Program Manager - Afghanistan

International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.

Established in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses, International Medical Corps is a private, voluntary, nonpolitical, nonsectarian organization. Its mission is to improve the quality of life through health interventions and related activities that build local capacity in underserved communities worldwide. By offering training and health care to local populations and medical assistance to people at highest risk, and with the flexibility to respond rapidly to emergency situations, International Medical Corps rehabilitates devastated health care systems and helps bring them back to self-reliance.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/SCOPE OF WORK: (Essential functions, quality/quantity expected list of marginal duties and number of national/and or expat staff supervised)

I. JOB SUMMARY The primary function of the Humanitarian Program Manager and Lead Trainer includes overseeing the implementation of all emergency preparedness and response program activities inclusive of supervision of staff, internal and external coordination, and day-to-day administration of overall program activity.

II. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Program Management for Emergency Preparedness & Response Programs o Work closely with the country and field teams to determine the operational needs of the emergency response, humanitarian relief, and NGO capacity building grant(s) assigned to this position; o Analyze data gathered, proposed strategies, operational capacity, and contextual changes to determine optimal strategies of program implementation, with alternatives based on local context and a proactive approach toward applying best practices and pragmatic solutions; o Oversee all aspects of program set-up, implementation, and phase-down, in coordination with all other departments (including drafting and negotiating MoUs with partners, setting up and managing the program/operational systems, working with the relevant other staff on human resources and finance issues, and ensuring support for the ongoing M&E and program development cycle) in accordance with the donor-approved grant agreement; o Maintain close, monthly communication and positive working relations at all times with both donor representatives (including but not limited to OFDA) and local authorities (including but not limited to the national, regional and provincial representatives of ANDMA); o Liaise closely with the targeted NGO staff and district/village-level representatives to ensure proper coordination and effective capacity building in key areas of emergency preparedness and response (including TOTs on hazard mapping, rapid needs assessments, situation reports, program planning, standardized protocols for emergency surge support, set-up and monitoring of NFI kit distribution, etc.); o Work with field teams and logistics to procure program supplies within program budgets and according to agreed-upon work plans/timelines to ensure proper implementation and to spend down program resources in a timely and well-planned manner; o Work with the logistics team to oversee the design/procurement and technical quality of key program inputs including but not limited to emergency preparedness and response training materials, NFI kits (e.g., IOM), and IMC’s own visibility/ branding items. o Implement and maintain prescribed reporting systems to monitor and evaluate the objectives, indicators and outcomes of the emergency-related country programs; o Compile and/or write monthly and quarterly reports, ensuring statistics are correct and reports are drafted on time according to internal review process and donor submission deadlines; o Contribute to production of follow-on proposals or other program documentation for new projects relevant to humanitarian relief and emergency response to natural or man-made hazards; o Regularly update country office senior management and HQ on progression of programs as per internal protocols; and o Maintain flexibility to take on added responsibility as and when needed, particularly in the event of a natural disaster or other rapid-onset crisis.

1. IMC Representation • Attend and participate in coordination meetings at the national and regional levels that are relevant to IMC’s disaster management programs in Afghanistan; • Represent the organization at task force meetings, assessment missions, coordination meetings, and partnership meetings on a regular basis; • Plan and communicate program activities effectively and precisely with all stakeholders to safeguard the reputation and long-term strategy of the organization at all times; and • Contribute to the creation of a positive image and long-term credibility of the organization, notably through the high technical quality of the program and consistent application of the organization’s Code of Conduct, international standards for disaster response, internationally recognized humanitarian principles, and international law with regard to internal and external actors in conflict settings.
2. Human Resources Management • Supervise relevant program staff to ensure smooth and effective operations and their professional development as appropriate; • Assist in the selection and training of qualified program staff and recommend promotions, disciplinary action and termination of staff in consultation with the Country Director, Finance/Admin Director, and Medical Director; • Ensure compliance with all local labor laws including working hours; • Maintain open lines of communications with all field and country office staff; and • Apply IMC policies in a fair and consistent manner, documenting decisions properly and ensuring a positive sense of teamwork and shared responsibility among all program staff.
3. Training/Capacity Building • Determine training needs for subordinate staff and program beneficiaries in accordance with the goal and objectives of the grant(s); • Train and/or facilitate training for national staff to increase their responsibilities in order to build capacity and ensure viability and success of IMC’s humanitarian operations in country; • Work with program staff, external consultants, and headquarters to implement capacity building component of all programs, with particular attention to documenting the impact and outcomes of program activities through standard M&E and reporting mechanisms as well as additional opportunities such as human interest stories, annual program reports, etc.; • Advocate and plan for professional development for all subordinate staff as needed.
4. Working Relationships • Maintain frequent and pro-active communication with Country Director, donor representative(s), and ANDMA representative(s) to report on implementation of program activities and objectives, operational needs or constraints, program successes, and any seen or unforeseen challenges that are encountered during program implementation; • Work with Logistics staff to ensure that the procurement and movement of programs supplies are within budgeted targets and coordinated with all relevant departments; • Attend weekly internal coordination meetings relevant to country activities; and • Interface with national government and relevant agencies as necessary.
5. Safety and Security • Model good practice in safety and security at all times, complying with all IMC internal security policies regarding movement restrictions, obtaining necessary authorization before beginning any domestic or international travel, and following personal security best practices; • Ensure application and compliance of security protocols and policies by all subordinate staff, document any security incidents experienced during program implementation, and disseminate security warnings or announcements to program field teams as appropriate; • Liaise and coordinate with other organizations’ relevant security managers in the targeted program locations, especially the regional and/or provincial staff of ANSO and UN/DSS; and • Oversee and manage the security guard workforce at IMC field locations especially during emergency operations.

REQUIREMENTS •Graduate degree from an accredited university with a specialty in emergency management, international development, or a related discipline such as nursing or engineering. •At least 5 years of experience in progressively higher levels of management for a humanitarian NGO, at least two years of which has been in a field setting within a natural disaster-prone or conflict-affected country. •Experience in program design and evaluation within the international development field. •Previous training and professional familiarity with international humanitarian principles relevant to non-governmental organizations involved in disaster response, Sphere standards, best practices in the disaster preparedness and response fields, and the mandates of relevant donors and UN entities. •Excellent written and spoken English required, with additional language skills in Farsi/Dari, Pashto, and/or Nooristani preferred. •Willingness and ability to work in a conflict and cross-cultural setting with maturity and cultural sensitivity toward all persons, both national and expatriate. •Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions in fluid settings with limited supervision. •Extremely flexible, sense of humor, and experienced in coping with stressful situations, limited and/or changing information, and low-resource settings. •Creative, personable, and able to relate to and motivate local staff effectively. •Team player and strong communication skills, both oral and written. •Proficiency in emergency communication tools (VHF radio, BGAN unit, sat phone, etc.) and computer applications including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Skype. •Ability to oversee the design/procurement and technical quality of key program inputs including but not limited to shelter materials, NFI kits, visibility/branding items, and emergency preparedness and response training materials. •Willingness to make frequent and regular domestic trips between the regional and country offices, with sites visits as possible (security and weather permitting). •Physical ability to perform the minimal functions of this job, including but not limited to lifting heavy objects, walking up and down steps, extended periods of time standing, and walking or traveling in inclement weather (security permitting).

LANGUAGES Ability to read, write, analyze and interpret, technical and non-technical in the English language. Ability to effectively present information and respond appropriately to questions from senior managers in the field and HQ, counterparts, senior government and rebel leaders

1. Conditions: • Accommodation, food and transportation provided by the organization • Medical Evacuation service and competitive benefits provided by the organization • Further information regarding security and situation on the field available during the interview process • While performing duties of the job, the employee frequently works in precarious and remote places. The employee is usually employed in areas of civil strife, which often result in an unstable security environment. Regularly work in outdoor extreme weather conditions

TO APPLY To officially begin the application process, please visit our website at www.internationalmedicalcorps.organd go to our “Careers” page. Find your desired position; click on the position title and complete the application on the bottom of the job description.

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