Field Project Manager

THE POSITION

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Lead in Afghanistan, the Field Project Manager (FPM) leads the implementation of the Supporting Access to Justice in Afghanistan (SAJA) project, now in its third phase, which aims to support Afghan justice-sector civil society organisations in the new context so that they remain viable and effectively protect the human rights of all Afghans, specifically the rights of women and girls.

The FPM is responsible for managing the project, developing and monitoring a detailed and up-to-date work plan, rigorous budget monitoring and forecasting and reporting. S/he ensures coordination and communication with IDLO teams in Kabul and with IDLO Headquarters, mentors colleagues and represents IDLO with national and international stakeholders when needed. As a prominent programme team member, the FPM has a significant role in developing new concepts and initiatives toward strengthening IDLO’s engagement in the rule of law programming in Afghanistan.

Summary of Functions:

1. Manage day-to-day project implementation;
2. Ensure project compliance with donor contracts as well as quality standards;
3. Oversee project monitoring and reporting support evaluation;
4. Project development and IDLO representation; and
5. Lead the team, ensuring effective, efficient, results-based, timely delivery of activities and results.

Key results expected:

1. Manage day-to-day project implementation and issues, including work planning, budget management, monitoring, and reporting, and ensure that all phases of the project are consistent with the project design and delivery schedule:

• Provide the analytical and strategic direction of the project, including through close engagement with IDLO core teams;
• Monitor revisions to project design and work plans; make recommendations for timely and optimal course corrections;
• In close coordination with the IDLO HQ Finance and Programmes Department, build accurate financial forecasts, regularly review financial reports, detect areas of over- or under-spending, and flag any urgent budgetary issues;
• In close coordination with HR, draft job description and oversee the timely identification and screening of project consultants, and process their contracts; and
• Draft or provide inputs to required reports, highlighting the project’s value and its impact.

1. Ensure project compliance with donor contracts as well as quality standards:

• Ensure compliance with IDLO processes and donor requirements;
• In consultation with the Office of the General Counsel, review, draft and advise on contracts, agreements and other legal documents;
• Conduct research on legal, political, social, and economic events, trends, and/or developments relating to the project; respond to internal and external requests for such research;
• Design, research, draft, and edit legal working papers, memos, briefs, and other original materials in the field of experience, and utilise these materials for the development of relevant outputs; and
• Ensure project deliverables meet quality standards and proactively seek input from relevant substantive internal experts.

1. Oversee project monitoring and reporting support evaluations:

• Collaborate with core teams, particularly the Monitoring and Reporting team, on project monitoring and with the Evaluation Unit on evaluations when required;
• Identify and report difficulties or possible changes in the project strategy, objectives, results or activities, and make recommendations for timely and optimal course corrections; and
• Identify project and team successes and lead documentation for internal and external information sharing.

1. Project development and IDLO representation:

• Under the guidance of the supervisor, represent IDLO in internal events and national and international fora to strengthen relationships with donors and other stakeholders;
• In coordination with the supervisor, generate ideas and identify new opportunities. Provide substantive input in the development of proposals or concept notes aimed at innovatively expanding IDLO’s programme portfolio in line with relevant strategies; and
• In coordination with the Monitoring and Reporting team, design implementation plans using standardised programme cycle management tools, logic models and frameworks, work plans, monitoring reports, and others.

1. Lead the team, ensuring effective, efficient, results-based and timely delivery of activities and results:

• Effectively lead the team by providing clear direction, addressing development and performance management through ongoing dialogue and mentoring, fostering teamwork across teams, meeting objectives and goals, addressing possible conflicts positively and constructively, encouraging initiative and maintaining effective working relationships within a multi-cultural setting.

Job Requirements

Ideal Candidate Profile

Education and Work Experience

• Advanced university degree in law, international development, public administration, business administration, public policy or other relevant social sciences.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience, ideally within an international organisation.
• Professional experience in the rule of law programming and capacity development would be an asset.

Languages

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of Dari or Pashto would be an advantage.

Specific knowledge, skills and competencies

• Strong team management and leadership skills
• Familiarity with standard programme and data management tools, as well as results-based management and monitoring and evaluation principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Proficient use of other ICT software and internet software.
• Works well with others and actively participates. Shares information contributes, encourages and motivates others to become involved in team activities. Provides constructive feedback and willingly helps others. Contributes to a fair environment that fosters collaboration and cooperation. Works effectively across and within IDLO organisational boundaries.
• Acts as a role model and offers guidance to colleagues. Takes initiative to share knowledge, experiences and information with others. Accepts and gives constructive feedback (up, down and across) to develop and motivate others.
• Proven ability to see through tasks set and deliver results.
• The ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, flexibility and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Ability and willingness to travel to the region, if necessary.
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO’s mandate. Self-motivated and dynamic with a willingness and ability to use initiative to assist the organisation in achieving its objectives.

Terms & Conditions

For this internationally recruited Affiliate Professional position, IDLO shall offer the selected candidate an affiliate contract initially for 12 months, with the possibility of extension, subject to performance and availability of funding.

IDLO shall offer an annual basic salary commensurate with experience, with a benefits package including provident fund, hardship allowance, medical and mission insurance, leave entitlements including home leave, and rest and recuperation (R&R) in accordance with IDLO Employee Regulations and Rules. Relocation support is also available for internationally recruited employees.

This is a non-family duty station. The work week for IDLO in Afghanistan is from Sunday to Thursday. Accommodation, cleaning, laundry, and meals are provided in a pleasant, secure and fully serviced compound. Rigorous security is in place at all times.

Applications will be screened on a regular basis; a qualified applicant might be recruited before the deadline. In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome applications of qualified and diverse candidates.

IDLO is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process

DISCLAIMER The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the employee assigned to this work. This may not be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The General Counsel of IDLO reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities and determine whether or when an internship position may be filled consistent with business and organizational needs.