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Program Manager , Equal Access International

Equal Access International (www.equalaccess.org) is a development communications NGO headquartered in San Francisco with country offices and programs in Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Chad, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan and Yemen. A communications for social change organization which combines the power of media with grassroots community mobilization, Equal Access creates customized communications strategies and outreach solutions that address the most critical challenges affecting people in the developing world such as women and girls empowerment, youth life-skills and livelihoods, education, human rights, health, and democracy and governance. With over 140 staff worldwide and twelve years experience implementing innovative media and social change projects in challenging and remote locations, we seek a San Francisco-based Program Manager.
Program Manager
The Program Manager is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the organization’s programs in Pakistan and Nepal. The Program Manager supervises the field operations of the organization in those locations and develops and maintains key national level partnerships. The Program Manager supervises the financial management of the projects and also has oversight responsibilities for local staff. The Program Manager is strongly involved in resource mobilization and program development and works collaboratively with the Business Development team to cultivate and maintain relationships with major Foundations, NGOs, Multilateral and Bilateral Funding Agencies and Government Ministries in program countries. The Program Manager is also the key liaison between the organization’s headquarters and field offices in program countries. 
 
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for all aspects of the management and oversight of Equal Access’ Pakistan and Nepal programs including strategic direction, growth, human resources, communication/media, resource mobilization and backstopping in-country staff.
 
  • Reported to by Pakistan and Nepal in-country senior program staff.
 
  • Reports to the Director of Programs.
 
  • Liaison with other headquarters staff regarding, financial oversight, compliance, and technical implementation issues.
 
  • Extensive travel of up to 40% time is a requirement of the position. Travel will be in accordance with Equal Access policies and may be to locations experiencing conflict or where standards of accommodation are consistent with the country context. Travel to Nepal and Pakistan at least several times per year to review operations and to assist with effective program oversight, reporting, and resource mobilization.
 
  • Drive the execution of building local infrastructure for programs (set up ground operations, coordinate local partners, and recruit staff and consultants).
 
  • Develop and maintain systems for efficient communication between HQ and field offices.
 
  • Provide the Director of Programs and Management team with routine reports regarding project status, operational and security issues, and key EA activities in the field.
 
  • Collaborate with the Director of Programs and the Controller to manage projects within budgeted guidelines.
 
  • Collaborate with Business Development team to maintain major strategic partnerships (Clients, Donors, Foundations, Multilateral and Bilateral funding agencies).
 
  • Develop Country Operational Plans for Nepal and Pakistan following the successful implementation of existing projects.
 
  • In collaboration with EAI HQ staff, develop funding to support the expansion of program work. 
 
  • Collaborate with the Director of Programs regarding significant current and new projects as needed.
 
  • Prepare informational as well as user-specific briefing materials on project progress, GANTT charts, work undertaken, work planned, project framework, etc.
 
  • Oversee the monitoring and evaluation processes.
 
  • Interface with key partner agencies and government ministry partners in each country. Interface with the clients or donors as well.
 
  • Other ad hoc duties as required.
 
Essential skills:• Strong communicator, both written and oral.
• Excellent intercultural communication skills – interfacing with major strategic partners, government ministries, key multilateral agencies, and local staff.
• Experience in international development and community based initiatives.
• Capable of interfacing with key leadership in multilaterals, bilateral and government agencies.
• Ability to work flexibly, outside of normal office hours and in difficult conditions essential

Qualifications:
Professional experience required:   At least 5-8 years experience in international development, including at least 3 years experience managing international development programs funded by USAID, or other bi-lateral or multilateral organizations or major foundations, involving the operation and support of an in-country office and staff from a headquarters or regional of at least 10 staff.
Strong cross-cultural experience; Prior international participatory program design & management essential. Experience in Pakistan or Nepal an advantage.
Knowledge of/language proficiency/experience in Nepal and/or Pakistan beneficial. Fluency in Urdu or Nepali desired.
Knowledge and or experience working in radio or with Communications for Development or Education projects beneficial.
Ability to commit to the mission and vision of Equal Access (available at www.equalaccess.org
Financial management training or software proficiency beneficial. Strong budget management experience preferred.
Education: Masters in relevant discipline preferred. Candidates with relevant additional experience in lieu of a Masters degree will be considered and are encouraged to apply. 
 
Knowledge, Skills and Ability:
Exceptional communication skills essential. Personal flexibility in cross-cultural situations necessary. Good facilitator of external multi-sectoral and cross-cultural partnerships. Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
Fluency in written and spoken English.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications (Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Outlook) and email.
 
The following are advantageous:
  • Familiarity with USAID rules and regulations including the Code of Federal Regulations (22 CFR), Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs) and USAID’s Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR).
  • Experience with monitoring and evaluation, work planning, donor reporting and marking and branding.
  • Experience administering sub-grants and other partner agreements.
  • Professional experience in a field or headquarters office of an INGO.
  • Experience in media production or Education.
  • Experience in formal reporting or evaluation of development projects.
  • Experience in managing USAID cooperative agreements or contracts.
 
Position details:
A competitive salary and benefits package will be offered. The position is based in San Francisco, CA with travel up to 40% time. 
 
To apply, please send a cover letter indicating your reasons for interest in the position and a resume to:jobs@equalaccess.org with "Program Manager" in the subject line of the email.
 
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Please apply July 19, 2013. This is an exempt full time position.   Applicants must have the right to work in the U.S. Equal Access does not provide sponsorship. 
 
EOE M/F/D/V