Team Leader – Afghanistan | ReliefWeb

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic well-being and energy to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 on the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGOs). It operates in more than 50 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities, helping people survive, regain control of their futures and strengthen their communities. As a force for humanity, IRC staff create lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions of people. If you are a solution-focused, passionate changemaker, join us and positively impact the lives of millions around the world for a better future.

The IRC began its work in Afghanistan in 1988, launching assistance programs for people displaced by the Soviet Union’s invasion. The IRC continued to provide assistance under Taliban rule and expanded its community development projects after the Taliban were ousted. Today, the IRC operates in nine provinces. The IRC works with local communities to identify, plan and manage their own development projects; provides safe learning spaces in rural areas; provides essentials to uprooted families; and helps people find work.

Scope of work

The IRC is seeking a Team Leader (TL) for an upcoming FCDO health activity in Afghanistan entitled “Health and Education in Afghanistan – Response and Transition (HEART)”. The project will support and strengthen the delivery of essential health and education services to Afghans.

The Team Leader is responsible for the overall project management, technical oversight and donor compliance of the HEART project in accordance with IRC, FCDO and international best practices. He/she works closely with the IRC Country Director, Project Management Unit (PMU) and the project team to ensure successful implementation of the programme design as agreed with the donor and to achieve the impact goals and targets.

Recruitment is dependent on the successful award of the project and the selection of the final applicant is subject to FCDO approval.

Tasks

• Develop and implement a comprehensive project strategy, work plan and budget to achieve project results.

• Lead the overall strategy, management and operations of the project, make key decisions, mitigate risks and ensure the integrity of timely project implementation.

• Lead and supervise the project’s senior team across all consortium members, including providing leadership and capacity building to all core project staff.

• Lead technical and operational planning as well as strategic communications for the project.

• Provide technical leadership for the development and adherence to MEAL and CLA plans for each phase of the project to capture expected performance and results.

• Conduct regular reviews of results, project practices, tools and achievements against programmatic objectives and quality standards; incorporate learning and adaptation for continuous performance improvement based on effective use of data.

• Ensure that contract, financial and grant management functions are fully compliant and well supported by effective systems and procedures.

• Lead overall consortium management efforts, ensuring oversight and support are consistent with partner specific requirements, funder compliance and implementation plans.

• As the primary contact for the project, you will manage key relationships with all levels of relevant stakeholders as required by the project objectives.

Requirements

• Typically a master’s degree in the medical field, public health, international development, international relations or a related field.

• More than 12 years of relevant and progressive experience in leading high-quality, complex, multi-year, multi-partner projects implemented in international development and/or humanitarian settings, including at least 7 years in a senior position providing technical support and management oversight.

• Proven experience in designing and managing projects with a focus on healthcare project management, emergency preparedness and response, capacity building, etc.

• Proven experience in maintaining and managing relationships with donors, host countries and multilateral agencies;

• Experience in providing technical leadership, supporting and monitoring project implementation, measuring performance against objectives, and leading all required training and mentoring staff, partners and key stakeholders.

• Experience in leading and/or supporting capacity building initiatives with local stakeholders in related technical areas, including contributing to curriculum development and effective training methodologies for the health sector.

• Proven experience in leading teams, using both in-person and remote management approaches to oversee employees across multiple locations.

• Strong leadership and management skills with proven ability to lead and motivate multidisciplinary and multicultural project teams.

• Knowledge of foreign aid architecture, including humanitarian and development financing mechanisms.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written. Knowledge of local languages ​​(Pashto, Darri) an advantage.

• Willingness and ability to travel to project sites, including travel to unsafe environments, is required.

• Qualified women and/or local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please note that the job description is only a rough guide at this stage and is subject to change once the terms of reference for the programme are published and the opportunity arises. This position is subject to the outcome of the tender.

Professional standard: The IRC and IRC staff must adhere to the values ​​and principles set out in the IRC Way – our code of conduct – which are integrity, service, accountability and equality.

Commitment to gender equality, equality, diversity and inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful and safe work environment where all people are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits discrimination, harassment, retaliation or bullying of IRC staff and does not tolerate these in any work environment. We strive to increase representation of women, people from the countries and communities we serve, and people who identify as members of racial and ethnic groups that are underrepresented in global power structures.