Afghanistan: Program Coordinator, Health

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a private international, nonprofit, and non-denominational development agency. It seeks sustainable solutions to long-term problems of poverty, with special emphasis on the needs of rural communities in mountainous, coastal and other resource poor areas across the world. Concentrating its efforts in health, education, rural development and strengthening civil society sectors, AKF’s approach is based on a long-term commitment that is maintained despite political and social uncertainty.

The Aga Khan Foundation, Afghanistan (AKF (Afg)) is a member agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a dynamic network of development agencies currently operating in over 30 countries across Central and South Asia and East and West Africa. AKF (Afg) currently manages and implements the largest multi-sectoral development programme within the network and has built a strong reputation with the Government of Afghanistan, donors and local partners in a number of technical fields.

The AKDN is a group of international, private, non-denominational development agencies and institutions that seek to empower communities and individuals, usually in disadvantaged circumstances, to improve living conditions and opportunities. AKF (Afg) is part of AKDN and has been working in Afghanistan since 2002, with programs focused on Rural Development, Education and Health.

At present, it is seeking an exceptional individual to fill the position of Program Coordinator, Health at its Kabul Office.

Position Objective:

The position of Health Program Coordinator, in the structure of AKF Health Department, is responsible for ensuring the quality, consistency and coherence of the grants managed by AKF and implemented by AKF and other AKDN agencies, and coordinating the management of AKF’s and AKDN’s grant portfolio in the health sector

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Grant Management and Donor Relations:

• Maintain donor relations initiatives through proposal and program development, report to donors for existing grants and ensure grant compliance on key health grants will all major donors.


• Work closely with national health program Grant Manager, other national program managers, regional program managers, program coordinators, technical staff, other AKDN health agencies and AKF’s Finance Director or grant managers to ensure compliance and successful resource mobilization.


• Facilitate coordination internally with other sectors in AKF and between AKDN Health agencies for more improvement.


• In conjunction with AKF Policy and Partnership Department, deepen and broaden relations with health donors through informed policy dialogue and exploration of major programme issues, lessons learned, articulation of achievements and impacts and data verification.


• Research potential avenues of funding for AKF and other AKDN affiliates in the health sector and maintain up-to-date information on donor interests and priorities.


• Develop strategies for securing resources and influence policy processes in the health sector through diversification of AKDN’s support base and innovative approaches, including exploration of non-traditional and indirect resource opportunities.


• Facilitate donor audits, evaluations and other missions/visits, as per grant agreements.


• Maintain an up-to-date grants management and resource mobilization matrix/database of and follow up and report accordingly.


• Participate in donor meetings including forums of the Ministry of Public Health and other donors and inter AKDN agencies events.


• In collaboration with Policy and Partnership Department, develop a resource mobilization strategy for AKF and its sister agencies AKHS (Aga Khan Health Services), AKU (Aga Khan University) and FMIC (French Medical Institute for Children).

Program Development:

• Ensure coherence and coordination among the health-related program of the Network in Afghanistan (i.e. AKF Health Promotion Program, AKHS, AKU, and FMIC) and provide strategic guidance and advice on programme development in the health sector, with clear links to Central Asian best practices and evidence.


• Identify areas of research for improving sectoral understanding and programme initiatives.

Knowledge Acquisition and Management:

• Develop and maintain a detailed understanding of all works being implemented by AKDN in the health sector in Afghanistan.


• Ensure that AKDN is fully aware of the health strategies of the Government of Afghanistan and major donors, and that it is represented in key networks and debates.


• Assist in the development and maintenance of a project information and management system.

Communications:

• Assist in the development and dissemination of effective communications materials on health programs.


• Draw out and document lessons learned and best practices in AKF health sector.

General Support to AKDN:

• Participate in key AKDN strategic planning and budget preparation meetings.


• Act as an internal resource on overall health programming matters for AKDN staff.


• Attend meetings, workshops and conferences as necessary as an AKDN representative.


• Provide overall support to the Policy and Partnership Unit and the Health Department.


• To carry out the responsibilities of the role in a way which reflects AKF-A’s commitment to protecting children in accordance with the Child Safeguarding Policy.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Master Degree in relevant field (e.g. Public Health) from a recognized university


• Minimum 3 years in relevant filed particularly in proposal and project development, grants management and resource mobilization


• Excellent written and oral English skills


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel)


• Effective communication skills


• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines


• Ability to work in multicultural teams


• Self-motivated, proactive, efficient, reliable and creative


• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team