Head of Programs – Afghanistan (International)

Mission

Geneva Call is a neutral and impartial non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting respect for international humanitarian norms in armed conflict and other situations of violence. Geneva Call’s mission is to ensure that armed groups and de facto authorities respect International Humanitarian Law and basic humanitarian principles in the areas where they fight or they control.

Geneva Call consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. Geneva Call is an inclusive working environment for all its staff. Applications are particularly encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on the grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Role

Ensure effective and quality program development and implementation in Afghanistan including planning, monitoring, budget management, coordination with implementing partners, key stakeholders and management of program team.

Main activities

Assessment

• Lead the planning, coordination and implementation of protection assessments to inform Geneva Call of key needs in areas of interests of work for Geneva Call.
• Analysis of the humanitarian and security situation in country and identify areas of interests of work for Geneva Call.
• Initiate adjusting the project activities based on the evolution of needs.
• Monitor closely the security and political dynamic across the country and in the sub-region.

Program supervision

• Support Project Coordinators in project implementation to ensure quality implementation and monitoring (planning, coordination, budget and engagement).
• Guide the Program Team to develop and support local community networks and partner civil society organizations to monitor armed organization practice and conduct local level advocacy initiatives to leverage positive policy and behavior change.
• Ensure effective flow of information and communication with local partners, the aid community and update emergency response manager on latest developments.
• Support the Head of Mission in leading humanitarian engagement sessions with senior armed organizations officials, and other key stakeholders.
• Continue mapping emerging armed organizations and CSOs engaging with existing armed organizations.
• Conduct monthly Program Review Meetings to evaluate project progress against targets and objectives and to define the priorities for the upcoming month.
• Review Budget Follow-Ups, ensure the financial allocation per budget line and ensure that all financial risks of underspending or overspending are mitigated.
• Develop budget forecasts for the organization (monthly and quarterly).
• Contribute to the development of donor reports (narrative and financial).

External representation

• Represent Geneva Call during in the relevant coordination platforms, including Protection Cluster and possibly others.
• Represent Geneva Call towards its Head of Programs and Program Managers of other international organizations.
• Represent Geneva Call towards existing and potential donors.
• Ensure smooth coordination with external stakeholders in general to identify synergies with potential partners and avoid possible overlaps.

Fundraising and Program Development

• Lead on the development and update of Country Program Strategy with the support of the Head of Mission.
• Prepare weekly internal and donor monitoring reports with the support of project officers and relevant support staff.
• Contribute to updating the Sitreps of the organization.
• Lead in the development of concept notes to raise the attention of the donor in favor of Geneva Call’s programming.
• Lead the process of proposal development (needs’ assessment, narrative proposal, logframe & budget).
• Ensure the consistency of the newly developed program with Geneva Call’s strategy in Afghanistan.

HR Management

• Manage the entire program team.
• Ensure the team members adherence to Geneva Call’s principles and stimulate their motivation through context analysis and adjustment of activities to the evolving situation.
• Build the capacity of the program team through direct or indirect provision of training.
• Mentor and advise the program team during regular field visits.
• Assess the performance of the program team and ensure their professional satisfaction.

Safety management

• In close coordination with the Support Services Coordination and the Head of Mission, ensure that staff safety regulations are respected across the program Team.

Additional duties

• Acting Head of Mission during the absence its absence.
• Contribute to opening new bases when required.
• Additional tasks when required.

Main qualifications

Education and experience

• A relevant master is required.
• Knowledge of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) or International Human Rights Law is an asset.
• Minimum 5 years equivalent of program management experience with increasing level of responsibility within a humanitarian organization.
• Experience of capacity building and mentoring, team leadership and management.
• Experience in financial management of organization would be an asset.
• Experience in Afghanistan would be an asset. Experience in conflict settings required.

Technical skills

• Solid programme management skills including program planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• Solid understanding of finance and budget management.
• Demonstrable knowledge of humanitarian architecture, humanitarian principles and standards.
• Strong presentational, writing and editing skills in English including proposal writing.
• Demonstrable capacity to analyse complex political situations and translate analysis into program adaptations.
• Solid experience in conducting needs’ assessments.
• Ability to engage with international partners and donors to present programs and build relevant consortiums.

Languages

• Full professional proficiency in English.

Personal skills

• Strong communication and people management skills;
• Ability to work independently under pressure, and handle numerous tasks simultaneously;
• Strong capacity building and mentoring skills.

Performance management

The employee will be accountable for the responsibilities and the competencies, in accordance with the GC Performance Management p. The following documents will be used for performance reviews:

• The Job Description
• The individual Work- and Professional Development Plan
• The Competency Framework

Conflict of interest

Any candidate affiliated to, or openly supporting, one or more interest groups opposed to the Foundation’s principles and values, or whose previous position could engender safety issues for co-workers at Appel de Genève / Geneva Call, will be excluded from this selection process.

Conditions

• Position : Head of Programs
• Type of Contract: Fixed term contract (International position)
• Activity rate: 100%
• Work place: Kabul, Afghanistan (extensive travel within the country up to 40% of the time)
• Preferred start date: As soon as possible