Chief Operations Manager – Finance and Administration

ABOUT AREU

The Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU) is an Afghanistan-based nonprofit research organization established in 2002 with the assistance of the international community. AREU’s mission is to inform policy and practice by conducting high-quality, evidence-based research and actively disseminating the results, and to promote a culture of research and learning in Afghanistan. More information about AREU’s works and activities can be found on its website www.areu.org.af

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Are you capable in administrating, maintaining, and advancing of the operational and strategic accountability of an independent non-profit research organization? Do you want to share your professional, leadership, and technical skills with a diverse team of professionals and researchers?  Do you want to make a contribution to the implementation of a variety of existing (and future) policy-orientated research projects, locally-grounded knowledge production initiatives, and a wide range of educational programs, events, and activities, all intended for a better Afghanistan? Do you want to be part of an inclusive and trusted organization that offers excellent employee benefits and protection as well as unique intellectual and professional spaces to diversify and broaden your skills and expertise?

The Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU) – the leading research organization in Afghanistan - is seeking to hire as soon as possible a passionate, future focused, and professionally experienced Chief Operations Manager – Finance and Administration.

POSITION PURPOSE

Working directly under the supervision of AREU Director, the Chief Operations Manager is accountable for financial and administrative management and oversight of the operations of the AREU. Major responsibilities include management of the daily performance of the finance and administrative departments, ensuring the organization policies and processes are followed timely and accordingly and are aligned with the mandate of AREU, corresponding regularly with key stakeholders such as AREU’s existing and future donors, public authorities, national and international partners, and contributing to the conceptualization, planning, and development of periodic operational and programmatic agendas, reports, concept notes, proposals, plans, and strategies. Where needed, as a member of the AREU’s Executive Management Team (EMT), the Chief Operations Manager is expected to contribute proactively to the leadership, strategic direction, and achievement of AREU’s vision and mission, as well as representing the organization in national and international meetings, workshops, and conferences.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

In her/his capacity, the Chief Operations Manager will provide active leadership and support to AREU in the following areas – operational financial and administrative accountability, technical support, and training and capacity building.

OPERATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

• Manage and oversee the daily financial and administrative operations, including the procurement process and maintenance and alteration of office areas, equipment, vehicles, and other assets of AREU.
• Implement and develop the existing and future financial and administrative policies of AREU to manage efficiently and transparently the financial and administrative activities of the organization, including legal, contextual, and professional interpretation and implementation of organizational vision, mission, values, and objectives and transforming them into financial and administrative plans.
• Prepare and present timely periodic financial and valuation models, materials (e.g., budgets, financial reports, etc.), and financial recommendations for the Director, the Board of Directors, and other AREU governing and partner organizations and stakeholders, including government authorities.
• Lead the finance, administrative, and other AREU operational departments, including the HR, communication and research, on strategic financial planning for existing and future research and communication programs, projects, and events, including all matters of expenses, income, taxation, and risk tolerance, ensuring that correct procedures are followed in all financial transactions including invoices to suppliers, donors and public authorities.
• Oversee the internal and external flow of organizational information, correspondence, communications, and meetings and events, related to the work and mandate of AREU, as well as monitoring and ensuring the maintenance and implementation by administrative and other personnel of AREU of organizational safety and security procedures and protocols, including the confidentiality of sensitive and confidential information .

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

• Provide regularly to the Director and other members of AREU Executive Management Team hands-on operational support and recommendations on all matters of finance and administration and other organizational planning and strategy.
• Assist the HR Department in the development, determination, and timely streamlining of AREU salary scale, payroll requirements, and other employee benefits and compensation, including the management of legal and ethical implementation of AREU HR Policy, procedures, and regulations.
• Support members of the Research and Communication and Advocacy departments to develop and implement the dissemination strategies for findings of AREU publications.
• Engage proactively with colleagues across and beyond the operational departments to ensure that AREU’s work, research publications, activities, practice, and outputs are underpinned by robust evidence and achieve maximum impact.
• Contribute to AREU’s wider national and global research and knowledge production agenda of influencing policy, supporting better practice, and promoting the culture of research and learning in and outside the country for a better Afghanistan.

TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING  

• Assess regularly the day – to – day and long-term operational capacity gaps of AREU operation departments such as Finance and Administration.
• Develop the existing or new procedures and practices as well as training materials to use to build the internal capacity of AREU operational personnel to address those gaps and strengthen the operational accountability and efficiency of AREU internal and external activities.
• Offering regular and periodic guidance, training, and building the capacity of existing and future AREU Finance and Administrative personnel on financial and administrative tasks, with a particular topical focus on budget planning and execution, compliance with procedures and practices, and other financial and administrative management related topics and issues.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Education qualification - a master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, and or a related field is required (Ph.D. in a relevant field is preferable).
• Professional experience - evidence of at least five years of relevant recent working experience is required, including firsthand experience in operations, finance and administrative leadership, project development, project management, and training - capacity building.
• Leadership skill - proven ability to lead, manage, and motivate a diverse cohort of staff, including ability to build and retain effective teams.
• Decision-making competency - proven ability to analyze and interpret information to make timely organizational decisions.
• Communication skill - proven ability to develop and implement strategies, including ability to establish and lead effective working relationships and partnerships between or among multiple governmental and non-governmental organizations.
• Contextual familiarity - professional and specialist knowledge and familiarity with the current policy, social, cultural, and humanitarian environment, context, and situation in Afghanistan, South Asia, and Central Asia, (including the national, regional, and global work, dynamics, and relationships of different governments, donor agencies, NGOs, media organizations, and other members of civil society), is highly desirable.
• Language skill - strong oral and written communications in English is required (knowledge of Afghan languages, such as Dari or Pashto, is desirable, but not required).
• Professionalism and integrity – evidence and demonstration of personal and professional commitment, an open-mindset, and tranquility to diversity and equality, and impartiality, is a requirement.

SALARY, BENEFITS, AND LOCATION

The salary for this position is competitive and will be determined commensurate with experience, taking into consideration AREU’s overall salary scales.

The position is full –time and based in Kabul, Afghanistan, and all applicants, including national and international applicants are encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please apply by sending a CV/resume and a cover letter to [email protected]. The subject title of your email should be “Chief Operations Manager.”

Closing date for receiving the applications is 17 September 2023. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.