Afghanistan: Director, Women’s Empowerment Program (WEP)

*** * * THE APPLICATION DEADLINE April 11, 2016* * ***

In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, Asia plays a crucial global role. Would you be excited at the prospect of employing your knowledge and skills to improve lives, expand opportunities, and help societies flourish across this dynamic region?

You could have this opportunity at The Asia Foundation. Informed by six decades of experience and deep local expertise, we address critical issues affecting Asia in the 21st century: governance and law, economic development, women’s empowerment, environment, and regional cooperation. We work with innovative leaders and communities to build effective institutions and advance path-breaking reforms. Together with our partners, we are committed to Asia’s continued development as a peaceful, just, and thriving region of the world.

The Asia Foundation is committed to improving the lives of Afghan women. Though great progress has been made over the past decade, Afghan women have long faced and will continue to face tremendous barriers and limitations. Our women’s programming works to improve the political and social lives of women. We do this by supporting the elimination of violence against women, enhancing their access to justice, and supporting their participation in society. The current program consists of work with civil society and women’s groups, as well as working directly with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA) in the central government, and the Department of Women’s Affairs (DoWA) offices in the provinces.

The Asia Foundation’s Afghanistan Office in Kabul is looking for a seasoned professional to lead its Women’s Empowerment Program (WEP). Reporting to the Deputy Country Representative for Programs, the Director will be primarily responsible for planning, implementation, and oversight of all of the projects within WEP’s portfolio. S/he will also be responsible for building the practice area by training and coaching department staff.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

At least an MA in social science; JD/LLM preferred

Experience:

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  At least ten years’ experience in international development program/project management, design, implementation, planning, reporting, and monitoring and evaluation.

  
  


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  Extensive experience with gender programming in Afghanistan, in one or more of the following areas: gender mainstreaming, institutional strengthening, civil society development, public awareness, gender justice/access to justice, elimination of violence against women, engagement of men and religious leaders in women’s empowerment programs, economic empowerment, and other areas

  
  


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  Extensive program development experience and interactions with diverse donor agencies

  
  

Required Skills:

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  Ability to communicate the vision, goals, and objectives of the Foundation to staff and various external stakeholders regarding gender in Afghanistan

  
  


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  Good diplomatic and negotiating skills

  
  


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  Ability to lead and direct a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary program team.

  
  


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  Familiarity with USG and non-USG donor requirements and respective program management systems

  
  


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  Ability to develop and manage budgets

  
  


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  Ability to develop, implement, and monitor work plans

  
  


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  Ability to manage and mentor staff, including providing capacity development in technical and communications skills

  
  


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  Creativity in addressing gender challenges in Afghanistan

  
  


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  Inclusive and consultative approaches to program development and management

  
  


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  Excellent oral and written communications skills in English

  
  


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  Dari or Pashto skills a plus

  
  


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  Excellent interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with international and national colleagues.

  
  


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  Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

  
  


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  Proficiency in MS Office and Sharepoint systems

  
  

Duties and Responsibilities

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  Develop strategies related to women’s empowerment in Afghanistan, including but not limited to: gender mainstreaming, institutional strengthening, civil society development, public awareness, gender justice/access to justice, elimination of violence against women, engagement of men and religious leaders in empowerment programs, economic empowerment, and other areas

  
  


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  Develop new programs and project proposals related to women’s empowerment

  
  


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  Interact with current relevant donors and potential donors on a regular basis

  
  


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  Oversee the implementation of all projects in the Foundation’s Women’s Empowerment portfolio in Afghanistan, and troubleshoot program issues as required

  
  


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  Develop occasional brief research-opinion papers and present findings as required

  
  


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  Maintain a broad and active network of contacts on women’s empowerment among NGOs, international institutions, Afghan civil society, and government.

  
  


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  Lead and manage all staff under Women’s Empowerment portfolio of the Foundation’s Afghanistan office (approximately 10 employees)

  
  

Why work at The Asia Foundation in Afghanistan?

At a critical moment in Afghanistan’s history, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the country’s development and, more broadly, to the development, stability, and growth of the Asia region. You will help promote a more constructive engagement between government and citizens and advance learning and awareness about the country. You will work with and learn from dedicated, smart, and accomplished colleagues and local partners, and, in the process, improve your skills and expertise.