Afghanistan: Sustainable Consumption Coordinator

May 23, 2016 | Group for the Environment, Renewable Energy and Solidarity
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Based upon the previous Kabul energy efficiency project (2012-2015), the SWITCH project aims to strengthen the emerging Energy Saving Solutions (ESS) value chain and engage networks of stakeholders already identified and involved during the previous Kabul energy efficiency project implemented by GERES and Rural Movement Organization (RMO) from 2012-2015. ESS include technologies to upgrade energy efficiency of existing housing: gain passive solar energy (mainly through the passive solar veranda and windows enlargement), to minimize heat losses (mainly through double-glazing and house insulation), and to efficiently heat homes with improved equipment’s (mainly multifunction heating/cooking stoves). Main ESS impacts are the decrease by 30-50% of fuel consumption and improved comfort in living spaces. Specifically, the action will tackle the lack of access to finance for green consumption, with an inclusive marketing approach structuring both a producers association and the access to tailored green loans for house improvement.

GERES will work in partnership with two Afghan co-applicants, RMO and Afghanistan Microfinance Association (AMA), to build upon respective achievements and fields of expertise.

POSITION IN THE HIERARCHY

Under the direct management of GERES Country Director and will work in coordination with her/him. The SWITCH Project Manager has direct responsibility and authority on all GERES project teams in Kabul District.

(S)he is the direct line manager of the following staff members:

  • SWITCH Project manager and institutional expert;
  • SWITCH senior officer “Value Chain”;
  • SWITCH senior technician “Research and Development”;
  • SWITCH supervisor “Monitoring and Evaluation”;
  • SWITCH surveyors “Winter Monitoring” & “Baseline and impacts surveys”;
  • SWITCH external actors;

(S)he works in collaboration with GERES Afghanistan coordination team but has no hierarchical links towards them.

(S)he also works in collaboration with GERES Support Services Unit for administrative and logistics at Kabul level.

MISSION AND OBJECTIVES

The Project Manager is in charge of the implementation of the SWITCH Programme. Objective of this position is to smoothly manage the activities in line with the expected results of the programme, as well as to provide specific expertise on local economic development (support to micro-entrepreneurship and value chain development).

MAIN TASKS

The Project Manager is expected to carry out the following tasks. This task description can be reviewed according to the project needs and based on the agreement of the employee and his/her line manager.1. Overall supervision and follow-up of GERES activities for the SWITCH project

  • Defines, follows up, and adjusts project strategy and action plans**, in conformity with the general objectives of the SWITCH Programme and in collaboration with the Senior Officer R&D;
  • Ensures good and regular implementation of project activities, in line with the consolidated programme document, the logical framework, and yearly defined action plans;
  • Conducts regular field visits to check the quality of project implementation;
  • Trainsand builds capacity** of the project team in project management;
  • Manages project reporting**, for line agencies, donor and partners;
  • Implements and supervises monitoring and evaluation of project activities, in collaboration with the Programme M&E Unit;
  • Coordination of and support to consultancies and studies planned: support and advice in writing Terms of Reference; data and information supply for preparation of field missions; facilitation of field mission; report proofreading and additional exchanges with the consultants;

Strategic / functional leadership:

  • Provides strategic leadership and manage the partnership to oversee the project operation in coordination with the two others partners and other relevant stakeholders;
  • Facilitates effective coordination and collaboration between and amongst the two partners;
  • Ensures monitoring of project activities at field levels and oversee compiled reports submitted by partners;
  • In cooperation and coordination with the two partners, ensures that the project is implemented accordingly to the approved project proposal and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the European Union.

Specific expertise in local economic development:

  • Design and implements tools for economic and financial analysis and follow-up of microenterprises (craftsmen and retailers);
  • Elaborates of business plans for microenterprises;
  • Coordinates value chain stakeholders, and facilitate their organization for collective synergies and actions;
  • Supports external expertise in business and marketing, and updates activity plans including provided recommendations;
  • Organizes and implements training plans in business and marketing for field officers;
  • Continuous capacity-building of the team in business and marketing;

Support management of the programme:

  • Manages human resources related to SWITCH project: writing/update of job descriptions, recruitment, evaluation, and daily HR management (leaves, etc.) in line with GERES Staff regulations
  • Provides support and capacity building when necessary including for partner’s team if requested;
  • Participates to budget management: follow-up and forecast, financial reporting, in line with GERES procedures and donor requirements;
  • Regularly reports on field activities to GERES Country Director in Kabul;
  • Works with support services for logistics related to the project (planning of movements, purchase of materials, etc.) in line with GERES procedures;
  • Ensures implementation and respect of security rules at field level for his team, relays field security situation to GERES Security Focal Points in Kabul, and participates to the update of security plan if necessary.

Participation to GERES activities:

  • Exchanges and works with GERES Afghanistan Coordination team to ensure proper relay of GERES approach and activities at field level and among the team;
  • Participates to the writing of GERES annual activity reports and other communication documents or events;
  • Participates to fundraising and proposal writing;
  • Participation to the design and implementation of GERES Afghanistan strategy.

REQUIREMENTS

Education Graduate degree in the field of Economics / Environment / Development

Experience At least 5 years of international cooperation in developing countries with project management and/or country office organization responsibilities

Knowledge of fundraising, security management, project monitoring and evaluation systems

Used to work with local partners

Collaboration with microfinance institutions appreciated

Knowledge of environment, energy efficiency & saving an asset

Experience working in countries in conflict

Languages Fluent English, Persian (Dari) appreciated

IT Skills Sound knowledge of office software

Skills Team management; excellent oral and written communication skills to lead relation with donors and institutional partners; very good writing reporting skills; excellent influencing and relationship building skills; very good interpersonal skills and ability to work with multicultural teams; flexible approach to managing and prioritizing high workload and multiple tasks in a fast paced environment with tight deadlines.

CONDITIONS

STATUS: French fixed-term contract (CDDU)

DURATION: 12 months, renewable

START DATE: June 15th 2016

LOCATION: Position based in Kabul

GROSS MONTHLY SALARY: Salary based upon profile, experience and GERES salary grid

SECURITY ALLOWANCE: 700€ gross/month (in prorate of Afghanistan effective presence)

PAID LEAVES: 26 days of paid leaves per year + 10 R&R days in total (5 days per intermediary break)

Accommodation in GERES guesthouse with a monthly living allowance of USD 330 (according to the time spent in Afghanistan);

2 return tickets per year between Afghanistan and home country and 2 intermediary breaks in the sub- region (flight ticket covered up to 400€ for each break);

Covered and managed by the employer: Afghan visa & work permit costs; health, retirement, and unemployment insurances costs (partly); repatriation insurance.