Deputy Area Coordinator Afghanistan

Department: Coordination
Position: Deputy area coordinator Contract duration: 6 months, renewable Location: Faryab, Afghanistan Starting Date (December) To be confirmed

I. Background on ACTED

ACTED is an independent international, private, non-partisan and non-profit organization that operates according to principles of strict neutrality, political and religious impartiality, and non discrimination.

ACTED was created in 1993 to support populations affected by the conflict in Afghanistan. Based in Paris, France, ACTED now operates in 30 countries worldwide, with over 200 international and 4000 national staff. ACTED has a 100 million € budget for over 340 projects spanning 8 sectors of intervention; including emergency relief, food security, health promotion, economic development, education & training, microfinance, local governance & institutional support, and cultural promotion. For more information, please visit our website at www.acted.org

II. Country Profile

Capital Office : Kabul National Staff : 885 Areas : 3 (North West with Mazar-e-Sharif, North East with Taloqan, Center with Kabul) On-going programmes : 33 Budget : 21.5 M

ACTED continued to build on 18 years of uninterrupted presence in Afghanistan, with 900 staff of whom 98 % are Afghan nationals, whose tireless and awe-inspiring dedication to the people of Afghanistan and rebuilding their country is admirable, especially given the dangerous operating environments and direct exposure to attacks in the course of their work. ACTED consolidated its work in eight of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces in the north of the country and our beneficiaries, while predominantly from rural, agricultural-based areas, typify the diversity which is Afghanistan, inclusive of different ethnic groups, languages, customs and traditions.

In 2010 ACTED continued to work with approximately 8 % of the population of Afghanistan to increase their capacity to govern themselves, provide essential services, boost their economy and direct their own long-term development. We also responded to emergencies caused by conflict (displacement of people) and natural disasters, such as the floods in 2010).

For 2011-2013, livelihoods will form the backbone of ACTED’s country strategy. We will continue to support the humanitarian and development community as a whole through our involvement in key coordination bodies and influencing mechanisms and continue to expand our partnership with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan into new sectors.

III. Position Profile 1. Ensure ACTED Representation in the area of activity - Representation vis-à-vis provincial authorities: Participate in official meetings to ensure maximum visibility vis-à-vis provincial authorities

• Representation vis-à-vis Donors: Establish and update contact details of potential Donors active in the area of activity; Participate in Donor meetings at provincial level and communicate relevant information to the Country Director; Circulate the Annual Report.
• Representation amongst other international organisations: Participate in inter-NGO Coordination meetings and those of UN Agencies (OCHA, UNDP, UNICEF, FAO, etc.), and any other relevant inter-governmental institution at provincial level; Ensure maximum visibility of the Agency amongst the NGO community at provincial level; Lead the production of reports and ensure the timeliness and accuracy of information provided, as well ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information.

More generally, the DAC is expected to contribute to the creation of a positive image and overall credibility of the organisation, notably through the application of ACTED’s mandate, ethics, values and stand-point with regard to other actors. 2. Contribute to the development of a global intervention strategy and to support its implementation at provincial level - Analyse the context and develop strategic plans, in consultation with the Area coordinator and the Country Director: Gather and analyse information regarding opportunities and risk; Define an operational strategy for finances and HR. - Implement the financial strategy: Oversee drafting of projects and budget development; Lead fund-raising and negotiations with Donors in the area of intervention; Lead the application and adherence to contract terms and requirements; Supervise overall financial commitments and financial risk. - Implement the operational strategy: Supervise Project Managers of the area of intervention in project implementation; Help the various teams in negotiations with provincial/local authorities and partners; Ensure global coordination and complementarity amongst projects within the area of intervention; Assess activities and ensure efficient use of resources. - Oversee reporting procedures: Develop a reporting schedule with regard to Donor deadlines; Plan and supervise the development of narrative and financial reports; Ensure adherence to FLAT procedures.

More generally, communicate systematically to the Country Director the development of the sub area strategy and its implementation. 3. Oversee Staff and Security - Guide and direct the staff of the area of intervention: Organise and lead coordination meetings; Prepare and follow work plans; Ensure a positive working environment and good team dynamics (solve out potential conflicts); Promote team working conditions in the limit of private life; Adapt the organigramme and ToRs of personnel according to the area development; Undertake regular appraisals of directly supervised colleagues and pass appraisal forms to the Country Administrator with recommendations (new position, changes to contract or salary etc.);

• Contribute to the recruitment of expatriate staff: Follow recruitment procedures: plan recruitment needs in advance; draft ToRs for open vacancies; if necessary undertake phone interviews with candidates; When requested by HQ, undertake interviews of expatriate candidates living in the area of intervention.
• Oversee staff security: In cooperation with the Area Security Officer, monitor the local security situation and inform both Country Security Officer and Country Director of developments through regular written reports; Update the security guidelines in the area of intervention; Ensure that security procedures are respected by the whole staff.

IV. Qualifications:

• Master Level education in a relevant field such as International Relations or Development • Project management experience (management, planning, staff development and training skills) in development programmes • 2-5 years previous work experience in a relevant position • Proven capabilities in leadership and management required • Excellent skills in written and spoken English • Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills, and flexibility in cultural and organizational terms • Ability to work well and punctually under pressure

V. Conditions:

• Salary defined by the ACTED salary grid; educational level, expertise, hardship, security, and performance are considered for pay bonus
• Additional monthly living allowance
• Free food and lodging provided at the organisation’s guesthouse
• Transportation costs covered, including additional return ticket + luggage allowance
• Provision of medical, life, and repatriation insurance + retirement package

How to apply: 

Please send, in English, your cover letter, CV, and three references to jobs@acted.org Ref : DAC/AFG/RW

For more information, visit us at http://www.acted.org