The Asia Foundation
The Asia Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to the development of a peaceful, prosperous, just, and open Asia-Pacific region. The Foundation supports programs in Asia that help improve governance, law, and civil society; women's empowerment; economic reform and development; and international relations. Drawing on more than 55 years of experience in Asia, the Foundation collaborates with private and public partners to support leadership and institutional development, exchanges, and policy research. With a network of 19 offices throughout Asia, an office in Washington, D.C., and its headquarters in San Francisco, the Foundation addresses these issues on both a country and regional level.
Closing date: 01 Dec 2009 -- (CLOSED)
Location: Afghanistan
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Change Management and Critical Institutional Strengthening Interventions in Public Sector Development and Program Support
At the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock (MAIL)
GENERAL SUMMARY:
The purpose of this one-year program is two-fold: to conduct a comprehensive Change Management Assessment of the entire Ministry; and assess the overall capacity needs of the new structure. This program will serve as the inception phase for a follow-on program to execute MAIL’s overall change management strategy to overhaul its current structure and functions nationwide, and provide the assistance necessary to develop an efficient, effective and modern Ministry. To support this, The Asia Foundation (TAF) will work with the policy direction of MAIL and multiple donors.
The Chief of Party (CoP) will be the lead member of the management team, providing liaison and close consultation with MAIL, reporting to the TAF Country Representative, or his designate. S/He will provide overall technical management of the project, including development and implementation of work plans, oversight and quality control of project activities and deliverables, and achievement of all project tasks and objectives. The CoP also will be responsible for overall administrative management of the project, including compliance with local laws; meeting donors’ requirements as defined in consultation with MAIL and TAF policies; human resource and financial management; as well as liaison with donors’ technical representatives and project counterparts.
The Chief of Party is responsible for the following:
Responsibilities:
- In concert with MAIL policy directives and procedures, provide ongoing supervision, leadership, support, and guidance to the program both at the central and provincial levels.
- Lead oversight and management of project technical assistance, including development and implementation of work plans (with budgets, staffing and timelines for the activities); organizing and supervising the work of project personnel (including consultants and local staff); overseeing and managing the production of deliverables conforming to donor and Ministry requirements and deadlines (including technical reports, progress reports, and project final report), and the achievement of other specified project technical requirements.
- Monitor project performance against work plan objectives. Develop and implement solutions to identified problems. Maintain close contact with and supervise the work of the project technical staff, as well as staff at the provincial level.
- Manage project resources, including overseeing the reconciliation and accounting for funds advanced for field office expenses, timely reporting of field office expenses, procurement, inventory, and maintenance of equipment and facilities.
- Ensure compliance with local laws, donors’ requirements, and TAF policies related to project implementation and closeout, including, but not limited to, provincial office operations and project management, employment of international and national personnel, conflicts of interest, and ethics. Inform donors and TAF management about progress as well as any problems that might be encountered and require immediate action.
- Develop and maintain good working relationships with donors and counterparts. Serve as the primary point of contact with external parties on technical issues.
- Document the methodology and outcomes of the project for dissemination.
- The CoP ensures that appropriate management practices are being used for the implementation of the program and the M&E systems.
- Develop the required plans and strategies for the programs.
- Close coordination with the MAIL senior management.
- Coordination and communication with the donors and other stakeholders.
- Reporting, information dissemination, and representation of the program in donor coordination meetings, Afghan government, and other related stakeholders.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in governance, social sciences, international development or related fields;
- Minimum 10-15 years of work experience in managerial positions with international organizations, and large projects;
- Excellent human relations skills; experience managing complex work plans and large budgets;
- Ability to lead and direct a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary project team;
- Experience managing Afghan government reform or capacity-building programs; experiences in the provinces is a plus;
- Ability to introduce and negotiate change in a very traditional culture and come up with innovative solutions appropriate for the Afghan environment;
- Familiarity and expertise in governance, change management, and grants administration desired;
- Some familiarity with The Asia Foundation and its programs in Afghanistan is desired;
- Excellent communication skills – oral and written;
- Excellent diplomatic and problem-solving skills;
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment;
- Familiarity with project management software and MS Office packages; and
- English required; Dari and Pashto language skills are a plus.
Reference Code: RW_7XYRCC-60
