Technical Director – 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 Technical Director (TD) 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 Technical Director is responsible for the overall technical and programme management, oversight and technical guidance of the HEART project team in accordance with IRC, FCDO and international best practices. He/she works closely with the project team leader, IRC Country Director, Project Management Unit (PMU) and the project team to ensure successful implementation of the programme design as agreed with the funder and to achieve the impact objectives 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

• Prepare and execute a comprehensive project work plan to successfully achieve all project objectives agreed with the funder.

• 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.

Requirements:

• An advanced degree in public health or a relevant discipline. Experience in pharmaceutical management preferred

• At least ten (10) years of experience managing or advising on complex health services or public health programs in developing countries.

• Previous experience with program implementation in Afghanistan is an advantage.

• Proven technical knowledge and experience in managing and monitoring national/country-wide public health programmes in one or more of the key areas of maternal, newborn, adolescent and child health, family planning, nutrition, infectious diseases and health systems strengthening

• Proven diplomatic, leadership and management skills and the ability to lead a diverse team towards a common goal.

• Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with funders, project stakeholders, in-country staff and staff at all levels of the organization.

• Experience of working with FCDO supported projects is required.

• Familiarity or experience with the Afghan health system is required.

• Appropriate computer skills necessary to conduct research and analyze study data.

• Ability to multitask and monitor parallel activities and appointments.

• Willingness to travel within the country as appropriate and permitted.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required. Knowledge of at least one local language is highly desirable.

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.

**Standard of Professional Conduct:** 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.