Programme Manager, Central Asia Saferworld Osh, Kyrgyzstan

JOB DESCRIPTION

Location: Osh, Kyrgyzstan 
Management responsibility: Project Manager, Finance Manager, Project Coordinator 
Reporting to: Head of Europe and Central Asia 
Key Relationships: Europe and Central Asia team, Policy, Advocacy and Communication teams, Saferworld’s regional partners and HR & Operations team 
Salary range: GBP 36,671 – 45,000 gross/year depending on experience

Description of Saferworld and Central Asia programme

Saferworld is an independent non-governmental organisation that works to prevent and reduce violent conflict and promote cooperative approaches to security. We work with civil society, governments and international organisations to encourage and support effective policies and practices through advocacy, research and policy development, and through supporting the actions of others. 

Saferworld’s Central Asia programme focuses on enabling communities and civil society to respond more effectively to conflict and security issues in the border areas between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan as well as other areas of the Ferghana Valley. The programme combines project implementation at the community level, dialogue, capacity building, policy research, networking and advocacy, and working with institutions and civil society in the region.

Job purpose:

The role of the Programme Manager is to provide leadership and overall programme management and ensure delivery of Saferworld's planned programme of work in Central Asia. In addition, the Programme Manager elaborates the strategic framework for the further evolution of Saferworld’s Central Asia Programme, and identifies and pursues opportunities for developing specific programme components and strands.

The Programme deals with politically sensitive issues and is being implemented in a highly changeable context. In this environment, effective programme management also involves planning for and managing a range of expected risks. Finally, the post holder contributes to organisation-wide processes and discussions to advance Saferworld's thematic priorities, methodological approaches and organisational development.

Key areas of responsibility:

Strategic Planning and programme development

• Lead the development of, manage and implement Saferworld’s Central Asia Programme strategy with reference to Saferworld’s organisation-wide strategy;
• Develop new projects and initiatives and identify emerging opportunities;
• Identify and develop relationships, ensuring regular engagement and coordination, with key strategic partners in government, security service providers, civil society, media and the international community;
• Promote internal lesson-learning within the Europe & Central Asia Team and other Saferworld programmes to ensure effective knowledge management on cross-cutting thematic issues (such as conflict sensitivity, community safety and police reform) and functions (such as capacity building, advocacy, fundraising and communications);
• Contribute to the development of the Europe & Central Asia regional programmes;
• Contribute to Saferworld’s wider organisational strategy and development by participating in strategic planning and other cross-organisational processes.

Programme management and implementation

• Manage and oversee the Central Asia’s Programme;
• Manage and undertake research appropriate to the programme;
• Manage the development and implementation of advocacy strategies targeting decision-makers and opinion-shapers in Central Asia and amongst the wider international community;
• Ensure monitoring and evaluation of the programme, including through developing M&E plans, indicators and processes;
• Lead in the production and delivery of narrative reports for donors;
• Ensure Central Asia Programme documentation and effective information management.

Representation and advocacy

• Represent Saferworld externally, and promote lessons learnt from Central Asia Programme;
• Provide information to Saferworld’s Funding & Communications Team for external communication purposes;
• Raise the profile of Saferworld’s work in Central Asia by managing the production and dissemination of appropriate information materials (e.g. publications) in line with Saferworld’s overall publications guidelines and practice.

Partnership and people management

• Line manage the Central Asia Programme team;
• Ensure the development of a security plan for managing risks to Saferworld’s Central Asia programme and staff; act as Security Focal Point for Central Asia in line with Saferworld’s security policy;
• Manage external consultants, as needed;
• Manage partnerships with local and international partners based on Saferworld’s partnership principles, ensuring effective capacity-building, cross-learning and communication;
• Ensure timely and accountable narrative and financial reporting by partners in order to comply with donor requirements.

Funding, financial and office management

• Identify new funding opportunities and write funding proposals for Central Asia Programme;
• Develop and manage programme budgets and cash-flows in line with Saferworld’s organisational processes;
• Manage and monitor overall expenditure on the Central Asia Programme.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential requirements:

• Five years’ experience in a management post (of which at least two years are in a senior capacity), including managing multiple grants/budgets and staff with experience of managing operations and finance personnel as well as programmes, preferably in a non-government setting;
• Proven ability to plan strategically and manage organisational security systems and procedures;
• Experience in financial management, including in regular oversight of financial procedures and donor reporting;
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in international relations, political science, conflict or security studies, or a related field. Developed analytical and excellent writing skills;
• Experience of managing office(s);
• High level communication skills, including experience of communicating effectively across cultures and with diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing; excellent written and spoken English and Russian;
• Ability to undertake frequent travel (up to 3 months each year);
• Good understanding of Central Asia, with experience of working in parts of the region.

Desirable:

• Good understanding of the discourse on peacebuilding and conflict prevention issues, the regional and sub-regional security structures and agreements, and the international policy environment in which these issues are addressed;
• Experience of working with colleagues based in other countries (line-managing and/or reporting to them);
• Proven experience of working in partnership with other NGOs and NGO networks.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Annual salary range: GBP 36,671 - 45,000 gross per year
Annual leave: 28 days per year
Relocation allowance where appropriate

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please send an application comprising a detailed CV and cover letter to recruitment@saferworld.org.uk, citing the reference CPM2013.

Deadline for applications: 27 March 2013 

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.