Afghanistan: Program Director Afghanistan

Outraged by the injustice faced by people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, we aspire to a world of solidarity and inclusion, enriched by our differences, where everyone can live in dignity.

Handicap International is an independent and impartial aid and development organisation working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. We work alongside disabled and vulnerable people to help meet their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights.

For further information about the association: http://www.handicap-international.fr/

Present in more than 55 countries, Handicap International is composed of 2 operational directions:

JOB CONTEXT :

Under the Direction of Development Action, we have been present in Afghanistan since the 1980’s, initially in the refugee camps in Pakistan and later in 1996 has established a national program in Afghanistan. Its work initially was centered on anti-mine actions, particularly in the South and West regions, and physical rehabilitation via an orthopaedic-fitting and rehabilitation centre in Kandahar. It has since expanded the scope of its work to include support to disabled people’s organisations and the economic and social inclusion of people with disabilities, including landmines and explosive remnants of war’s survivors. In 2015, HI started an emergency intervention in Kunduz, expanding to the North from our traditional focus on the South.

Today, Handicap International Afghanistan works in the Southern (Kandahar and Helmand), Western (Herat), Northen (Kunduz) and Central (Kabul) regions of Afghanistan, which covers more than half of the people with disabilities in the country. Handicap International in Afghanistan currently operates projects both with partners and directly, these are managed by about 200 national staff in four locations, three bases (Kandahar, Kunduz and Herat) and Kabul main office.

HI works in the following sectors:

• Victim Assistance


• Disability advocacy and awareness


• Capacity Building of Disabled People and Survivors Organisations


• Physical rehabilitation and physiotherapy


• Socio-economic inclusion


• Mine risk education


• Emergency Response

Currently HI Afghanistan is funded by the EU (ECHO and Devco), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, the French Development Agency, UN (Central Emergency Respond Fund), Swiss Solidarity and has submitted proposals to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the French Embassy in Kabul.

Advocacy is a growing theme for the Programme, notably Handicap International is an active member of the Agency Coordinating Body for Afghan Relief (ACBAR) based in Kabul..

YOUR MISSION:

Under the responsibility of the North Africa-Middle East-Afghanistan-Pakistan Desk Manager based in Lyon, you implement HI’s mandate in Afghanistan by guiding and directing the implementation of the different projects as well as ensuring proper representation of the organization in the country.

You have under your responsibility a team of 5 expatriates’ staff members in Kabul office and 168 national staff in the country

Your main responsibilities:
To ensure a proper representation of the organization in the field

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  To be responsible for the development and implementation of strategic positioning of HI in Afghanistan

  
  


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  To ensure smooth running of the programme and to make sure the programme objectives are realised and services delivered to the beneficiaries

  
  


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  To ensure smooth organization of the programme and efficient use of resources to make sure the programme objectives are realised

  
  


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  To ensure safe and secure running of the programme

  
  


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  To ensure proper management of external and internal communication

  
  

CANDIDATE’S PROFILE :

You have:

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  University degree in international relations, political sciences, communication, management, development studies

  
  


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  Minimum 3-5 years experience in management position

  
  


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  Programme management and strategic development skills;

  
  


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  HR management skills and strong capacity on transfer of skills;

  
  


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  Strong communication skills (written and verbal);

  
  


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  Strong competence in security management in particular in volatile context;

  
  


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  Ability to understand complex geopolitical context and multi stakeholder’s environment and capacity to work in a multi-cultural context;

  
  

You are Fluent in English

A previous experience as Programme director or Head of Mission in a difficult context or post conflict context and/or a knowledge of the region will be an asset

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POSITION:

The position is based in Kabul. Security is a major concern in Afghanistan with potential for kidnapping, regular terrorist attacks in the cities and severe conflicts in Eastern, Northern and Southern Areas and to a less extent Western areas apart from most provincial and district capitals. Thus, extremely limited recreational and leisure activities are available.

Accommodation is in a secure guest house, close to the office, with other expatriates. Common accommodation with a partner can be arranged if both work for international organizations with matching security regulations. The guesthouse is spacious with independent rooms; however acceptance of collective life is required. There is a cook (except during the weekends) and other staff who do the laundry and cleaning.