Afghanistan: Management and Programme Liaison Officer (MPLO)

For the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Representative Office Afghanistan

Objective:

The MPLO is primarily responsible for helping to ensure progress against the approved AKDN Country Policy and to support the AKDN Diplomatic Representative to represent the AKDN to the international community. The MPLO will contribute to dialogue on the strategic direction of the AKDN Diplomatic Office in close collaboration with the AKDN Diplomatic Representative. The MPLO will play a variety of roles in this regard, including, for example, catalyst, facilitator, reviewer, and reporter as well as engage in key donor and Government meetings. The MPLO will aim to advance the AKDN programme agenda by working with AKDN agencies, helping to mobilize the Network’s human and organizational resources, identifying and helping to realize potential synergies between AKDN agencies, and engendering a collegiate and collaborative approach amongst all the AKDN agencies. The MPLO should be able to adapt to a constantly evolving and fast-paced environment. An effective MPLO will be someone with outstanding time management and interpersonal skills, able to gain the trust and confidence of staff of respective AKDN agencies and external stakeholders.

Relationship:

1. The MPLO will report to the AKDN Diplomatic Representative.


2. The MPLO will in consultation with the AKDN Diplomatic Representative, convene the AKDN Forum including proposing an agenda, presenting on Government priorities and developments as they relate to AKDN, and maintain rigorous follow-up on matters arising from the Forum.


3. The MPLO will work closely with the heads of the AKDN agencies and programmes in that country as well as with the staff at the Secretariat and AKDN Geneva.

The MPLO will closely support the AKDN Resident Representative in communicating AKDN’s programme interests to the various levels of government and the diplomatic community. The Resident Representative will have primary responsibility for such communications and interface, but will call on the MPLO for support. Discussions with the government and diplomatic community will entail close coordination and a mutually supportive approach between the AKDN Representative and the MPLO. The MPLO will keep AKDN agencies updated on Government policy discussions and facilitate their input into policy dialogue.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The MPLO will be responsible for effectively performing the following functions:

1. Contribute to AKDN agency or sector strategies for the country where they are based, when requested to do so by the AKDN Representative. Facilitate inter-agency coordination for joint AKDN activities e.g. development of MIAD strategies. Likewise, facilitate coordination between the National Council and AKDN. Prepare concept papers/background information on areas of new opportunity or interest to AKDN.


2. Monitor and track the activities of the various AKDN agencies including construction projects against the approved country policy (and subsequently approved additions to/modifications thereof). Prepare comprehensive reports for the AKDN Committee on AKDN Programmes in the country where they are based at least twice a year, and with greater frequency if requested.


3. Monitor AKDN agency issues that require addressing with Government authorities. Monitor and raise agency and provincial-level issues or gaps with the AKDN diplomatic representative.


4. Monitor, report and respond to key policy developments (with donors and the Government), in the country that have an impact on AKDN activities. Facilitate AKDN agency inputs into Government policy dialogue. Monitor and report on political developments.


5. Develop profiles of other national and international development agencies active in Afghanistan and participate when required with the AKDN Representative in meetings and/or functions for the diplomatic community, with a view of enhancing diplomatic and programmatic relations of the AKDN. Conduct background research and prepare briefing materials and talking points for diplomatic or other meetings and/or events and conduct research to support the advancement of programmatic activities in Afghanistan.


6. Represent AKDN interests and policy recommendations to donors and Government authorities and respond to requests for information from the same.


7. In close coordination with AKDN agency staff at Geneva and Aiglemont and in the country in which they are based, as well as with the AKDN Resident Representative, engender effective, strong, and positive relations with donors at the country level.


8. At the request of the AKDN Committee, undertake evaluations of AKDN programmes, projects, or activities in the country where they are based.


9. Track and report on the profile of AKDN’s human resources in country, including professional/volunteer staff, expatriates and nationals, within the framework of AKDN’s human resource policy for the country where they are based.


10. When requested to do so by the AKDN Committee, assist the Aiglemont Legal Department in the incorporation of AKDN agencies and resolution of other legal issues that impact the AKDN in the country where they are based.


11. Facilitate the preparation of country specific AKDN communication material.


12. Manage the establishment of the AKDN Representative office, Afghanistan, in accordance with the policies, standards and requirements of the French Delegation of the AKDN.


13. Assist the AKDN Representative in oversight, administration and management of day-to-day operations of the AKDN Representative Office, Afghanistan, including (without limitation) preparing annual budgets, maintaining financial records, ensuring prompt handling of all confidential and sensitive communication, maintaining the physical security of the AKDN Representative Offices and assets, and the confidentiality of documents and information therein.


14. Assist in the monitoring of the AKDN and agency security operations in the country. In consultation with the AKDN Representative coordinate security related matters with the AKDN Security Manager and senior AKDN security personnel.


15. Engender (and manage) shared services notions amongst AKDN agencies, as defined on a country-by-country basis, and which could include, for example, shared administration (office space, communications, IT, etc.), travel and transportation, procurement of defined products, and so forth.


16. Support the AKDN Representative to coordinate visits of His Highness and His family to the Afghanistan. In addition understand and follow all government, diplomatic, AKDN and Jamati protocol and procedures.


17. Remain in touch with the Jamati Institutional and Diasporas leaders in the country. Bring awareness within the Jamat of AKDN’s engagement in the country and the region. Initiate and coordinate activities for the Jamat engendering community spirit and brotherhood. In coordination with the Jamati leadership, attend to Jamati concerns and issues and facilitate support for the Jamat. Where possible, create employment opportunities for the Jamat within the Network.


18. Undertake any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.


19. Please note that these responsibilities should be used as a ‘guide’. The individual can take on additional roles and responsibilities based on his/her abilities and skill level and based on a discussion with the AKDN Diplomatic Representative.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

The ideal candidate should have the following profile:

1. A keen appreciation of the objectives and ethical underpinnings of the AKDN.


2. A strong interest in the developing world and an ability to learn quickly about a broad range of development issues in which AKDN is involved.


3. Excellent communication skills and an outstanding ability to articulate issues both written and orally.


4. Strong interpersonal skills.


5. Experience in working in a multicultural environment.


6. An advanced degree preferably at the Master’s Level: this might be in, public policy, management, international relations, political science, law or the social sciences.


7. At least five to seven years of experience of related experience in legal practice, public relations, development, international relations, journalism or a communications position preferably with some work experience in an international context.


8. Self-starter and willing to put in the time that is required.


9. Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.


10. Ability to critically analyze and provide constructive recommendations.


11. Good team player with the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with colleagues.


12. Fluency in English required with knowledge of Farsi (Dari) language particular a plus.


13. Discretion and ability to handle confidential information is essential.

How to apply:

Please apply through our Career Centre: http://www.akdn.org/careers

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Aga Khan Foundation – Afghanistan is an equal opportunities employer. Women are encouraged to apply.

Aga Khan Foundation – Afghanistan recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to the safeguarding of children from abuse.