Generic responsibilities

1. Ensure adherence to NRC policies, handbooks, procedures and SOPs/guidelines;
2. Line management of Education project staff in Herat, and technical oversight and shared operational management of senior programme staff in sub-offices (i.e. Core Competency Coordinators/ Officers who are line managed by the Field Manager/ Coordinator);
3. Contribute to the development of Area and CC-specific strategies, initiate and participate in the development of Education projects and interventions;
4. Coordinate and manage Education CC project implementation (activities, budget, and project documentation) in line with proposals, strategies, and donor requirements;
5. Implement technical direction and ensure high technical quality of projects across operational provinces;
6. Provide regular progress reports to the Area Programme Manager, Area Manager, and the Education CC Specialist;              
7. Ensure that projects target beneficiaries most in need of protection, explore and asses new and better ways to assist;
8. Contribute towards actively implementing and supporting ‘integrated’ (multi-sector) programmes, cross-sectorial exchange of lessons learned, and adherence to relevant quality standards;
9. Ensure capacity building of project staff and transfer key skills;
10. Liaise and collaborate with relevant local authorities and other key stakeholders;
11. Promote the rights of IDPs/returnees in line with the advocacy strategy.

Specific responsibilities

1. Programme Development:

• Ensure availability of up-to-date needs assessment to inform programme design and advocacy efforts;
• Ensure all relevant stakeholders are included in the planning and implementation of projects as appropriate;
• Under the line management of the Area Programme Manager, contribute towards drawing up plans, proposals, and budgets for new projects/extensions of projects in conjunction with the relevant team, both programme and support staff;
• Support multi-sectoral emergency preparedness and response as required by the context and management;
• Closely coordinate with all CCs in the Area Office to maximise on integrated programming and promote durable solutions.

1. Programme Management:

• Overall responsibility for effective and efficient management of the Education projects across Herat, Badghis, and Nimroz consistent with the project management cycle (including reporting to the desired quality and standard);
• Overall budget management for all the Education projects/portfolio implemented in the Area, including the projects implemented in Badghis, and ensure appropriate burn-rates are maintained and that solutions to over/under expenditure are applied;
• Responsible for providing technical and implementation support and guidance to field-based Education staff in implementing NRC project(s), including but not limited to providing instructions on work plans, approving expenses/procurement, recruitments, reporting, etc., in close coordination and collaboration with the sub-office management team based in Badghis;

1. Logistics, Finance, and Human Resource Management:

• Ensure appropriate Financial and Logistical NRC systems/ procedures are adhered to within the Education team (including supply chain management);
• Ensure timely and accurate development of procurement plans, recruitment plans, and spending plans per project and ensure the same is shared with relevant support colleagues;
• Responsible for ensuring timely submission of monthly CC-specific cash forecast to Finance and relevant Procurement Requests to Logistics;
• In line with project needs and funding availability, continuously and proactively plan CC-specific staff requirements and liaise with HR and Admin to ensure the same;
• Performance management of all direct reports, including regular 1:1 meetings and completion of work and development plans;

1. Coordination and Representation:

• Responsible for attending relevant CC-specific meetings and coordination fora, representing NRC strictly within the limit set out by the Country Office;
• Conduct senior representation at provincial and district levels and promote strong working relationships with government counterparts;
• In line with NRC’s standards, ensure communication plans are implemented, stakeholders are informed on NRC’s activities, and the organisation is well accepted by communities;
• In charge of producing weekly and monthly CC-specific situation reports, flash reports and any other reports as requested by the Area Programme Manager and Area Manager.

 Generic Professional Competencies:

• At least five years in a development and/or humanitarian Education programming environment, including three years’ experience in a senior level project management position;
• Bachelor degree in education, business administration, economics or related field. Masters degree is an added advantage.
• Previous experience working in complex and volatile contexts;
• Documented results related to the position’s technical responsibilities;
• Knowledge in protection mainstreaming, community outreach/engagement, community capacity building, and/or community-development oriented programming;
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of Project Cycle Management and team leadership;
• Computer literate in Microsoft Office, including strong skills in Word, Excel and Outlook.

Context/ Specific Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Knowledge of the context in western and north-western Afghanistan, Herat, Badghis, and Nimroz Provinces in particular;
• Experience in needs assessment, project monitoring and evaluation, and programme development;
• Experience of geographical access negotiation and representation, including with local authorities, I/NGOs, and communities.
• Good communication skills, with capacity to directly influence and negotiate with a wide range of stakeholders;
• Fluency in English and Dari is essential, both written and verbal as well as understanding of Pashtu though not mandatory;
• Strong leadership skills and a supportive management style;
• Experience of a flexible approach to managing and prioritizing a high and diverse workload.