Senior‌ ‌Executive‌ ‌Manager‌

BACKGROUND

The Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU) is a Kabul-based independent research think tank established in 2002 with the assistance of the international community in Afghanistan. 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. Information about AREU is available on AREU’s website: www.areu.org.af.

 

Reporting line and Supervision 

The Senior Executive Manager will work under the direct supervision of the AREU Director and in collaboration with research, communications and administrative/finance staff with the following responsibilities:

Management

• Assist in the preparation of annual departmental work plans and budgets, in coordination with the respective departments
• Prepare concept papers, proposals and assist in developing budgets as required
• Meet donors, government officials, and other stakeholders to share AREU research findings and discuss research ideas
• Contribute to quarterly and annual reports to the board and donors
• Facilitate consultations with all AREU staff on formulation of AREU’s Strategic Plan
• In coordination with the AREU director, represent AREU in meetings in Kabul with key stakeholders, including government, UN, donors, NGOs, academia and the media

Research

• Support the AREU Research Manager to defining the scope and direction, as well as developing appropriate conceptual and methodological frameworks and implementation plans for research activities
• Ensure coherence and consistent standards in research findings and AREU publications and ensure that these are presented in a manner that is accessible to policymakers and development practitioners
• Develop and foster substantive  links with other research and academic organizations, both in Afghanistan and internationally
• Comment and provide inputs on draft research papers and internal concept notes

Communications & Advocacy

• Liaise closely with the research teams at AREU to ensure coherence and communication across projects
• Support the C&A team to develop and implement appropriate  dissemination strategies for publications and other outputs.
• Actively synthesize and disseminate AREU's research findings to relevant stakeholders that showcases the impact of our work with their priorities.
• As necessary, provide inputs to publications or advocacy materials

Donor Relations 

• Provide support as necessary to Research and Donor Relations Officer and ensure compliance with donors’ contractual requirements including reporting
• Contribute to preparation of progress reports for donors and the AREU Board
• Work closely with project focal points to sustain engagement on forthcoming opportunities with existing and potential donors;
• Provide support to the research teams in formulating funding proposals and  follow up as required
• Play an active role in fundraising for AREU as per the organization’s strategic plan and thematic areas of research.
• Maintain an inventory of AREU’s ongoing grants as a tool for systematizing submission of technical and financial reports
• Liaise with the Finance and Administration Department to ensure compliance with AREU’s procedures and, as necessary, act as a focal point for finance-related communication with donors

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Advanced Master Degree in the social sciences or a related discipline (a PhD degree is desirable);
• At least five years of research management experience in developing country contexts, particularly using qualitative methodologies, in terms of both design and implementation;
• At least seven years of project, people and budget management experience;  
• A publication record in both academic and policy-oriented outlets;
• Experience of representing an organization, and of making presentations;
• Proposal and narrative report writing experience;
• Excellent oral communications skills in English, Dari and Pashto;
• Ability to write well in English for an audience of policy-makers and practitioners;
• Good team work, mentoring and training skills;
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills and the ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment.
• Proven understanding of  the current policy environment in Afghanistan, including the work of government institutions, donors, NGO, s media, and other members of civil society.

 

LOCATION & WORKING HOURS

• The position is based Kabul but may require travel in provincial areas and abroad.
• Working hours for this post needs to be flexible and requires full time dedication and extra working hours due to deadlines and project commitments. 

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

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

 

CLOSING DATE AND APPLICATION PROCESS

Qualifying candidates should send their application with an updated CV/resume and a cover letter by March 31, 2021 which outlines how your experience relates to the skills and experience in the Person Specification above to [email protected]

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.