The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a private, non-denominational, international development agency established in 1967. It seeks sustainable solutions to long-term problems of poverty, hunger, illiteracy and ill-health with special emphasis on the needs of rural communities in mountainous and other resource poor regions, primarily in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Its main areas of focus are education, health, rural development, environment and strengthening civil society.  Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) is the leading implementing partner for this project and the incumbent will work with AKRSP.

The Aga Khan Foundation (Pakistan) and Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) are seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill the following position to be based in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Programme Officer

The incumbent will report to Manager Rural Development, AKF(Pak) and will be responsible for grant oversight, utilization, compliance, facilitate programme delivery and achievement of agreed targets within the given time frame and budget. He/She will work collaboratively with Project Manager and Rural Development team to support execution of activities per approved workplan in line with donor and AKF(Pak) guidelines/policies and in cognition of regulatory framework. Programme Officer will also have a liaison role with all internal and external stakeholders helping implementation and achievement of project results.

Background:

AKF(Pak) recently secured funding from European Commission for a multiyear action “Building Resilience of Civil Society and Youth to COVID-19 in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral (GBC)”, which aims to alleviate the social and economic impact of COVID-19 in GBC by strengthening Civil Society and empowering youth. In this regard the specific objectives of the action are to strengthen the capacity of CSOs to engage youth and deliver social services in response to COVID-19 outbreak; support MSMEs and farmer groups (particularly Youth and women led) to adapt to economic impact of COVID-19; and increasing and enhancing youth engagement (both men and women) in CSOs as decision makers and leaders to manage the impact of COVID-19. The action is thus designed with the intention of providing the youth with agency, platform and skills; supporting MSMEs and farmer groups in withstanding the economic impact of COVID-19; and upgrading and digitalizing Rural Support Programmes (RSPs) to better respond to community needs.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

1.       Provide support to project manager and team in ensuring deliverables / results in line with donor agreement and guidelines.

2.       Coordinate and facilitate active communication between relevant stakeholders.  

3.       Facilitate and provide guidance to IPs in synching and operationalization of activities, workplans and project processes.

4.       Facilitate and support project team in executing activities included in workplan and assist in the design of implementation strategies and budget requirements.

5.       Facilitate and ensure procurement processes are initiated on time, processed and approved in line with donor and organizational guidelines.

6.       Facilitate periodic/annual progress review (programme and financial) and support updating/adjustment/approval of workplan, procurement plan and other associated documents accordingly.

7.       Monitoring overall project progress regarding milestones & deliverables. 

8.       Periodic monitoring and follow-up at field level.

9.       Support and facilitate internal / external studies required for project in line with monitoring framework.  

10.   Review, quality assurance and submission of progress reports in liaison with Finance team.

11.   Prompt liaison with the Manager, Rural Development, and the assigned project Focal Person from AKF UK for effective implementation of action. 

12.   Identification, communication and mitigation of any unanticipated project or external risks.

13.   Timely assistance to implementing partners (relevant staff and management) in flagging and resolving strategic and programmatic issues.

14.   Keep management regularly informed of project progress, issues, challenges and partner needs.

15.   Appropriate representation of AKF(Pak) & AKRSP.

Required Qualifications & Experiences:

Education

• Masters/ MBA in Project Management, Management, or a relevant field from a reputed and HEC recognized university. 

Experience 

• Minimum Five (5) years of hands-on experience in project/program management  
•  At least three (3) years of experience in managing/coordinating projects funded by EC; past work experience and/or strong knowledge of Northern Pakistan context, socio-economic dynamics and physical challenges;
• Work experience of youth/women mainstreaming and empowerment projects.

Technical Knowledge 

• Excellent writing and reporting skills specifically for donor funded projects. 
• Computer literate (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.). 
• Good knowledge of project management cycle. 
• Good understanding of mainstreaming Gender, Environment and Safeguarding into projects. 

Soft Skills 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. 
• Highly proactive and passionate about work. 
• Capable of producing high quality results within often tight deadlines. 
• Ability for multitasking and working under pressure. 
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to perform in complex environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with all levels of management. 

AKF(Pak) offers a competitive remuneration package and conducive working environment.

AKF(Pak) recruitment and selection policy and procedures reflect our commitment to equal opportunity and the safeguarding of children, beneficiaries, partners, community members and employees in accordance with AKF(Pak)’s Safeguarding policy.

We are an equal opportunity employer and women are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is  April 26th, 2021. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.