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NRM & Livelihoods Programme Manager People in Need

The NRM & Livelihoods Programme Manager will ensure the timely and effective management and implementation of PIN’s rural programme focused on the southern Balkh region in northern Afghanistan, ensuring efficiency, quality, impact and accountability, while upholding the core values of PIN. The Programme Manager provides technical, conceptual and organisational leadership to the team. PIN currently implements a programme covering agricultural development, sustainable livelihoods and natural resource management at the community level funded by several different donors.

Organisation context

People in Need (PIN) is a Czech NGO that provides relief and development assistant in over 20 countries around the world. Formed in 1992, PIN has grown to be the biggest organisation of its kind in post-communist Europe, providing relief where it is needed, and empowering civil society at home and abroad.

In Afghanistan PIN has been active since 2001, responding to humanitarian needs where they arise, and through targeted development programmes. Today PIN activities are conducted from programme offices in Paktya, Nangahar, Balkh, and Samangan as well as 2 central offices in Kabul and Mazar-e Sharif, with 11 expatriate staff and around over 230 national staff members. PIN currently focuses on the main sectors of education, rural development and emergency relief, with support from a variety of key donors, including European member states donors, the Czech Development Agency, and ECHO.

PIN has a long term strategic commitment to contribute to the alleviation of suffering caused by extreme poverty and both natural and man-made disasters in Afghanistan, by providing neutral and impartial relief and assistance, regardless of the prevailing national and international dynamics. PIN aims to support existing local governance structures and promote community based approaches to avoid undermining local structures. By working closely with the communities, PIN has managed to maintain a significant field presence in Afghanistan and Programme Managers are expected to spend at least 20-30% of their time in the field.

As a small and dynamic organisation, all management level employees are expected to contribute towards the wider development of the country programme and the management of the mission, as well as the development of the whole organisation. PIN also believes in supporting frequent travel to the field and experiencing Afghanistan from outside the compound walls.


Main Duties & Responsibilities:

Senior Management
- Contribute to the development and implementation of the Country Strategic Plan (2012-2014)
- Participate and contribute to the Management Team decision making as needed
- Contribute towards the overall development of the country mission

Programme Management:
- The Programme Manager is responsible for the full implementation of the Natural Resource Management, sustainable livelihoods and agricultural development components of the programme, including planning, needs assessments & identification, implementation, budgeting, monitoring & evaluation, reporting, financial management, cash flow planning and management of the team. As such, the Programme Manager has the primary responsibility for the fulfilment of the contractual obligations of PIN towards to donor and obtaining the activities, outputs, results and impact of the projects.
- The PM provides technical and conceptual leadership to the team, and ensures that a high quality of implementation is maintained. By developing and overseeing a strong Results-Based Monitoring framework, the Programme Manager is able to improve the quality of the programme and evaluate its impact.
- Human resources management: The Programme Manager must continue to build the NRM & Livelihoods team within PIN, ensuring proper recruitment, clear job descriptions, contracts, management of holidays, performance evaluation and day-to-day management as described by the missions Standard Operating Procedures and the National Staff Policy.
- Reporting (internal and external): Provide regular internal reporting according to PIN’s internal reporting structure, and ensure that all donor reporting requirements are produced in a timely and accurate fashion. Ensure together with the Finance Officer the timely production of financial reports.
- Document and Knowledge Management: Ensure that all information and experience in the field and during the implementation of the programme is documented and stored appropriately, and methods for the sharing of such knowledge are utilised.
- Ensure that the project is implemented in full within the limits of the donor approved budgets. Currently this consists of 3 multi-year contracts with the BMZ and the Czech Development Agency running until the end of 2014 with a combined financial envelope of around 3.4 million USD. The PM is responsible for planning expenditure in line with the budgets. Through close cooperation with the Finance Officer, the Programme Manager must ensure that the project complies with all internal regulations and the required financial and project documentation is archived in PIN’s electronic Document Management System.
- Training & Capacity Building: The Programme Manager is responsible for training the national staff in appropriate sectors related to the implementation of the project. Furthermore, the Programme Manager is responsible for the overall development of the national staff and their continued progress within the organisation. Together with the Head of Programmes, key national staff should be identified and special programmes for capacity building should be implemented.
- External coordination and representation: Under the leadership of the Head of Programmes, the Programme Manager should participate in relevant coordination meetings at national and regional level (Kabul and Mazar) to maintain PIN’s presence and share experiences. The Programme Manager should further work closely with all relevant stakeholders, including local line departments and other organisations in order to broaden the impact of the programme.
- Sector Development: Together with the Head of Programmes and Country Director, continue to develop the sector strategy and goals. By undertaking assessments and field monitoring, understand the needs of the targeted regions, and initiate the development on concepts and proposals. Together with the Head of Programmes, support fundraising by approaching donors and partners. Document closely success stories, and ensure that PIN suggests high-quality and cost-effective solutions to development obstacles in the region.
- Advocacy: Ensure that PIN’s significant field presence and experience is translated into advocacy at various levels within the humanitarian community, donors, and other stakeholders in coordination with the Head of Programmes. Through monitoring of the wider humanitarian situation in the country, the Programme Manager is able to participate in stakeholder coordination meetings, and represent PIN in the relevant fora.
- Ensure that cross-cutting agendas and principles of PIN such a gender equality and non-discrimination are implemented in the ERM project
Security
- Ensure all employees of the ERM programme are fully aware of PIN‘s Security Framework, and adhere to it at all times. The Programme Manager is also expected to maintain an awareness of the security situation in the area covered by the programme feeding experience from the field to the Security Coordinator.

Requirements for Applicants

Education and Experience
- Third level qualification (Diploma / Degree)
- MA/Diploma in relevant subject, and with a sound understanding of the relevant sectors.
- A minimum of three year of relevant overseas experience in development and humanitarian sectors.
- Experiences of programme, HR and financial management
- Experience working in Afghanistan is a significant advantage.

Aptitude or Personality Requirements
- Empathy with the organizations humanitarian values and its approach
- Ability to quickly grow into new challenges, working within a close and supportive team
- Ability to work under pressure often to strict deadlines
- Methodical and thorough
- Knowledge of computer applications i.e. Microsoft Word and Excel
- Experience with budgets and budgeting
- Ability to motivate and develop skills of others
- Analytical and problem solving skills
- Ability to work both as part of a team & independently
- Cross cultural awareness and sensitivity (esp. gender and ethnicity)
- Tolerance and acceptance of diversity
- Willing to integrate in PIN’s close team culture

Interested candidates are asked to send their applications via mail HR@peopleinneed.cz. Closing date for the applications is August 20th. Kindly note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.