Reference: DFIDJOB-0282
Closing date: 17 March 2013
Interview date: 21 March 2013
Number of vacancies: 1
Salary: - $31,829 per year gross
Location: Kabul, Afghanistan
Appointment Terms: Permanent
Working Arrangements: Full-time
Specific requirements: This Advert is only open for Afghan Nationals
Brief description: DFID Afghanistan is looking for an experienced, motivated and enthusiastic person to fill the role of Deputy Programme Manager within the Governance Reform Group in our office in Kabul with a focus on financial management and corporate reporting.
Background:
The British Government’s Department for International Development (DFID), one of Afghanistan’s major donors, invites applications for the post of Deputy Programme Manager within the Governance Reform Group (GRG), based in Kabul.
DFID Afghanistan is looking for an experienced, motivated and enthusiastic person to fill the role of Deputy Programme Manager within the Governance Reform Group in our office in Kabul with a focus on financial management and corporate reporting. This is a full time permanent post and ideal for someone with experience of administration and programme/ financial management in a busy office environment. Candidates should enjoy being part of a highly motivated team which has established a reputation for attention to detail and results as well as flexibility and willingness to cooperate with others to meet shared objectives. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a major donor development programme in Afghanistan, where DFID is the second largest bilateral donor. Afghanistan is one of the UK’s top development priorities.
The Governance Reform Group works on governance, and conflict issues. You will play a key support role on project and financial administration and management for the team, so you need to have high standards and successful experience of project/financial administration and management. You must have a high level of ability in English, as you will be required to communicate productively (spoken and written English) with senior UK and other international colleagues. You will also need a good level of skill in Information Technology (especially knowledge and skills in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and MS Word but also MS PowerPoint and MS Outlook email; and experience in using project/financial management databases as well as using the internet for research).
You will play a leading role on engagement with key corporate stakeholders in the UK (on procurement, accounts and project management) via email and telephone; as well as contacts in the British Embassy. You will be required to support DFID representation at external project/programme meetings; and provide translation/interpretation services as required. You will be responsible for due diligence on programme/project activity and financial administration across the team, monitoring, chasing implementing partners for activity and financial information; and compliance with DFID systems.
You will be working in a high pressure, but supportive environment. You will have to learn DFID programme/project and financial administration procedures quickly and work proactively and independently to process and complete tasks to high standards and to tight deadlines. You will bring with you a can-do attitude and a willingness to pitch in and provide support and advice on a whole range of issues.
Job Description/duties
The successful candidate will perform the following duties:
Financial management and corporate compliance
- Lead on oversight of expenditure monitoring and forecasting, and completion of corporate financial exercises for the whole Group
- Ensure that best practice is applied to procurement and contracting to maximise Value for Money
- You will be expected to become proficient in the use of DFID’s Activities Reporting and Information Electronic System (ARIES) within your 3 month probation period and be able to support others effectively within 6 months
- Lead on corporate returns, commissioning contributions from across the Group and ensuring returns are accurate and timely
- You will provide day to day financial management support to colleagues in the Group ensuring that finances are managed in accordance with DFID’s systems (able to support others within 6 months)
- You will support management of funding mechanisms with consultants / contractors, non-governmental organisations and multilaterals effectively to ensure compliance with funding arrangements and delivery of accurate activity and financial progress, evaluation and audit reports.
- You will work with our contracts team (Procurement Group in UK) to manage contracts effectively to ensure compliance with contract terms and conditions and delivery of outputs.
Programme Management
- Ensure the Group’s programmes are designed and implemented in full compliance with corporate requirements ensuring value for money
- Support effective programme management within the Governance portfolio, able to support others effectively within 6 months.
- Contribute to and support on the completion of good quality programme reporting/monitoring, including annual reviews and project completion reports as required
- Work with colleagues, to will ensure accurate, clear and concise corporate reporting on programmes across the Group
- Contribute to drafting project documentation and other correspondence for both internal and external communications
- Represent DFID’s interests in partner meetings
- Contribute to cross-government working by engaging with British Embassy/other HMG Departments where necessary
- Contribute to policy development where necessary
Staff management and support
- Provide cover for team colleagues during annual leave
- Potential for line management opportunities
Personal Qualities and Skills Required (Person Specification)
The successful candidate will be expected to excel in the following core competencies:
- Planning and Delivery of Work
- Working with Others
- Analysis and Use of Information
- Decision Making
- Communicating with Others
The successful candidate will:
- Have significant relevant employment experience in programme/project and financial administration and management, preferably in at least one donor agency, multilateral organisation; International NGO or Embassy;
- Have excellent spoken and written English and Dari or Pashto language skills;
- Have completed Secondary education and a relevant degree;
- Have good interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work well in a multi-cultural team;
- Have strong IT skills and be proficient with Word, Excel, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Outlook;
- Demonstrate they will respect DFID working principles including understanding and adherence to Equal Opportunities and able to work productively with others and with respect to others (what ever their gender; race; culture; religion or personal orientation); and
- Have an interest in, and commitment to, assisting DFID with the reconstruction effort in Afghanistan.
Salary & benefits:
According to DFID local staff pay scales, a competitive salary and benefits will be offered. The starting salary for this post is $31,829 per year gross, (step 1 on a 10 point scale), in addition to a competitive non-pay package which includes medical coverage for the job holder and their immediate family, a transport allowance and 25 days paid leave per year.
DFID is committed to staff development. The successful candidate will receive both on the job and formal training.
How to apply:
If you meet the above standards, you should apply by submitting the following three application documents to the email address r-kabul@dfid.gov.uk:
- Completed application form
- CV
- Covering letter (which must set out how you meet the requirements above including evidence of work under each of the five core competencies)
Only applications with all three duly completed documents listed above and submitted in electronic copy will be considered. All application forms should state “Deputy Programme Manager” in the subject box.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 on 17 March 2013. Interviews and an assessment centre (written test and interview) will take place on 21 March 2013. Only candidates invited for interview will receive a response to their application.
The successful candidate will be required to complete medical, security, reference and educational qualifications checks before starting in the job.
DFID is an equal opportunities employer. Applications are welcomed from all parts of the community and we actively encourage interest from women, ethnic minority groups, and those with a disability. Selection is on merit although you will need to hold Afghanistan citizenship or have the legal right to live and work in Afghanistan.
