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The Support to Strategic Planning for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods (SSPSRL) Project aims to strengthen the capacity of Afghan Government institutions concerned with agriculture and rural development, namely the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL), to formulate effective policies and strategies thereby rendering programmes deliverable in a more useful way to the intended beneficiaries. Phase II of the SSPSRL Project has been running for two years and is due to end in September 2010.
The Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) is responsible for a portfolio of national development programmes which provide service delivery through rural infrastructure (including tertiary roads, water supply and irrigation) and develop local governance institutions at the sub-national level.
Responsibilities:
The Development and External Relations Advisor will be responsible for the following tasks:
Specific Responsibilities:
- Take the lead within the Office of the Minister on the establishment of a coherent development portfolio in alignment with ANDS and ARDSS obligations, whilst defining critical development-related pathways aligned with the MRRD Strategic Intent document to achieve the MRRD strategic vision.
- In concert with MRRD Senior Leadership and relevant MRRD Departments, Programmes and Advisors, define an development sector outreach strategy to ensure (i) the inclusion of MRRD in relevant international initiatives and dialogues; (ii) full engagement with all relevant international stakeholders; (iii) full participation of MMRD in relevant sub-ministerial non-technical and technical working groups; and (iv) participation in national and sub-national debates, discussions and events.
- In concert with MRRD Senior Leadership and nominated persons, the TA will facilitate the design and development of a Policy and Planning Unit (PPU) for the Office of the Minister. The PPU will consist of core members (e.g. both Deputy Ministers), fixed and short-term TA and draw upon a pool of MRRD resources and personnel on a needs basis. The MRRD/PPU will provide an experiential learning and mentoring environment for MRRD national staff to build management skills and MRRD’s own internal capacity-building capabilities.
- In concert with Senior Advisor (Policy), support the Special Assistant to the Minster in all Civilian-Military related planning and activities to ensure coordination with Ministry programme priorities and resources.
- Contribute towards the overall production of annual integrated workplans and forward looking assessments in anticipation of future development opportunities for MRRD.
- Perform other duties as required.
General Responsibilities:
- Development and External Relations
- Alongside the Senior Advisor for Policy, the Senior Advisor for Development and External Relations will provide support to the Office of the Minister through:
- oversight of strategic planning, design and development of the MRRD programme portfolio in a coherent and holistic structure;
- guiding and facilitating overall outreach and maintaining a high level of engagement with relevant national and international stakeholders in the public, private and development sectors;
- assisting in the finalising resource mobilisation strategy and In particular;
- co-establishing an appropriate support mechanism to foster coordination at MRRD Senior Leadership level; and
- build the capacity of a cadre of MRRD personnel to manage maintain the highest standard of support possible to the Office of the Minister.
Other Tasks:
Engage Afghan national staff within the Ministry, specifically in the Office of the Minister, in a structured work experience program. Capacity building remains a fundamental objective of MRRD and the programme and the Advisor shall use every opportunity to engage Afghan national staff in project activities as a means of gaining work experience.
Qualifications and Experience:
The successful candidate will have appropriate qualifications in a field relevant to the sector and will have a minimum of 10 years experience in his/her area of expertise, including programme management. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in developing countries, particularly in post conflict or transitional environment.
Education and work experience should provide evidence of the candidate’s:
- A minimum of 10 years working experience is required, a significant portion of which should have been gained in programme design and implementation, rural development initiatives and project implementation/management.
- Extensive experience in technical cooperation and capacity development with government counterparts, governmental bodies as well as civil society organizations.
- Availability and willingness to undertake field visits.
- Ability to work well in a team environment and to act both responsively and proactively to ensure effective implementation of MRRD activities.
- Excellent interpersonal, analytical and report writing skills are essential
- Post graduate degree in social sciences, Development Studies, Programme Management, Business Administration or a closely related field.
- Regional experience an advantage.
- Excellent English communication skills.
Competencies:
- Competency in conceptualising, designing, implementing focused strategies and evaluating outcomes related to the development sector and affiliated functions at ministerial level;
- Strong knowledge of development issues, strategic modalities and the ability to develop pragmatic solutions to complex issues;
- Strong communication skills, ability to handle details and present a persuasive case.
- Ability to work harmoniously with persons of different nationalities and cultural background issues
- Initiative and proven ability to work with little supervision.
- A proven ability to works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational goals.
- Display leadership skills and establish and maintain relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support.
- Ability to manage large international development programs in terms of strategic direction and administration.
- Works effectively with people from all backgrounds
Language Skills:
- Fluent in English,
- A working knowledge of Dari and/or Pashtu desirable.
Computer Skills:
- Experience with MS Office, including Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
Requirements:
- Able to travel within Afghanistan, if required.
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