Job Title

Chief of Operations / Deputy Programme Manager

Agency

United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) (http://www.unops.org)

Job Location

Afghanistan (Kabul)

Closing date

09 Feb 2004

Job Description and qualifications:

Vacancy Announcement
Vacancy No: 2004/SPD/AFG/01
Vacancy Code: AFG/02/R71
Organization Unit: Division for Special Programmes Development / Mine Action Unit, UNOPS
Position: Chief of Operations/Deputy Programme Manager
Rank or Level: L4/L5 or ALD equivalent *
Duty Station: Kabul, Afghanistan
Reporting to: Programme Manager
Estimated Starting Date: 15 March 2004
Duration of Assignment: 6 months (renewable subject to available funding and good performance)
Closing Date: 09 February 2004

The Mine Action Programme in Afghanistan (MAPA) was transferred from UNOCHA to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in June 2002. The UNMAS project is executed with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The Mine Action Center for Afghanistan manages the MAPA. The Chief of Operations/Deputy Programme Manager will assist the UN Programme Manager with all strategic planning for mine action and assist in overseeing the coordination and implementation of mine action programmes, in coordination with the Afghan Government and international donors. The Chief of Operations/Deputy Programme Manager will serve as Officer-in-Charge when the UN Programme Manager is absent from the duty station and will be receive a delegation of authority to make payments and to enter into contracts on behalf of the programme.

Overview

The Chief of Operations/ Deputy Programme Manager is responsible to the Programme Manager. His/her primary duties are to manage the day-to-day, current year and plan for the next year activities of the Mine Action Programme for Afghanistan. He/she will also monitor technical developments within the Programme. In addition, the incumbent should be prepared to fill identified responsibilities of the Programme Manager during his/her absence as directed.

Specific Duties

Responsible for managing and supervising the UNMACA Operations Department and Area Mine Action Centers (AMACs);

Supervise in-kind contributions allocated to Operations;

Training of national staff, especially those at senior levels working in the Operations Department and in the AMACs;

Chair the Operations Working Group and oversee the Technical Working Group, EOD Working Group and the Mechanical Working Group;

Co-Chair, with the Programme Manager, the MACA Coordination Conference;

Coordinating all the day to day mine action operations related to Afghanistan, including mine awareness, minefield survey, mine clearance, battle area clearance and training;

Producing, reviewing and updating, in conjunction with the 8 x AMAC's and mine action NGO planning staff, the annual and quarterly work plans for the mine action programme;

Liaising with the Government, UN agencies, World Bank, NGOs and other organizations that have programmes which require mine action support;

Advising on the identification of priority tasks for the programme;

Reviewing all project proposals submitted for funding from an operational capability point of view;

Coordinate, with the Chief of Information, the efficient integration of the information management system for mine action into Programme Operations;

Coordinate, with the Chief of Quality Assurance, the efficient integration of the total quality management plan for operational mine action activities;

Coordinate with the Chief of Administration, Finance and Logistics, the effective oversight of NGO operational reports and their relation to financial outlays and reports.

Ensuring that the technical quality of all mine action projects remains at the highest professional level;

Making technical policy recommendations to the Programme Manager;

Review the annual training and development plan for the Programme;

Reviewing all accident, incident or missed device reports;

Conducting regular field trips to monitor the progress of the AMACs and implementing partner mine action activities;

Advising on matters relating to the security of all UNMAPA staff;

Carry out the duties of the UNMACA Security Officer;

Providing HQ and Field briefings of visitors to the programme;

Providing global mine action assistance by attending international mine action meetings, as appropriate;

Providing support to the drafting and implementation of a transition plan to full government responsibility for mine action in Afghanistan, and conduct of appropriate skills transfer to national counterparts in government or other bodies.

Be prepared to act as Programme Manager in his/her absence, including the responsibilities for making payments, entering into contracts and hiring national staff; and

Any other task as directed by the Programme Manager.

Qualifications

- 10-15 years work experience in mine action and/or development programmes, in one or more countries, at strategic and management level (minimum 4 years in mine action, at least 8-10 years related professional experience required).
- A proven record in management and administration as well as in public relations at the senior level.
- Experience in managing mine clearance or unexploded ordnance clearance operations using manual, mine detection dogs and mechanical ground preparation machines.
- Demonstrable skills in building/working in teams.
- Experience in capacity building and/or training in other national programmes.
- Knowledge of the International Mine Action Standards.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
- Strong computer skills
- Ability to effectively manage and work in a multicultural environment.
- Knowledge of the UN system and familiarity with UNOPS procedures is, in particular, highly desirable.
- Experience in field-level security tasks desirable.
- Fluency in English
- Experience in mixed-nationality work forces
- Computer skills

* This grade is indicative only. The final grade will be determined at the time of recruitment, according to the candidate's qualifications.

Job Title

Finance Officer

Agency

United Nations Development Programme (http://www.undp.org)

Job Location

Afghanistan

Closing date

28 Jan 2004

Job Description and qualifications:

VACANCY ANNOUNCMENT No.2004/01/001
Date: 13 January 2004

Post Title: Finance Officer

Organizational Unit: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Type of Appointment: ALD/International (ALD/3)

Duration: Six -Twelve Months

Duty Station: Kabul-Afghanistan

Number of Positions: 1 (One)

Closing Date for applications: 28 January 2004

Duties and responsibilities:

- Maintain financial records for UNDP/other UN Agencies/Government for which responsibility is assigned;

- Effect payments using ERP, ensuring accuracy of computation and completeness of supporting documentation; prepare payment (cheque, bank transfer, cash);

- Process monthly payrolls, including Service Contracts, SSAs and ALDs;

- On receipt of authority, calculate and pay DSA and other entitlement; settle F 10 claims and other claims;

- Prepare bank reconciliations, review ARL items and effect recoveries as appropriate;

- Prepare detailed cost estimates and participate in budget analysis and projections as required;

- Advise and assist international staff, expert and consult on all aspects of allowances, salary advances, travel claims and other financial matters;

- Initiate correspondence to verify data; answer queries and obtain additional information on accounts and financial transactions as required;

- Act as alternate certifying officer within specified ceiling;

- Maintain liaison with officials of local bank to obtain day-to-day information on exchange and interest rates, change in procedures and regulation, and matters pertaining to maintenance of office bank accounts;

- Undertake various tasks in connection with monthly closing of accounts;

- Ensure strategic resources management including planning of available resources, tracking, (utilization of) financial resources, maintaining strategic reserve, proposing cost savings and (administrative) resource-mobilization strategic including cost-recovery initiative;

- Oversee financial management system, ensuring maintenance of financial controls;

- Supervise training of staff and partners on administrative and financial procedures;

- Oversee the implementation of corporate systems and applications;

- Perform other duties as required;

Minimum Qualification and experience required:

- Post graduate degree in relevant discipline, finance management, accounting;

- Practical experience in applying knowledge of finance management for 2 to 5 years at the international level and over 5 years at the national level;

- To establish a working understanding of managing internal office operations, and inter- relationships;

- Excellent computer literacy especially software on finance;

- Experience with basic budget and database management;

- Fluent written and spoken English; Knowledge of Dari and Pashto an asset;

- Good humor and high energy to work under pressure and meet deadlines and a shared belief in UNDP's mission and mandate;

Submission of Applications:

Interested International candidates should submit their applications in writing (marked 'Confidential' and clearly indicating on the sealed envelope the Vacancy Announcement number) to the Human Resources Officer, UNDP Afghanistan, Shah Mahmood Ghazi Watt Street, Kabul, and Afghanistan or email their applications (indicating on the subject line the VA number and the title of the post applied to) to vacancies.afghanistan@undp.org

For more detailed information about the VA please visit our website www.undp.org/afghanistan

Please note that applications received after the closing date (i.e. 28 January 2004) will not be given consideration. Only short-listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for interview.

Women Candidates are highly encouraged to apply

Job Title

Microfinance Advisor

Agency

Danish Committee for Aid to Afghan Refugees (http://www.dacaar.org/)

Description

Large Danish development organization operating in Afghanistan since 1988.

Job Location

Afghanistan (Kabul)

Closing date

13 Feb 2004

Job Description and qualifications:

The position is for 12 months with possibility for extension. The position will be based in Kabul. DACAAR offers a competitive remuneration package and benefits commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

Job Title

Team Leader/ Senior Technical Advisor, P-5

Agency

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (http://www.fao.org)

Job Location

Afghanistan (Kabul)

Closing date

31 Jan 2004

Job Description and qualifications:

Team Leadert/Senior Technical Advisor (P-5)
Support to the food Security, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Information and Policy Unit, FAAHM
Duties and Responsibilities: The Team Leader will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Afghanistan. Overall technical support will be provided by the Food Security and Project Analysis Service in Rome (ESAF).

The Team Leader will manage the multi-disciplinary FAO food and agriculture information team and in particular:

Experience in working in a post-conflict countries and/or in the region.

Job Title

Early Warning Food Security Information Expert

Agency

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (http://www.fao.org)

Job Location

Afghanistan (Kabul)

Closing date

31 Jan 2004

Job Description and qualifications:

Early Warning Food Security Information Expert
(UNV Level/Regional Expert)
Duties and Responsibilities: The Early Warning Food Security Information Expert will be responsible for the implementation and coordination of various components of the food security information system. S/he will be responsible for the co-ordination of the day-to-day technical early warning and food security information system activities and the preparation of regular food security information products.

In particular s/he will:

Experience from working in other post-conflict countries.

Job Title

Security Coordinator

Agency

International Rescue Committee (http://www.theIRC.org)

Description

The IRC was founded in 1933 and today is the leading voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression and violent conflict.

Job Location

Afghanistan (Kabul)

Closing date

13 Mar 2004

Job Description and qualifications:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a non-profit, non-sectarian voluntary agency providing relief, rehabilitation, protection and resettlement services for refugees, displaced persons and victims of oppression and violent conflict. IRC has been operating in Afghanistan since 1988, implementing programs to address the assistance and development needs of Afghan communities. IRC seeks a security coordinator or Afghanistan to support and advise the IRC Afghanistan staff on security threats and advise on means to reduce staff vulnerability.
RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Advise the Country Director in Afghanistan on all matters relating to staff security

- Undertake regular site assessments of IRC physical properties and project areas in Afghanistan, report on findings and design necessary improvements.

- Provide regular security briefing to IRC staff and orient all new staff within 24 hours of hire/arrival.

- Work with the Logistics Coordinator to coordinate proper use of telecommunications.

- Lead the ongoing process of review and revision of security planning, involving staff to ensure understanding and buy-in.

- Regularly review and update a coordinated evacuation plan for IRC Afghanistan

- Undertake ongoing threat assessments using the security triangle as a basis of analysis.

- Participate in IRC's annual security training workshop

- Conduct ongoing training of IRC staff in security strategies, protocols and procedures, ensuring that national staff are fully included in appropriate training and security provisions.

- Liaise with ANSO security advisor and other agency security focal points, including NGOs and UN agencies.

- Liaise with local authorities concerned with security.

- Maintain IRC's presence in the local warden system.

- Draft a monthly security update for submission to country directors and Headquarters

- Draft and submit security incident reports for all security incidents. Maintain an incident map, in collaboration with other organizations where possible.

- Make concrete recommendations for revising IRC policies and procedures to further enhance security.

- Assure that IRC New York has copies of current security plans and incident reports.

REQUIREMENTS:

Security professional with strong United Nations and/or NGO security background desired; peacekeeping experience preferred; extensive training experience in security/safety related subjects threat/risk assessment, security management, personal & organization security awareness etc.; overseas work experience in insecure environments; competency in Microsoft systems word, excel, powerpoint, access and other database/mapping systems; competency and training experience in field based communications systems such as Codan, HF, Motorola, VHF, fixed and mobile satellite systems; university degree in related field or degree but relevant work experience can be taken in to account training or education qualification such as trainer of trainers. Secondary qualification such as first aid or fire officer instructor desired. For Mazar position fluently bilingual (french/english) speaking and writing required; previous work experience with NGOs preferred; willing to live in group housing with sporadic utilities; Willing to travel around the country as required; management of expatriate and local hire staff experience a bonus; sound financial, budgetary and logistics management skills an asset; able to work independently and as part of a team. experience working with humanitarian agencies; Ability to work under pressure in an unstable security environment

Job Title

Protection Manager

Agency

International Rescue Committee (http://www.theIRC.org)

Description

The IRC was founded in 1933 and today is the leading voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression and violent conflict.

Job Location

Afghanistan (Mazar-e Sharif)

Closing date

13 Mar 2004

Job Description and qualifications:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a non-profit, non-sectarian voluntary agency providing relief, rehabilitation, protection and resettlement services for refugees, displaced persons and victims of oppression and violent conflict. IRC has been operating in Afghanistan since 1988, implementing programs to address the assistance and development needs of Afghan communities.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Protection Manager for Mazar will supervise UNHCR-funded protection monitoring activities in Northern Afghanistan to determine the extent to which the rights of returning refugees and of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are respected, to assess the sustainability of returns already completed (the extent to which returnees' basic needs are met), and to identify potential obstacles to further return. At the request of UNHCR, the Protection Manager may also be responsible for training of regional NGO staff and targeted Ministry officials in protection principles; Ensure continued IRC/UNHCR agreement on the protection project in the Northern Region;Develop the capacity of and supervise a team of Return Monitors and Protection Specialist, developing their capacity to assess the protection situation in areas of refugee return and internal displacement in targeted provinces /districts in the Northern region; Ensure that information about protection breakdowns and gaps in assistance or access to social services and natural resources in areas of return is properly gathered and analyzed; Draft, edit, and submit frequent Return Area Monitoring Reports and other periodical or ad hoc reports; Ensure that action is taken to stop or reduce protection concerns identified; At the request of UNHCR, conduct an assessment of the technical capacity and training needs of regional NGO staff and targeted Ministry officials in the areas of human rights and the protection of IDPs and returning refugees; revise and field-test existing IRC protection training materials; train IRC protection staff to enable them to conduct training sessions with these materials; To address administrative, logistical and financial issues to support the protection program in the Northern Region; As time permits, to ensure that protection and the promotion of human rights is better incorporated into IRC projects and the projects of its local partners, through contributing to program design, monitoring and evaluation and protection training of IRC field/program staff in the Northern Region; Perform other duties as requested by the Protection Coordinator and/or Field Coordinator.

REQUIREMENTS:

- University degree; graduate degree in international affairs, law, or a related field preferred;
- 3-5 years of international experience in the human rights, relief, or development field, including experience in a refugee repatriation/IDP context;
- Skills and experience in training/capacity building of NGOs and/or state institutions;
- Familiarity with the humanitarian/human rights context in Afghanistan strongly preferred;
- Excellent communication and analytical skills;
- Computer skills including Excel, Word and preferably Power-Point and/or Access;
- Ability to handle multiple tasks;
- Proven self-initiative and problem solving abilities; and
- Ability to work as part of, and lead a team.

Job Title

Logistician

Agency

Merlin (Medical Emergency Relief International) (http://www.merlin.org.uk)

Description

Providing Healthcare in Crises

Job Location

Afghanistan (Taloqan, Takhar, North East Afghanistan)

Closing date

28 Feb 2004

Job Description and qualifications:

MERLIN
Merlin is a humanitarian Non Governmental organization, providing health care to populations in crises. This assistance is targeted at the most vulnerable populations, who have the greatest health needs and poorest access to healthcare provision.

Merlin provides health care to populations regardless of race, religion or political affiliation to support people affected by war or natural disaster, anywhere in the world. Merlin focuses on providing quality healthcare addressing needs within the realms of infectious disease control, primary healthcare, maternal child healthcare, TB, malaria control and laboratory rehabilitation.

Merlin works within existing local health structures and collaborates with other agencies, where possible, to increase efficiency and effectiveness of humanitarian assistance.

Merlin currently supports health programmes in Afghanistan, Albania, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Congo, Kenya, Siberia, India, East Timor and Tajikistan.

MERLIN Afghanistan
Merlin's activities in Afghanistan span two different periods: 1994-1999 and 2001 to the present. Merlin undertook its first assessment in Afghanistan in October 1993, and became operational in December 1994. Areas of operation were Kandahar (Dec 94 - Dec 95), Badakhshan (Aug 96 - Aug 99), Badghis (March 96 - July 99) and Farah (March 95 - July 99). Operations were closed in August 1999. This reflected a policy decision prompted by increased difficulties experienced in working with the Taliban regime. Merlin run running primary health care services in a number of districts in the above mentioned provinces.

Merlin returned to Afghanistan in 2001 assisting the IDPs/refugees stranded along the Tajik/Afghan border in the North-eastern region (River Pianj islands). Merlin increasingly assisted the provincial MoH to re-establish health care services for both returning and existing population with DFID, AUSTCARE and UNHCR funding. Merlin worked in Baghlan and Kunduz provinces until March and June 2003 respectively, and continues to operate in Takhar, supporting a network of nine primary health care clinics (static and mobile) in collaboration with the provincial MoH. The package includes ensuring access to health care in the target area (running mobile clinics where the needs are absolutely unmet; training of TBAs/CHWs), maintaining quality of the services (provision of essential drugs on a regular basis; initial and refresher training of health workers, enforcement of standardised treatment protocols, the introduction of HIS forms, provision of incentives, establishing and enhancing EPI and MCH services, and capacity building of the MoH (training, provision of necessary equipment, and refurbishment and maintenance of existing MoH facilities). Merlin has rehabilitated health facilities and two laboratory facilities in Kunduz and Taloqan provincial hospitals through DFID/UNHCR Quick Impact Projects (QIPs). With MSH/USAID support Merlin also runs a malaria and leishmaniasis control project aimed at improving case management and strengthening malaria prevention activities in the three provinces, malaria drug efficacy studies have been conducted in conjunction with WHO, and malaria control has been incorporated into PHC programmes in the target area. The effectiveness of this approach was recently evaluated by an External Evaluation team. Merlin operated in Kabul, where it rehabilitated part of the MoH building; clinical laboratories of five hospitals, and three health facilities. Merlin also recently ran a highly successful Malaria Awareness Campaign in Taloqan and Kunduz, promoting the use of bednets through a football tournament, and also erecting signboards in Takhar and Kunduz provinces. The existing programme will now be superceded by a greatly enlarged project - the provision of the Basic Package of Health Services in six Provinces of Takhar, NE Afghanistan for the coming 2 ½ years.

BPHS Programme:

Merlin has recently secured funding from USAID REACH (MSH) to run a new programme due to start on 1st October 2003 for 2 ½ years for which we are recruiting staff.

The overall purpose of this new programme is to reduce excess morbidity and mortality amongst the identified vulnerable populations in six target districts of Takhar province (Bangi, Chah Ab, Farkhar, Kalafgan, Rostaq, and Taloqan) through ensuring provision and delivery of the priority services as outlined in the Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS).

The BPHS Programme Objectives:

OBJECTIVE 1: To expand and/or enhance delivery of services in 6 districts of Takhar province (Bangi, Chah Ab, Farkhar, Kalafgan, Rostaq, and Taloqan) according to the BPHS

OBJECTIVE 2: To Improve the quality of the Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS)

OBJECTIVE 3: To increase the capacity of provincial health departments and Merlin Afghanistan

OBJECTIVE 4: To empower the community to take responsibility for and promote sustainability of the health facilities.

Overall responsibilities

- The control and monitoring of all international purchases in liaison with the Country Director and the Merlin London Logistics department.
- Train the Kabul Logistician in warehousing and logistics procedures to ensure donor compliance.
- Maintain, install and programme, communications equipment in both Kabul and Taloqan.
- Supervise the administration of the Taloqan office in conjunction with the Programme Co-ordinator and provide logistics support for all Taloqan based programme activities.
- To line manage the national Logs and Admin staff in the Taloqan Field Office in line with Merlin HR procedures.
- Reassess the logistics procedures/systems currently in place in the Taloqan office and co-ordinate with the Country Director and Programme Co-ordinator to make any changes necessary to ensure donor compliance.
- Maintain the Merlin Afghanistan's asset list and send a monthly update to London.
- Supervise all vehicle maintenance.
- To provide input on logistics matters to the CMT for proposal and report writing.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific Responsibilities

Logistics
- Responsible for overseeing the programme site's logistical activities including international and local procurement, fleet and equipment maintenance and management in co-ordination with the Capital office.
- Responsible for overseeing and monitoring asset management. An asset list to be produced monthly.
- Responsible for stock control consistent with Merlin protocols and procedures. A logistics report is to be produced monthly.
- Responsible for ensuring that efficient and appropriate logistical support is provided for all site activities including drug distributions and watsan activities
- Establish and maintain a logs filing system to include all equipment manuals, maintenance schedules and logs documentation e.g. way bills.
- Ensuring that HF radio contact with team sites are maintained twice daily.

Admin
- Participation in project planning and the preparation of donor proposals and reports in collaboration with the Project team
- Responsible for site communications. This includes: emails; compiling the weekly situation report prepared by the team; co-ordinating all communications through to Kabul.

Human Resources
- Manage the logistics national staff team including recruitment, team building, and conducting appraisals.
- Assess the continuing training needs of the national staff and ensure training needs are appropriately met and within budget

Security
- Participation in the on-going monitoring of the security situation. Implementation of security measures according to Merlin security guidelines and monitoring of same.
- Responsible for co-ordinating, reviewing, and preparing security reports.
- Facilitating the evacuation of field based teams if necessary.

Professional/Personal Requirements

Essential

- Previous logistical experience.
- Strong administration and organizational ability.
- Excellent communication skills, with good spoken and written English
- Good computer skills including excel and word
- Excellent management and personnel skills
- Previous experience within a humanitarian aid organization in an insecure environment.
- Ability and flexibility to understand the cultural and political environment and to work well with the local authorities.
- Ability to remain calm and to be diplomatic.
- Good team player. Able to live and work in remote and isolated area

Advantageous

- Previous experience within Afg
- Experience of project administration/management, and the ability to work independently.
- Water and Sanitation experience/knowledge
- Problem solving ability with equipment ranging from PC's to vehicles and radios.
- Previous responsibility for managing security.
- Ability to chair meetings and provide succinct reports of meetings would be beneficial.