PROGRAMME MANAGER (Grade B1)

About Department for International Development Afghanistan

Job Summary

Context

The UK’s overarching strategy for engagement in Afghanistan is approved by the UK’s National Security Council (NSC). The strategy has three mutually reinforcing pillars covering: (i) security (ii) political settlement and (iii) creating a viable Afghan state. DFID leads on the ‘viable state’ pillar. We work closely with other government departments at all levels, in Afghanistan and in the UK to deliver this strategy. The strategy timetable is driven by what is commonly termed ‘transition’ – the process of handing over responsibility for security from international forces to Afghan leadership by the end of 2014. The UK is clear that transition does not mean the end of our support for Afghanistan. The Enduring Strategic Partnership signed between the UK and Afghan governments’ states that we will continue to have a strong relationship based on diplomacy, trade, aid, and development.

The Government of Afghanistan has stated its vision for the country as a more peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan. The UK’s role in supporting this is to focus on making progress towards a viable Afghan state and a sustainable economy to reduce fragility and poverty, as well as achieve a lasting end to violent conflict. This is a long-term agenda that requires DFID’s on-going presence well beyond the security transition at the end of 2014.

DFID Afghanistan’s 2011-2015 Operational Plan supports delivery of the NSC Afghan strategy and focuses on:


Improving security and political stability

Stimulating economic growth and job creation and

Helping the Afghan government deliver basic services.

The programme budget is £178 million per year and the UK publicly confirmed its commitment to maintaining development funding at this level until 2017.

DFID Afghanistan's portfolio covers a plethora of projects predominantly around Growth and Livelihoods and Governance Reform. The office also manages considerable support to the World Bank managed Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF), which uses government systems to provide services and build state capacity. The PSDNI team’s particular focus is in support of Growth & Livelihoods and this post will support the PSDNI team although we work with other teams across the office and across the British Embassy.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities and Duties
DFIDA is undergoing an organisation review which will determine the specific responsibilities of the post holder. The post holder will work within the PSDNI team providing programme management support.

The role will involve:

Developing an in-depth understanding of the content of the PSDNI portfolio and the context in which the programmes operate to ensure programme results are communicated internally and externally. This will require liaising across Implementing Partners, NGOs and Afghan Ministries as well as back to London;

Monitoring and recording all action on recommendations coming out of audit reports/ Annual Reviews/Programme Completion Reports;

Providing support for Annual Reviews and Project Completion Reviews across the team as requested;

Ensuring that corporate reporting requirements are met for the PSDNI portfolio;

Ensuring robust financial monitoring arrangements are in place for all programmes, including review of finance reports and spot checks on charges and Annual Audited Statements;

Contributing to the design and development of new programmes and to Business Case development;

Providing and ensuring effective and timely briefing and communications on the PSDNI portfolio;

Working with monitoring and evaluation advisors to ensure arrangements are in place to continuously improve programme performance;

Providing support and cover as necessary for the PSDNI Senior Programme Manager.

The role may involve line management responsibility and you will be expected to demonstrate the relevant competencies including performance management, coaching and mentoring.

You will be expected to establish strong working relationships across the Embassy and with stakeholders. You may engage frequently with other international actors and you will be required to represent DFID at external meetings.
You will be working in a high pressure, fast-paced but supportive environment.

Job Requirements

Candidates need to demonstrate:
o Programme management and commercial knowledge and relevant experience;
o The ability to prioritise (and re-prioritise), remain flexible and deliver high-quality work Swiftly;
o Strong people skills, and ability to work with team members to deliver;
o Strong organisational awareness, and the confidence and proven ability to exercise initiative and common sense in applying policy;
o Strong communication skills, oral and written;
o Familiarity with Microsoft Office software, in particular Outlook, Word and Excel;
o An awareness of DFID’s working principles, including understanding and adherence to equal opportunities and being able to work productively with others and with respect, regardless of gender, race, culture, religion or personal orientation.
The job offers a challenging and exciting opportunity to gain or develop experience in a large team at the heart of DFID’s conflict/fragile country portfolio.
Required Competences

You will need to demonstrate the below competencies and skills for the job, and should reflect this in your application.
UK Civil Service Core competencies at Level 3:
1. Changing and Improving
2. Leading and Communicating
3. Making Effective Decisions
4. Collaborating and Partnering
5. Delivering at Pace
6. Delivering Value for Money
Assessment Centres:

Candidates will be shortlisted and invited to participate in an Assessment Centre, likely to be held in early July 2015. This is likely to consist of an interview, written test, language test, group exercise and management role play.

Salary and Benefits:

According to DFID local staff pay scales, a competitive salary and benefits package will be offered. Salary range for B1 is between $2,622 and $ 3,935 per month (before tax) and will depend on experience, quality of the candidate and previous salary.

Transport and medical allowances are paid monthly. DFID is committed to staff development. The successful candidate will receive both on the job and formal training and have the opportunity to apply for funding for higher/further education upon satisfactory completion of their probation period and having completed 12 months in post and are performing well.

Submission Guideline

How to apply

If you meet the requirements in the job description, you should apply by submitting the following three application documents to the submission email address.


Completed application form which must set out how you meet the requirements for the post including evidence of work under the competencies highlighted for the post you are applying for.

CV.

Cover Letter

You can access the General Application Form and the DFID General Competency Framework for the B1 grade on the DFID and BEK website links below. The advert can also be

DFID External Jobsite: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-international-development/about/recruitment#current-vacancies

BEK Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassy-kabul/about/recruitment#current-vacancies

This advert can also be accessed at

BEK FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ukinafghanistan/posts/10153260011545631

JOBs.AF: http://www.jobs.af

ACBAR: http://www.acbar.org

Only applications with all three duly completed application documents listed above will be considered. All application forms should state “B1 Programme Manager” in the subject box.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 20:00 hrs KBL time 20th June 2015. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The successful candidates will be required to complete medical, security, reference, and educational qualification checks.

The successful applicant will need to hold Afghan citizenship.

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.

Functional Area

Programme

Countries

Submission Email

r-kabul@dfid.gov.uk

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