deputy Chief of Party (DCoP) will support IFES Headquarters and the Chief of Party in project administration and in-country financial management. This position will be responsible for ensuring compliance with IFES and USAID, ADS, FAR regulations.

Responsibilities will include assisting the Chief of Party with: • Providing advice and assistance to the IEC in conjunction with the Chief of Party and the Election Administration Manager • Developing and maintaining constructive working relationship with the diplomatic community, international and national assistance providers, and program partners • Advising on the general implementation of electoral activities in conjunction with the Election Administration Manager • Represent IFES Afghanistan at technical and electoral-related meetings with USAID, UNDP, the IEC and other organizations • Providing oversight of project financial management and reporting • Managing procurement actions to ensure they meet USAID and IFES regulations • Developing the project’s monitoring and evaluation plan and subsequent data collection and reporting • Assisting Chief of Party to ensure timely execution of project activities within the allocated budget- oversee specific project activities as directed/delegated by the Chief of Party • Serve as IFES representative when Chief of Party is not available Responsible for the bi-weekly, monthly and quarterly report and any other ad hoc report requested by USAID. Strong communications, fluent in English, with excellent presentation skills. Ensures compliance with USAID, ADS, FAR and IFES policies and procedures.

• Personnel management

The Deputy Chief of Party will also be expected to conduct other duties as assigned by the Chief of Party and from Washington HQ.

Qualifications: The position will involve collaboration with the Chief of Party on all aspects of the administration of the office including day to day management of staff, financial oversight and budget management, and personnel management.

Additional qualifications include: • Minimum of 7 years experience at a senior level in electoral management • Minimum of 7 years of experience in international program management • Minimum of 2 years of overseas work experience in implementing an international democracy and governance program • Masters degree in a related field preferred; Bachelor’s required • Proven leadership, staff management, project administration, and financial management skills are required • Experience with financial tracking programs, spreadsheets and forecasting tools – familiarity with Microsoft Project a strong plus • Experience working under and managing USAID contracts • Capacity to work well with minimal supervision • Competency at Excel, Quicken, and Microsoft Project • Strong professional and collaborative management skills • Ability to meet deadlines • Ability to manage and develop local relationships • Strong oral and written communication skills • Familiarity with political, economic, and social issues in Afghanistan or South Asia To Apply: You must go to http://www.ifes.org/ to the Careers section and apply online. Applications are only accepted in this way. Make sure you upload all papers together (ie. cover letter and application, etc.).

How to apply:

To Apply: You must go to http://www.ifes.org/ to the Careers section and apply online. Applications are only accepted in this way. Make sure you upload all papers together (ie. cover letter and application, etc.).