Mission East, founded in Denmark in 1991, is an international humanitarian and development organization undertaking projects in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Nepal, Iraq, Armenia, Myanmar, and North Korea.

Mission East has worked in north-eastern Afghanistan since 2002 implementing a multi-sectoral multi-donor relief and recovery program in the provinces of Badakhshan and Takhar.  It is known for its technically competent, experienced, and dedicated staff, and for its effectiveness in reaching some of the most remote and under-served rural communities in NE Afghanistan. It has built up a strong reputation over the years for securing solid community involvement in projects. Mission East is currently one of the bigger (NGO) service-providers for water and sanitation in the northeast and is noted for the success of its particular model of implementation amongst other NGOs and government authorities in the region.

More information on Mission East can be found at: www.missioneast.org

Location:  Kabul, Afghanistan, with frequent travel to the field.

Responsible to: You will be managed by the Regional Director for Afghanistan & Tajikistan.

Direct line management of:  Field office senior team members, as per organisational structure in force.

Position and type of contract: Expatriate contract and terms; unaccompanied position (non-family duty station). 24 months fixed term contract, with the opportunity to renew. As per all Mission East positions, this position is dependent upon continued funding. The first three months are a trial period.

Role purpose / overall responsibility:  To lead Mission East activities in Afghanistan, delivering all aspects of country programme and operational management such that they are compliant to internationally recognised standards of quality, good practice, and local legislative requirements.

To contribute to the further strategic direction of Mission East’s activities in Afghanistan.

Key Tasks and responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Identify trends and opportunities for Mission East in Afghanistan in keeping with country strategy: support Regional Director in updating strategy.

• Build donor & partner relationships in Afghanistan to support the organization’s strategic direction, in cooperation with Regional Director

• Ensure learning from monitoring & evaluation on programme and organization level.

• Ensure compliance with quality standards & donor requirements.

Programme Management & Development

• Manage successful the development and completion of Mission East programmes and projects in Afghanistan:

• Steer needs-assessments preparing ground for potential new projects and coordinate organizational-assessments of (potential) local partners.

• Oversee planning, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) with Mission East’s system and tools.

• Ensure M&E data is used for quality project management, strategy, and programme policy development.

• Visit individual project sites on a regular basis.

• Support programme forming and team building between the individual projects.

• Coordinate reporting and communication as per Mission East and donor’s requirements and procedures.

• Support the development and implementation of agreed growth plans with relevant local civil society partners, and ensure high standards of partnership

• Deliver timely quality reporting to donors and other external partners.

Staff Management

• Line manages and supports key staff (expatriate and national) in their tasks and development.

• Promote staff wellbeing in Afghanistan.

• Align actively the country’s human resource (HR) practice and policies with Mission East’s global HR management procedures.

• In case of absence of key project staff, take up direct management of project/ programme.

Liaison & Coordination

• Appropriate and extensive liaison with other (I)NGOs, donors, and governmental agencies and ministries, for excellent coordination and representation through established in-country coordination mechanisms and networks.

• Raise Mission East’s visibility and profile in all relevant and key networks (clusters etc.), for increased recognition of Mission East Afghanistan portfolio.

• Manage Proposal Development and Fundraising processes

• Seek external and in-country funding for current and potential new projects and programmes.

• Coordinate proposal design and writing.

• Ensure that Mission East’s Afghanistan programming conforms to country government strategies and law and collaborates/ coordinates with government programmes.

Finance and Administration

• Manage country and programme budgets and finances.

• Ensure compliance with all Mission East financial and administrative procedures and policies, and with applicable donor regulations.

Security Management

• Be responsible for the safety and security of all staff & visitors.

• Lead field security planning and management in line with Mission East policy.

Other activities:

• Carry out other duties, which may or may not be related to the job, as reasonably requested

You will have the following experience and qualifications:

• Substantial experience in overseas programme and office management in an international relief and/ or development setting, preferably in the sectors relevant to current Afghanistan portfolio. This must include significant field experience including management of national and international staff, project planning and implementation, and budget management.
• University Degree in a relevant field
• Experience in donor liaison, preparation and successful funding of large relief and development projects, including budgets, log frames, and work plans.
• Experience in assessing the needs of poor rural communities and appropriate and sustainable ways of addressing them.
• Leadership experience in a humanitarian/development INGO setting, including strategy development and detailed coordination.

You will display:

• Demonstrable personal integrity and high standards of personal conduct
• Excellent leadership and management skills; including personnel management and team-building skills and a demonstrated ability to delegate, follow-up and supervise as well as support.
• Fluency in spoken and written English. Some knowledge of Dari or Pashto would be an asset.
• Comprehensive computer skills, including use of Word and Excel. Experience with Outlook, Power Point etc.
• Experience of reviewing, developing, and implementing multi-sector
• Cultural awareness and excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills. Able to negotiate and work with foreign experts, managers, government officials, national staff, other non-governmental staff, local civil society actors, community elders etc.
• Sympathy with Mission East’s Organisational Values
• Self-discipline and a high level of personal motivation
• A solutions-oriented approach, a reliable and independent self-starter
• Resilience and flexibility
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to travel to Mission East project locations, HQ offices (where necessary) and other Mission East field locations.

Other requirements:

• All staff are required to sign Mission East’s Code of Conduct and Child Safeguarding Commitment
• Mission East upholds high standards in all aspects of Safeguarding. In view of the nature of this role potentially requiring involvement with vulnerable individuals, including situations where there are potential imbalances of power. You will be required to provide a self-declaration and formal certificate of previous good conduct.
• Mission East upholds high standards in Counter Terrorism (COTER) and sanctions regulation compliance. In view of this role’s travel to and involvement with our field offices, Mission East will conduct a thorough pre-employment background check of successful candidates, including checking through the SDN sanctions lists.

Please, look at the full job description before you send in your application.

• Application deadline: First closure date is Tuesday 2 January midnight (Central European Time)
• First interview is expected: 12 January
• Start day: As soon as possible.

If you have questions about the position, you are welcome to contact the HR Director, Pierre Vernet, pve@missioneast.org.

To apply: please, send your application to recruitment@missioneast.org with:
- 202311-AFG CR in the subject field. for additional infor refer to (https://missioneast.org/en/current-vacancies) 
- your motivation letter and CV, such as your files are named with you first and surname come first

Closing date: Tuesday 2 January 2024, 23:59 ECT