Background

The Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU) is an independent research organisation based in Kabul. AREU’s mission is to conduct high-quality research that informs and influences policy and practice. AREU also actively promotes a culture of research and learning by strengthening analytical capacity in Afghanistan and facilitating reflection and debate. Fundamental to AREU’s vision is that its work should improve Afghan lives.

AREU has a Board of Directors with equal representation from multilateral organizations, bilateral donors and NGOs working in Afghanistan. AREU is funded from a number of sources, but most significantly to-date from the governments of Sweden, Switzerland, and Norway; the UK Department for International Development (DfID); and the European Commission. AREU’s annual budget is approximately $4.1 million. Additional information about AREU is available on AREU’s website, http://www.areu.org.af.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES

The AREU Deputy Director for Administration and Finance reports to the AREU Director, and is responsible for ensuring the effective operation of AREU’s administration and finance support, including financial and grant management, facilities management, purchasing, inventory, personnel, logistics, security, and compliance with local laws and contractual obligations. The Deputy Director will also assist the AREU Director in program planning, implementation, and development, including development of project and organizational budgets. The Deputy Director will also ensure that the capacities of administration and finance staff are strengthened. The position is Kabul-based.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific duties will include the following:

Grants and Contracts Management
• Manage the preparation, processing, and tracking of project proposal budgets and grant agreements;
• Maintain financial and administrative records for grants and other agreements;
• Advise and train staff on grant and contract compliance issues; and
• Liaise with donors on grant management issues.

Finance
• Supervise the work of the Finance Department;
• Ensure compliance with AREU and donor accounting and financial reporting requirements;
• Further develop AREU’s internal financial systems and policies and procedures;
• Work with the Director to develop institutional budgets and budgets for project and core funding;
• Monitor project and organizational budgets;
• Develop and submit regular financial reports to feed into decision making; and
• Prepare donor financial reports.

Administration
• Supervise the AREU Administration Manager, who is responsible for the work of the Administration Department;
• Further develop AREU administrative systems and policies and procedures, including personnel, procurement, vehicle usage and security;
• Ensure compliance with relevant government laws and contractual obligations; and
• Liaise with relevant government offices.

Program Planning, Implementation and Development
• Assist AREU Director and other team members in planning and developing AREU’s strategic and operational plans;
• Support AREU researchers in carrying out their research projects.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential
• Minimum 8-10 years of relevant financial, project, people, and budget management experience.
• Extensive experience in managing grants and contracts from different types of donors (e.g., bilateral, UN and other multilateral, private foundations).
• Experience in overseeing financial management or accounting, including knowledge of Accpac and Quickbooks software.
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural skills, and the ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment.
• Evidence of good mentoring skills.

Desirable
• Experience in specific programmatic areas (i.e., governance, education, health).
• Knowledge of and experience in Afghanistan.
• Knowledge of Dari or Pashto.

SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary and benefits to be determined according to qualifications and experience, in line with AREU’s overall salary structure.