Program Officer, Multi-Input Area Development (MIAD) - LeaderFit - Washington, DC

Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A

Washington, DC

About Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA)

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is one of thirteen agencies that together comprise the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). These agencies have mandates ranging from health and education to architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise, and the revitalization of historic cities. AKF USA is one of twenty AKF country units, and serves primarily to mobilize resources and engage in policy dialogue in the US to support the work of the AKDN ( www.akdn.org ).

Multi-Input Area Development

The agencies of the AKDN each bring resources and expertise to bear on each given area where we work, in an approach we call multi-input area development (MIAD). Agencies interact with and reinforce each other’s work, over the course of decades. This mutual reinforcement enables us to have an impact that is greater than the sum of our parts.

AKF supports the MIAD approach in myriad ways, including two ongoing partnerships with USAID. These five-year Multi-Input Area Development Global Development Alliances (MIAD GDAs) are piloting a private-sector-linked model for sustainable social development in Afghanistan (total alliance value: $96 million) and Tajikistan (total alliance value: $12 million). Each alliance consists of two tracks: (1) a geographically focused multi-sector set of social development interventions and (2) investments in private enterprises in those areas. A portion of the returns on those investments will feed into a trust that will fund social projects in the target geographic area long after the GDA is finished.

Building on the successes and lessons learned from the alliances, AKF is also considering expanding this approach to other geographies.

Position Description

The Program Officer based in Washington D.C., will serve as the focal point within AKF USA for all grants management, reporting, technical assistance, new program development and cultivation and maintenance of partnerships related to the Foundation’s work around Multi-Input Area Development in general and the MIAD GDAs specifically, as well as other related responsibilities as assigned, including oversight and backstopping of of additional projects in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Program Officer will also contribute to overall Programs team efforts in grants management and administration, development and submission of funding proposals as needed, and research to support external engagement and representation of program learning. The Program Officer will have demonstrated ability to forge and maintain strong organizational partnerships between government, domestic and international for- and non-profits, and academics, and should also be comfortable with a flexible role that may evolve over time.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Coordinate with AKDN implementing agencies to ensure project deliverables are on track and to communicate progress to stakeholders;

Coordinate and support interaction between USAID Washington D.C. based offices (e.g.; Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs), USAID Missions, AKDN Agencies, and other public and/or private sector partners engaged in GDA projects;

In collaboration with AKF USA finance staff, ensure that all internal and donor agency technical and reporting requirements are met for projects;

Oversee reporting and updates on financial and social targets to USAID and other key stakeholders. Keep AKDN senior leadership apprised of progress on projects;

In close collaboration with AKDN stakeholders and USAID, manage the MIAD learning agenda for AKF USA, which will document lessons learned and disseminate them to appropriate audiences;

Build and maintain a broad network of external partnerships, effectively communicating the process and results of project implementation;

Identify, cultivate and develop new funding partnerships, alliances and opportunities as required;

With support from the Manager of Programs, manage all aspects of new proposal development and submission including negotiation with funding agencies to support international program needs as required;

Liaise with AKF field units to identify new funding opportunities, provide technical assistance in specified areas and advice, training and tools to support project teams in overall resource mobilization, grant management, and quality control;

Participate as a member of the Program Department team to ensure that AKF USA’s objectives are realized.

Participate in domestic and international travel to support project and proposal delivery, including travel to Afghanistan and Pakistan; and

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:
Minimum Masters Degree or professional equivalent experience in public policy, international development, international finance or related field;

7+ years of experience managing international development projects; experience managing projects with significant involvement from large and complex governmental, non-profit, and private sector stakeholders preferred;

Demonstrated ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with partners, academics, government officials, bilateral donors, private sector corporations/funds, as well as in-country and foreign experts;

Experience in managing research and/or learning activities;

Experience managing USAID-funded projects and bringing in new funding;

Familiarity with USAID rules and regulations;

Experience working in complex and changing environments. Professional experience in Afghanistan and/or Pakistan is desirable;

Cross- or multi- sector experience in a developing country preferred;

Experience with social investment metrics/ratings (e.g. IRIS, GIIRS), preferred;

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, in English. Proven ability to make oral presentations and high quality written reports tailored for diverse audiences.

Behaviors and Attitudes

Among AKF USA’s core values are respect for human dignity, compassion, self-reliance, tolerance and openness. The organization is interested in individuals whose behaviors reflect these values, who are dedicated to fulfilling the AKF USA mission, and who demonstrate integrity, honesty and are dedicated to serving humanity. In addition, the ideal candidate will be self-motivated and able to take initiative, communicate clearly, act with positive intent and encouragement towards others, and be responsive to new ideas and innovations.