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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.
DFID – Helmand Agriculture and Rural Development Programme (HARDP)
The purpose of the DFID Helmand Agriculture and Rural Development Programme is to increase the economic opportunities of the rural poor in Helmand, including those that make a living from growing poppy, through integrated support to improve their livelihood options. This fits with the development pillar of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS). HARDP has been designed in the context of DFID’s Interim Strategy for Afghanistan, with a particular focus on livelihoods and a subsidiary focus on state-building.
Responsibilities:
The Adviser to the Deputy Minister Programmes will be responsible to support the government leadership of the HARDP programme and ensure all MRRD commitments and responsibilities stated in the programme documents with DFID are fulfilled.
The Adviser will also support the Deputy Minister with programme coordination, strategic direction and the improvement of institutional governance.
The Adviser will ensure that the project completion and grant disbursement forecasts submitted to DFID as part of the extension request are met.
Some travel to Helmand will be required, subject to the security situation.
The Advisor will be responsible for the following tasks:
Specific Responsibilities:
- Closely monitor the monthly project completion and grant expenditure rates to fulfil those forecast in the grant extension request to DFID.
- Facilitate coordination of MRRD programme activities with regard to HARDP at the central and provincial levels, strengthening the communication channel between the central ministry, the programmes and the provincial RRD department.
- Review project progress, in accordance with the HARDP logframe, to maintain project performance.
- Ensure regular monitoring of all activities to assess progress against targets.
- Conduct an evaluation of HARDP implementation, including project identification, monitoring and a thorough review of HARDP procurement and financial processes to identify bottlenecks and lessons for further programme implementation in Helmand and nationwide.
- Collate and submit quarterly and monthly progress reports (financial and activity-based) and provide information updates to DFID as requested.
- Identify capacity development requirements for HARDP staff and advocate for their inclusion in MRRD capacity building activities.
- Provide on-the-job training and mentoring support to HARDP project staff.
- Coordinate with other donor programmes in Helmand to establish linkages and promote synergies with HARDP.
- Promote engagement and links between CDCs, DDAs and the PDC in development planning to ensure a demand-led approach to project identification.
- Review all documentation as provided on the Helmand Growth Programme and provide input, particularly on programme design and implementation mechanisms.
- Any other duties are requested by the Deputy Minister Programmes or 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 experience in rural, community or social development programmes, including a minimum of 5 years experience at a management level.
- Experience with the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework and CAR Framework and their application.
- Experience of capacity development of government officials.
- Consultation, training and/or workshop facilitation experience highly desirable.
- Previous work experience in Afghanistan preferred
- Advanced university degree in a field relevant to international development or rural/community development (International Relations, Development Studies, Policy Management, etc.).
- Demonstrate interpersonal skills including diplomacy and tact.
- Excellent communication skills: speaking, writing, and listening.
Competencies:
- Ability to set priorities and manage time effectively;
- Demonstrated abilities to take initiatives, build consensus and make things happen;
- Ability to work independently and also as an effective team member
- Professionalism in appearance and demeanour; and
- Willingness to enhance knowledge through training and personal initiative.
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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