Head of Project Management Unit

The vision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock is to restore Afghanistan’s agricultural economy through increasing production and productivity, natural resource management, improved physical infrastructure and market development. As a part of that vision, the Horticulture Cooperatives Development Project (HCDP) is an agricultural cooperative development program of the Government of Afghanistan funded by Agency Francaise de Development (AFD).

The Project aims to increase horticultural production in the regions surrounding Kabul, Parwan, and Kapis, to improve quality standards and to promote marketing, with a view to contributing to the development of the local and national economy.

Under the HCDP program, Head of Project Management will be responsible for the following duties:

• Coordinate and manage program start-up: this will include, among others establishing the program; providing support for the procurement o f office equipment; overseeing the recruitment of the program staff; overseeing legal formalities for meeting grant effectiveness conditions; and establishing the administrative, financial management, procurement and M&E systems.
• Ensure that the programs are implemented in accordance with its design and within the available budget; produces the expected impacts and that the right target groups are being reached.
• Ensure the timely organization of monitoring and evaluation missions aimed at identifying implementation bottlenecks and assessing program impact; and identify ways, jointly with MAIL, to overcome implementation bottlenecks.
• Coordinate/ensure regular and timely reporting to and communication with the MAIL leadership , Project Coordinator and ensure program compliance with all reporting and financial requirements of donor; this will include among others the preparation of annual work plan and budgets, six-monthly and annual progress reports; the preparation of Withdrawal Applications for General Directorate of Programs related expenses; the screening of Withdrawal Applications ; the preparation of final reports; etc.
• Coordinate/Ensure program compliance with environmental requirements and other safeguards.
• Coordinate/Ensure compliance of PICU staff and all Services Providers with the highest governance and fiduciary norms.
• Coordinate and manage the contracts of service providers: this will include, among others, the launching of a tender for the recruitment of one still to be identified service provider; preparing and negotiating the contracts for three selected service provider. There after it should be ensured that all service providers comply with terms and conditions of their contracts and deliver the required outputs and results.
• Garner the needed administrative, managerial and technical support from MAIL departments for a timely and smooth implementation of planned program activities
• Provide selected MAIL staff with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the modern management techniques, practices and tools employed by the program.
• Enhance the efficiency of procedures and effectiveness of program activities through ensuring proper coordination between MAIL, PMU and other stakeholders.
• Undertake any other tasks assigned by the General Director of Programs.

Knowledge and Competencies:

• .At least have a Master degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Agriculture.
• At least have four (5) years of Professional experience in Project Management.
• The knowledge and ability to represent the organization at a high level to the government, donor, UN and NGO communities

Desirable qualifications

• Ability to work in a high pressure environment 
• Ability to Multi- task and work under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and also as an effective team member 
• Professionalism in appearance and demeanor, and willingness to enhance knowledge through training and personal initiative.
• Results oriented and highly motivated

Submission Details:

Candidates should submit CVs and cover letters to hcdproject@hotmail.com In the subject line of the e-mail, please put the job title are applying for. 
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. No telephone inquires please.