Afghanistan: Executive Director

The Independent Joint Anti-Corruption Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (the MEC) was established in 2010, to independently monitor and evaluate all national and international efforts to fight corruption in Afghanistan. Credible monitoring and evaluation of corruption and anti-corruption efforts by the MEC are essential for Afghanistan’s development, and for its economic recovery. The MEC is headed by six Commissioners, three Afghan and three International, giving it a uniquely authoritative and credible perspective. The Executive Director leads a dynamic MEC Secretariat, which is widely respected for its work. A person of independence and integrity, the new Executive Director will command the respect of all parties in the country and internationally. He or she will be technically excellent at anti-corruption, and will have the political, communication and outreach skills to advance the anti-corruption agenda at all levels of government and society. This is one of the most exciting high-level positions in anti-corruption worldwide, and the MEC is seeking a qualified person to lead these important efforts.

The Executive Director of the Independent Joint Anti-Corruption Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (MEC) is accountable to the Committee overall, under the regular direction and guidance of the Committee Chair. The Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing the provision of Secretariat support for the Committee, including the provision of advice, and the conduct of monitoring and evaluation activities. The key functions of the Executive Director can be summarized as follows:
• Directing and managing the staff of MEC’s Secretariat and all related resources;
• Providing high-quality advice to the Committee, including policy, legal, and organizational; and in support of the development of recommendations and benchmarks;
• Directing and overseeing the monitoring and evaluation activities of the Secretariat in support of the Committee;
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with government, international community, donors, civil society and other stakeholders;
• Overseeing the development of regular reports, including six-month reports, accountability reports, and special reports on specific subjects.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct and manage the staff of MEC’s Secretariat and all related resources
• Oversee the day-to-day functioning of the Secretariat, while managing human and financial resources in line with MEC’s terms of reference, rules of procedure, priorities, direction, operational policies, and Afghan laws
• Develop policies and procedures which build the capability, capacity and technical excellence of the Secretariat
• Develop and implement an operational plan for the Secretariat, reflecting the Committee’s priorities, distribution of functions and responsibilities, and accountability.
• Evaluate the organizational needs of the Secretariat from time-to-time and provide recommendations to the Committee regarding required resources.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of organizational policies, including procurement, financial, and human resources management.
• Provide a healthy, inclusive, and safe work environment for all staff.
• Implement recommendations of the system-based audit of MEC’s Secretariat as approved by the Committee.
• Recruit qualified international and national staff in compliance with the organizational structure and the internal rules and regulations of MEC.
• Develop performance indicators for MEC Secretariat staff, and conduct performance evaluations on that basis. Take appropriate action to manage performance as required.
• Provide Secretariat support for MEC missions, including travel arrangements, translation, agendas, minutes of meetings, scheduling meetings and other logistical requirements.
• Oversee procurement, contracting, human resources issues, amongst others, to ensure that all practices conform to legal requirements and MEC policies.
• Develop proposals to donors for ad-hoc projects, and for core-funding as required.
• Develop budget and oversee financial management and expenditures in a manner consistent with the principles and practices of modern comptrollership, MEC policies, and all applicable laws.
• Provide regular financial reports to the Committee.
• Ensure that assets, including office space, are acquired and disposed of according to law, policy and best practices. Oversee a system for the logging and tracking of all assets.

Provide high-quality advice to the Committee, including policy, legal, and organizational; and in support of the development of recommendations and benchmarks
• Develop and implement a quality assurance process for the creation of high-quality policy advice based on research and consultations.
• Oversee the development of evidence based anti-corruption recommendations and benchmarks.
• Oversee the review of legislation, proposed legislation, and other national and international initiatives that affect the fight against corruption in order to develop MEC positions and interventions.
Direct and oversee the monitoring and evaluation activities of the Secretariat in support of the Committee.
• Oversee the development of monitoring and evaluation plans that allow for a full assessment of anti-corruption activities and evaluation of the impact of various initiatives.
• Develop relationships with a variety of government, international, and civil society organizations to ensure that monitoring and evaluation efforts benefit from the broadest information available and a cross-section of perspectives.

Develop and maintain strong relationships with government, international community, donors, civil society and other stakeholders
• Design and implement a communication and outreach strategy to ensure consistent presence in the public space and effective messaging in line with the strategic orientation set by MEC.
• Represent MEC with government officials and other stakeholders to ensure effective communications between MEC and stakeholders, other relevant entities, and the public.
• Engage with government agencies and the legislature in policy-related dialogue and advocacy based on MEC recommendations.
• Develop and maintain media contacts and identify opportunities for media intervention to communicate MEC’s work.
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings for MEC consultation, and coordinate meetings with key individuals and organizations during Committee missions.
• Participate in conferences and meetings to develop MEC’s network and to communicate current activities and promote its work.

Developing regular reports, including six-month reports, accountability reports, and special reports on specific subjects
• Regularly report to the Committee on progress, results and challenges, and prepare reports for the public, parliament, president and international community on MEC activities and the status of MEC recommendations.
• Oversee the development of quarterly financial and narrative reports to MEC donors, and annual audits of MEC expenses, to ensure compliance with policy and regulation requirements of donors while ensuring technical independence of MEC.
• Lead the development of regular reports that provide information on activities and provide results of monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Lead the development of special reports on important anti-corruption issues as agreed to by the Committee.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Master’s degree in public administration, development, law, or other relevant category.

Experience: At least 8 years of experience managing or directing an organization, budgets, and human resources. Experience in developing policy recommendations and providing policy advice at a high level. Experience in conducting monitoring and evaluation. Experience in anti-corruption. Experience in Afghanistan is preferred.

Knowledge: Knowledge of corruption issues and anti-corruption methodologies. Knowledge of government and development aid administration. Knowledge of governance and accountability mechanisms and strategies. Knowledge of the justice sector. Knowledge of Afghanistan and related environmental factors affecting corruption. Knowledge of budgeting and financial controls. Knowledge of best practices in human resources planning and management.

Competencies: Ability to manage international and national staff. Ability to exercise the highest degree of judgment and accountability in the allocation and use of resources. Ability to exercise diplomacy and political acumen in all interactions. Ability to provide high level advice, incorporating strategic considerations where appropriate. Ability to manage human and financial resources effectively in a manner that produces the highest level of results. Ability to develop high quality reports and other written documents for public consumption.

Language: Fluency in English and Dari is essential. Fluency in Pashto is desirable.

Salary: Commensurate with education and experience.