The Deputy Director Programs provides a leadership, decision-making and coordinating role on programmatic issues, both in the development of quality proposals as well as the effective implementation of IRC’s projects in Afghanistan.  With a focus on refugees, internally-displaced populations affected by natural and men made disaster, IRC is currently implementing programs in six lead sectors, namely Community Driven Reconstruction, Environmental Health (WASH), Education, Livelihood, Protection and Emergency Response. The program is expanding and is expected to move into other sector such as public health.

 As a senior member of the country Senior Management Team (SMT), the Deputy Director Programs leads on the development of strategies and implementation of programming in the nine geographic areas/provinces e.g. Kabul, Nangarhar, Laghman, Paktya, Helmand, Badghis, Herat, Logar, Khost, where the IRC is currently operational.

 The Deputy Director of Programs line manages six staff members (Education Program Coordinator, CDR Coordinator, HP Coordinator, M&E Coordinator, Grants Coordinator and Communication and Advocacy Coordinator; where s/he will be having a functional line with Provincial Coordinators who are line managed by Deputy Director of Operations. The Deputy Director Programs reports to the IRC Afghanistan Country Director.

 Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

• In Coordination with the CD, lead the implementation of the Country Strategic Action Plan (SAP) and achievement of the plan objectives, universal expectations, regular progress review of plans. Serve as the focal point person for the SAP Monitoring and Reporting Protocol and SAP Implementation Committee.


• Oversee the development of program sector strategies, including the integration of cross-cutting issues of gender, partnership, disaster risk reduction and advocacy.


• Together with other SMT members, build IRC Afghanistan’s disaster preparedness and emergency response capacity, as appropriate to country context, needs and operational capacity. 

Program Development and fundraising

• Provide overall guidance and leadership in the rollout and use of IRC’s SAP and Outcome and Evidence Framework in the development of new projects.


• In coordination with the Country Director, pro-actively design and implement fundraising strategies, incorporating donor mapping and communication plans, to ensure program sectors are adequately financed.


• Support the Grants Unit and M&E Unit to ensure that high quality and needs-based project proposals are developed, according to the Proposal Flowchart and in compliance with IRC and donor regulations as well as within the parameters of the Country Program Strategic Plan.


• Support the Advocacy and Communication Coordinator in developing Communication and Advocacy strategies, increasing IRC visibility in country and positioning IRC in line with advocacy strategy.

Program Implementation

• Support the Provincial /Sector Coordinators to ensure that program implementation is managed closely through the development of structured work-plans and approved monitoring plans based on project proposals and that expenditures are monitored monthly; with well-structured corrective action is initiated and tracked where required.


• Chair monthly Grants Review Meetings – review progress of programs/projects; budget spending and take measures for timely implementation of donor funding projects


• Provide the Country Director with accurate and up to date advice of developments and opportunities in program and project implementation together with any necessary recommendations for action.


• Support the M&E Coordinator in developing, rolling out and monitoring the use of a country-wide M&E strategy and tools for the collection and analysis of program information (qualitative and quantitative) to inform all stages of the project cycle to increased shared learning internally and externally.


• Oversee the development of timely and high quality reporting by the grants team and program staff for submission, per IRC and donor guidelines.


• Coordinate donor visits, and support field staff in preparing and conducting these visits as necessary.

Human Resources and Staff Development

• Provide supportive guidance and supervision to direct reports.  Provide appropriate and timely feedback to staff regarding their performance, including timely implementation of the annual staff performance management system.


• Set clear and smart objectives for sector coordinators


• Support the identification of staff development opportunities for senior staff.


• Assist in developing job descriptions and in the recruitment of senior program staff (national and international).  Ensure that regular and quality staff evaluations are conducted for all staff.


• Work with the Country Director, Deputy Director Operations, Finance Controller and Human Resources Coordinator to review/revise and develop appropriate policies and address issues. 

Liaison/Representation and Coordination

• Proactively, systematically and regularly reach out to various stakeholders in country.

• Maintain a sound understanding of IRC’s programs to be able to professionally represent the IRC and the IRC’s interests with implementing partners, government, donor s and other stakeholders.


• Assist the Country Director in developing a strong relationship with donors / Govt counterparts to ensure sustainable programs in the portfolio sectors. Encourage and support improved program cohesion through coordination initiatives and information sharing with and between all key country program staff.


• Promote the IRC Afghanistan vision and mission amongst all staff.


• Serve as an active member of the country program’s Senior Management Team and deputize for the Country Director as necessary.

 Requirements:

• Graduate degree in International Development, International Relations, business; management and administrative science.


• Excellent professional track record with 5-6 years of overseas experience, preferably in a post-conflict environment with program leadership responsibilities.  Successful experience working within a complex security environment is preferred.


• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, prioritize and meet deadlines in a complex and challenging environment; must be culturally sensitive


• Excellent leadership, people management, interpersonal and negotiation skills and a demonstrated ability to develop harmonious teams in a multi-ethnic context.


• Strong diplomacy skills; ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with partners, donors and other stakeholders in a sensitive environment.


• Have fluent spoken and written English


• Strong computer skills: must be competent in the use of Windows MS office programs (Word, Excel), email programs, etc.


• Willingness to travel outside Kabul depending on security Clarence.


• Willingness to lives in strict security protocol environment