Managing Director Global Partnership for Afghanistan

Global Partnership for Afghanistan (GPFA) is a U.S. nonprofit organization and NGO registered in Afghanistan that has been working in Afghanistan since 2004 to build rural communities' capacities to develop their agriculture economies.   Its agriculture development projects enable rural men and women to launch farm businesses, such as fruit and nut orchards, tree nurseries, vineyards, and timber woodlots that provide sustainable incomes.  GPFA also builds and strengthens the support systems that sustain the agricultural sector through market development, producer associations, watershed rehabilitation, community natural resource management, irrigation restoration, and capacity building of Afghan staff and local institutions such as universities and district centers.

GPFA has implemented these activities principally in Kabul, Logar, Wardak, Paktya, Paktika, Khost, Wardak, Parwan, Kapisa and Panjshir Provinces.  Its main office is in Kabul.  The team is comprised of 35-180 (depending on project requirements) Afghan employees and one expatriate in Afghanistan, and a 4-person administrative staff in New York City.   The annual budget is approximately US$3-5 million.

For more detailed information:  www.gpfa.org

POSITION SUMMARY
The Managing Director (MD) is GPFA’s chief executive officer and reports to the Board of Directors.  The MD is responsible for implementing GPFA’s strategic plan through effective project design and implementation, and for obtaining the resources needed to execute GPFA's plans and programs. The MD is responsible for assuring the effective management of all aspects of GPFA’s operations, including financial controls, records and reporting; staff hiring, supervision and development; fund development; office administration; procurement; and contract and grant compliance; and represents GPFA to international agencies, governments, foundations and donors.

SUPERVISES
Program Administration Manager; Director of Field Operations; Program Development and Evaluation Specialist; Development and Communications Officer; Controller; Finance and Administration Managers. 

MANAGING DIRECTOR’S MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 
Strategic Orientation and Coordination  
•    Propose and develop an operational strategy consistent with GPFA's strategies, mission and policies, and population needs.
•    By continuously monitoring and analyzing the political, cultural, social and economic context, define and update plan of action for implementing strategy.

Program Planning, Development and Implementation
•    Ensure the development, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of programs that are consistent with the mission, strategic plan and Afghanistan’s national development goals for agriculture and forestry sectors, including both production and market development.
•    Ensure the relevance, quality and consistency of programs and that programs are implemented in accordance with the operational strategy and GPFA's and donors' technical and financial requirements.  
•    Identify and pursue new opportunities for program growth, funding and start-up.
•    Develop funding strategies and participate in preparation of concept notes and grant proposals and contracts and agreements with donors and implementing partners.

Program and Grant and Contract Management
•    Ensure all financial and program deliverables, including reports, and goals are met and submitted on time and on budget.
•    Ensure compliance with all donor (government and private) regulations and requirements, GPFA policies, criteria and procedures, and applicable Afghanistan and U.S. laws and regulations.
•    Ensure the design and implementation of appropriate systems for data collection, monitoring, evaluation and reporting to Board and donors, including the maintenance of databases of impact indicators relating to each project and its activities.

Internal and External Communication
•    Ensure that deadlines are met and that documents produced are of good quality.
•    Ensure compliance with required formats and procedures for internal and external reporting.  Ensure regular and effective communication among Afghanistan staff and between the Kabul and NY offices.
•    Maintain effective communications with Board of Directors and New York office regarding programs, finances and operations.

Resource Management
•    Organize and ensure that the organization’s human, financial and logistical resources are managed effectively and projects are completed.
•    Assure that all records, accounts and books and required files, reports, budgets, income and expenditure forecasts, and financial management systems are accurate and provided as scheduled.
•    Ensure financial audit compliance and financial transparency.
•    Ensure the development of and compliance with all necessary GPFA policies and procedures (communication, information, financial, administration, security, personnel, procurement, logistics, transport). 

Human Resources Management 
•    Oversee the management of IT, communications, security, facilities, purchasing, office services, staff, insurance and other administrative services throughout the organization.
•    Manage the recruitment and training process for in-country and New York staff, including selection, capacity-building, and performance reviews.
•    Build and maintain team dynamics that enable GPFA's objectives to be carried out effectively.
•    Promote GPFA's ethics and values.

Representation
•    Represent GPFA in Afghanistan with local/national political and administrative authorities, other NGOs, the civil society and the media, attending relevant forums and coordination meetings.
•    Develop and sustain productive relationships and partnerships and serve as key liaison with key professionals, donors (e.g., USAID, World Bank, ADB, EU), Afghan government representatives, organizations, universities and collaborating NGOs and communities.
•    Monitor government and donor interests and resources relevant to GPFA’s strategy.
•    Assess other implementing organizations’ activities to identify gaps and overlapping areas as relevant to proposed projects. 

Fundraising/Resource Development, Public Relations and Marketing
•    Lead fund development to ensure the organization's financial stability, working with Development and Communications Officer.
•    Ensure that GPFA implements a fundraising plan that represents diversified resource development, including from government agencies, foundations, corporations and individuals.
•    Oversee communications and marketing initiatives with donors and public, including press releases, media briefs and materials as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS
Experience
•    Minimum 5 years, ideally more than 8 years overseas experience working with an international humanitarian/development NGO, with strong program management, team management and financial management experience.
•    Proven management ability, including ability to motivate and develop skills of others.
•    Proficient in operational strategy design and project management, including proposal writing, donor reporting, programming and budget design.
•    Proven interpersonal and communication skills.
•    Must be able to make sound management decisions in difficult situations and to work in a participatory manner with colleagues.
•    Demonstrated ability to work in a systematic and organized manner within set time frames.
•    Work experience in and personal commitment to Afghanistan and knowledge of Afghan culture and customs preferred.
•    Ability to develop and manage tolerant, multi-cultural setting with equitable gender representation.  

Education
•    Bachelor’s degree in economic development, agriculture, or other related discipline.
•    Advanced degree or significant academic background in agronomy, agricultural economics, rural development or non-profit management desirable.  Management training a plus.
•    Excellent written and spoken English skills.
•    Excellent written and spoken Dari and Pashto skills desirable.

Technical Skills 
•    Knowledge of donors' policies and guidelines, including bilateral and multilateral funders and international institutions, e.g. USAID, World Bank and the EC. 
•    Basic understanding of U.S. accounting practices and standards for non-profit organizations.
•    Knowledge of/experience with US Government regulations and compliance, including OMB circulars.
•    Success in  project management, staff supervision and development. 
•    Very good knowledge of computer software applications, including MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
1 year salaried contract – 1 year renewable.  Moral commitment for at least 2 years is an advantage.

HOW TO APPLY
Please send a letter of interest and CV to Maureen Quinn at info@gpfa.org . Please type “LAST NAME - MD Search” as the subject of the email and indicate how you learned of this position.  Only motivated applications in English that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications, sent directly with a CV, will be considered.  CV-only applications will not be considered.  Only short-listed candidates will be notified or contacted.