Afghanistan Rehabilitation and Educational Program (AREP) was established in 1994 as an independent non-governmental, non-profit organization, AREP's learning experience as a development organization comes from its working association with communities in different areas of Afghanistan. More importantly, the development and growth of the organization have been through an evolutionary process, AREP registered with the Ministry of Economy and member of Education international, ACBER, ANCB and DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S (The International Award for Young People).

AREP is working for women, youths, children where disability is the top priority among the AREP three targeted groups in three  main  AREP  core  competencies/  technical  expertise,  a):  EDUCATION  (Formal  and  Informal education, b): CAPACITY BUILDING, Vocational Education Skills Trainings, Awareness Initiatives (Civic Education, Human Rights, Anti-Corruptions, Access to Justice, Peace Building & Conflict Resolution)  and  other  trainings for aforementioned target groups]  &  c): COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT providing them assistance in multi-cultural program, government and community dialog, peace building and Rehabilitation & Small Infrastructure) throughout Afghanistan.

Scope of the Job

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Executive Director, the incumbent will be responsible for managing the Construction and Program Unit and all program-related activities in the AREP Main and Provincial Offices (School infrastructures, Health Centers, Rehabilitation and Education etc.) and providing technical guidance to UNICEF Projects/Operations on construction and rehabilitation activities.

KEY FUNCTION, ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RELATED DUTIES/TASKS

Program

• Contribute to program design and proposal development for AREP Afghanistan.
• Provide guidance to sectors on programmatic issues, program planning, technical implementation etc.
• Drive achievement of all project result and oversee project work planning, performance management and risk forecasting and mitigation.
• Ensure that all project assistance is technically sound and appropriate.
• Work in close collaboration with program leadership to implement studies or operational research, supervising data collection and analysis and presenting results.
• Produce written reports on program activities, capturing the impact of activities.
• Conduct field visits to all project sites and support field staff's smooth implementation of the programs and ensure quality as per the agreed standards and complaints.
• Advance the capacity building of the program team.
• Define program indicators and develop data-relevant resources and tools (including M&E plan, technical data collection tools, database, dashboards, and reporting templates), that align with the humanitarian M&E standards, donor requirements and overall AREP goals.
• Ensure M&E plans and tools are developed by the M&E team and analytical reports are provided on time.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Set a team culture valuing learning and adaptive management in support of an ongoing resilience approach in programming.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews.
• Provide technical support to the program staff in planning, implementation, management and monitoring of the project's activities.
• Conduct regular monitoring of the performance and ensure the achievement of the project's outputs, goals and objectives.
• Guide technical and field teams to follow the organizational policies, and procedures are maintained as per the organizational standards.
• Maintain liaison with the donor, and government entities and maintain close contact with other NGOs.
• Support the team to ensure program quality and reporting requirements are ensured.
• Management of project resources in a cost-efficient manner and in line with program budgets.

Construction duties and responsibilities

1- Preparation of construction annual work plan

• Develop the annual work plan for the Construction unit; determine priorities/targets and performance measurements and monitor work progress to ensure that results are achieved according to schedule and performance standards.
• Ensure effective and efficient management of the Construction unit's human and financial resources; ensure appropriate staffing deployment and timely recruitment according to the project’s needs.
• Supervise and coach unit staff; conduct weekly unit meetings; ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities.  In collaboration with the Construction Unit in the Supply Division and DFAM Field Support Unit, ensure knowledge sharing and learning are prioritized in order to continuously build capacity of individuals and the team.

2- Collaboration with UNICEF Programs/Operations and coordination with Government and Other NGOs

     Counterparts

• Coordinate the provision of technical backstopping and support to Program/ Operations sections and Donors counterparts in matters of construction project management; provide solutions to relevant issues; provide guidance to Program sections in developing child-friendly community infrastructure, development program proposals for school’s constructions; ensure construction activities are incorporated in relevant AREP Programs.
• Coordinate with Program/Operations sections through the involvement of the Construction Unit in construction project proposals, planning, and preparation of relevant terms of reference; analyze the project context and suggest the appropriate implementation and procurement modality.
• In collaboration with the Donor's counterparts, lead the process to develop and produce innovative cost- effective construction designs using local construction materials, based on best practices in construction and building design.
• Attend steering meetings and lead technical cooperation meetings; review PPT presentations on projects' progress; coordinate follow-up actions in relation to project implementation and monitoring.
• Ensure Program/Operations sections are informed of projects' progress; suggest appropriate actions to overcome technical obstacles; review relevant sections of project reports required for donors, management, annual reports, etc.
• Ensure all permits required for construction activities are obtained prior initiating works.

COMPETENCIES AND LEVEL OF PROFICIENCY REQUIRED

Core competencies

• Nurtures, leads and manages people
• Builds and maintains partnerships
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
• Drives to achieve impactful results
• Innovates and embraces change
• Thinks and acts strategically
• Manages ambiguity and complexity

Functional Competencies

• Leading and supervising
• Formulating strategies and concepts
• Analyzing (II)
• Applying technical expertise
• Planning and Organizing
• Relating and networking
•  Coping with set-back and pressure

SKILLS

• Ability to resolve difficult, complex and sensitive situations often under pressure.
• Ability to initiate and manage change in a diverse environment.
• Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and concepts in written and oral form.
• Ability to manage and monitor the effective use of financial and human resources.
• Ability to supervise and direct a team of professional and support staff.
• The ability to allocate appropriate time and resources for successful achievement of goals and foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning.
• Ability to implement clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies, identify priority activities and assignments, adjust priorities as required.
• Ability to work strategically to realize organizational goals, develop strategies, set clear visions.
• Advanced communication and negotiation skills to establish and maintain trusted partnerships for achievement of objectives and to develop close and effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Skill in the identification of new opportunities or requirements to meet challenges in the field and propose changes.
• Strong knowledge of latest developments and technology in construction industry.
• Strong understanding of construction project cycles, from program needs assessment, through planning, procurement and contracting, monitoring the execution of work and evaluation of project outcomes.
•  Strong overall knowledge and understanding of UNICEF programs, public procurement principles, financial and legal aspects of construction issues, ethics and risk management of construction projects.

Education

• An advanced university degree is required in in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture or other relevant area, or relevant first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in conjunction with a valid relevant professional certification is required, Master degree holder will be given preferences.

Experience

• A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience, at the national and/or international levels, in program management, proposal Writing, site supervision, quality assurance and/or other directly related technical fields is required.
• Understanding of development and humanitarian work.

advantage. Languages

• Fluency in Pashto, Dari and English is required.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit their resumes (CV) with a detailed application letter and contact details, no later than Sep 18, 2024, to hr@arep.org.af

Please clearly indicate “Program Manager” in the email's subject line.

      Only short-listed candidates will be informed.