COUNTRY DIRECTOR AFGHANISTAN

The American Soybean Association's World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) program is seeking applications for a Country Director in Afghanistan for a minimum 24 month contract. The Country Director is responsible for the oversight and administration of activities and projects in Afghanistan. The position of Country Director will serve as the primary contact to HQ, interacting with other implementing partners, and implementing units. The Country Director is responsible for maintaining the safety and integrity of the overall mission, as well as working to achieve ASA/WISHH's mission and goals. He/She will be required to: i) provide financial management oversight, analyze budgets, and provide updates to HQ on budget expenditures; ii) travel to site offices and target regions as needed to oversee technical assistance and troubleshoot alongside project partners; iii) represent ASA/WISHH to donors (USDA, MAIL, MoE, etc.) and deliver presentations on behalf of ASA/WISHH in country and in related conferences; iv) establish a respected presence within the international donor community and strategically position the organization in the forefront of nutrition, community and agricultural development activities within Afghanistan; v) supervise current staff and hire and manage additional local staff as program requires; vi) Manage close-out procedures in country in conjunction with HQ- St. Louis. Under general direction and supervision, this position is responsible for supervising and supporting new hire/ consultant orientation, integration, and developing local in-country leadership capacity. The Country Director will uphold and enforce ASA/WISHH and USDA regulations, policies and procedures as required. He/she will work together with headquarters to ensure that a cooperative spirit, marked by professionalism, is maintained within the organization. This position requires coordination of efforts of team members, partners, and third-party contractors and/or consultants in order to ensure quality control and that the activities are carried out according to plan. The Country Director will ensure the execution of the projects according to strict deadlines, within budget and in compliance with USDA and ASA regulation and policy guidelines. Frequent travel within Afghanistan and to the U.S. may require air travel and/or overnight stay away from home for one or more nights. Applicants must be physically capable of meeting all physical responsibilities, including but not limited to walking distances over 5 kilometers and lifting at least 30 lbs over shoulders. Requires minimum of 24-month commitment, ability to live and work in rural Afghanistan, secure proper documentation and authorization to travel freely between United States, Afghanistan, and Asia in general. QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum Bachelor's degree, Master's degree preferred in international affairs/ development, project management, agriculture, or related fields. Three to five years' experience in developing countries in a management position; minimum five years of working with USDA and/or USAID programs including knowledge of best practices, guidelines, tools, and resources for monitoring and evaluation; experience working abroad, preferably in Afghanistan; comprehensive knowledge of project management; strong analytical skills; strong computer skills (Microsoft Office, internet, database management); strong organizational and prioritization skills; ability to work both independently and in a team; demonstrated ability to work well with persons of different backgrounds; ability to travel throughout Afghanistan, with overnight stays. Demonstrated skill in program development and management. Experience with USDA/USAID funded project close-out procedures is desirable. TO APPLY: Send resumes including Salary Requirements to wishh@soy.org. Deadline for applying is November 15, 2012. In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) is prohibited from discriminating in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or political beliefs. ASA/WISHH is an equal opportunity provider and employer.