Director of Operations

Job Summary:

The Director of Operations (DO) is part of the senior management in the organization and will have the following key responsibilities in an executive capacity: a) directing and providing technical assistance for the full operationalisation of the program in Provinces; b) preparing work-plans and annual plans for the project at the provincial level; c) reviewing of progress against work-plans and revising work-plans as required d) establishing a mechanism for co-ordination between different components, sub-components of the program, particularly Component-A (Community Enterprise Development) and B (SME Development); and e)ensuring that there is a systematic approach to documenting and incorporating lessons learnt into revised implementation practices.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Director of Operations will:

• Lead activities of the AREDP Operations Office;
• Prepare detailed terms of reference for the staff (consultants) of the Operations Office in collaboration with Unit Managers as well as for different assignments related to operations of the program to be sourced out;


• Plan work flows for the Operations Office according to the functions of the different units and the operational relationship with Provincial Offices; ensure co-ordination of program activities across the units and between Provincial Offices.
• Prepare primary work-plans (quarterly, monthly and annual) and support the provinces in implementation of the same andreview of progress against work-plans and revising work-plans accordingly if required;
• Based on lessons learnt and the ongoing development of best practices, contribute to discussions and decisions regarding relevant and agreed modifications to the AREDP Operations Manual and implementation manual;
• Support the executive director office in Liaising with the Word Bank and other donors regarding project implementation and operations issues for AREDP;
• Contribute significantly towards reporting and in preparation of monthly progress reports, Quarterly progress reports and annual progress reports.
• Support in preparation of detailed project budgets, reviews and verifies expenditures ensuring eligibility, works to improve and increase the efficiency of the work of the Finance and Budget Units (FBU), and helps in preparation of financial reports required according to grant agreements for donors and for other program stakeholders such as MRRD, MOF, auditors, etc;
• Facilitate the technical operational audits of AREDP activities;
• Plan and implement an appropriate program of capacity building training and significantly contribute towards preparation of different training manuals, mentoring for the national staff of the Operations Office that includes on-the-job training and relevant external training;
• Provide technical advice, from a operations perspective, to the preparation and revision of project budgets for AREDP operations;to the procurement activities of AREDP for goods, works, and services (particularly for consultancy services); and to the development of AREDP’s MIS/database;
• Manage all contracts issued regarding operation of the program ensuring all contractual obligations on behalf of AREDP.
• Other operations management executive duties as assigned by the executive director.

Job Requirement:

4.0 KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

4.1 Knowledge/Experience

• Minimum of 5 years experience in the management of operations and implementation of activities of large development programs;
• Experience in the design and implementation of development programs, with a focus on enterprise development is highly desirable;
• Experience working in Afghanistan;
• Proven experience in building capacity of national staff in a challenging operating environment is desirable







4.2 Qualifications/Skills

• Qualification: An advanced degree in a related field;

• Professionalism – an highly developed understanding of the management of the implementation of activities and general operations of development organisations - experience and knowledge of: i) budgeting and finance; ii) procurement; iii) human resources management; and iv) administration operations - experience and ability to represent an organisation to external stakeholders including donors, GoA, and other development agencies - demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given – extremely high level of discretion;
• Planning and Organizing - Ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities;
• Management – Ability to manage staff and contribute to the skills development and capacity building;
• Communications - Good communication (spoken and written) skills, including ability to explain and present program support services-related information/requirements and prepare written documents/communications in a clear, concise style;
• Technology Awareness - Highly developed computer skills using Word, Excel, PowerPoint and the Internet;
• Teamwork - Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
• Excellent skills in English, Dari and Pashto required;

4.3 Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively with persons of various cultures and disciplines.
• Ability to determine and review priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a high pressure environment;
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure;
• Ability to work independently and also as an effective team member
• Professionalism in appearance and demeanour.
• Willingness to travel to provinces in Afghanistan.

5.0 Reporting relationships:

Reports to the Executive Director, and the AREDP Senior Management team.

6.0 Period of Assignment: The assignment is for 4 years up to 31 December 2014 and may be extended if required.

Job Location: