Programme Officer

About Department for International Development Afghanistan

Job Summary

The British Government’s Department for International Development (DFID)invites applications for the post of Programme Officer within the Governance Reform Group.

The successful candidate will support both the Public Financial Management and Anti-Corruption Teams within the Governance Reform Group. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a highly motivated and busy team, working on an interesting set of issues.

This post is ideal for someone with experience of programme management as you will play a leading role on ensuring existing programmes remain on track to deliver their intended outputs and you may be involved in the development of new programmes. Your work will involve, but not be restricted to: financial management, monitoring of results and impact, management of delivery partners and regular reporting on progress.

You will be working in a high pressure, but supportive environment, where turnaround times can be quick. 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 pro-active, can-do attitude, an ability to juggle competing priorities and a willingness to pitch in and provide support and advice on a whole range of issues.

Duties & Responsibilities

Job Description/duties:
The successful candidate will perform the following duties:
Programme Management

Effective oversight of day-to-day programmes, ensuring compliance with DFID guidance, policies and procedures.

Contribute to drafting clear and concise project documentation such as Memoranda of Understanding, Accountable Grants, Terms of Reference, and other correspondence.

Monitor performance of programmes by reviewing reports and other available information and report on results against the logical framework;

Work with colleagues to identify and resolve problems that cause programme delivery to be off-track;

Take a lead in planning for and participating in Annual Reviews, Mid-term Evaluations and End of Project Reviews. This will involve facilitation of visiting consultants and staff to conduct these pieces of work;

Contribute to the drafting and issuance of contracts in line with DFID guidance and policies.

Provide support and cover for other Programme Officers/Managers in the Governance Reform Group as necessary.

Financial Management

Support the programme team to forecast spend accurately and meet these forecasts as best as possible so the team is able to meet its commitments to partners and DFID is able to meet spending targets;

Input and maintain accurate financial information: ensuring data is accurately reflected on DFID’s financial management system, (ARIES) and other tracking tools;

Scrutinise payment requests and process the team’s payments in accordance with DFID procedures. Apply a strong understanding of value for money;

Monitor finances on a regular basis, raise any risks to programme spend and delivery and report information;

Work with implementing partners to ensure compliance with funding arrangements and delivery of accurate activity and financial progress, evaluation and audit reports.

Managing Implementing Partners

Work with DFID’s Procurement Group, in the UK, to manage contracts effectively to ensure compliance with contract terms and conditions and delivery of outputs;

Negotiate effectively with service providers on their financial proposals to achieve value for money for DFID;

Liaise effectively with delivery partners including the Government of Afghanistan, the international community, NGOs and multilaterals on programme issues.

Personal Qualities and Skills Required (Person Specification)
The successful candidate will be expected to excel in the following core competencies:

1. Delivering at Pace
2. Making Effective Decisions
3. Collaborating and Partnering
4. Leading and Communicating
5. Changing and Improving

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications and Experience

You will:


Have significant relevant and recent programme management experience, preferably with a donor agency, multilateral organisation, international NGO, diplomatic mission or the Government of Afghanistan;

Have completed secondary education and possess a relevant degree;

Be familiar with Microsoft Office software, in particular Outlook, Word and Excel;

Respect DFID’s working principles, including understanding and adherence to equal opportunities and being able to work productively with others and with resect regardless of gender, race, culture, religion or personal orientation;

Have an interest in, and commitment to assisting DFID with its development programme in Afghanistan;

Should be able to work in a busy environment/under pressure.

Hold Afghan citizenship or have a valid work permit for Afghanistan.
Programme Management

Submission Guideline

Salary & benefits:

According to DFID local staff pay scales, a competitive salary and benefits package will be offered including a non-negotiable starting salary of US $1,690 per month (before tax), US $400 monthly transport allowance and reimbursement of 85% of medical costs for you, your spouse and children. 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.

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)

You can access the Application Form and DFID Competence Framework from www.dfid.gov.uk in the recruitment section:
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/About-DFID/Working-for-DFID1/Jobs/

Only applications with all three duly completed documents listed above and submitted in electronic copy will be considered. All application forms should state “Programme Officer” in the subject box.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 15:00hrs on 17 September 2013. Interviews and an assessment centre (written and numerical test and interview) will take place in October 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.

The successful applicant must hold Afghan citizenship.

DFID is an equal opportunities employer. Applications are welcomed from all parts of the community and we actively encourage interest from ethnic minority groups, women and those with a disability. Selection is on merit although you will need to hold Afghanistan citizenship.

Functional Area

Programme

Countries

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