Programme Manager – Central Asia Programme - Saferworld

JOB DESCRIPTIONJOB TITLE:LOCATION:PURPOSE:REPORTING TO:Programme Manager – Central Asia ProgrammeBishkekTo manage the implementation of Saferworld’s work in Central Asia andstrategically develop the programme furtherTeam Leader Europe and Central AsiaLINE MANAGE: Project Coordinator – Central Asia, Admin and Finance Officer TBA –Central Asia, any other Central Asia staff that may be recruitedKEY RELATIONSHIPS:Head of Europe and Central Asia, Europe and Central Asia team, Policy &Advocacy teams, Saferworld’s regional partners and the Operations team.BackgroundSaferworld is an independent non-governmental organisation that works to prevent and reduce violentconflict and promote cooperative approaches to security. We work with civil society, governments andinternational organisations to encourage and support effective policies and practices through advocacy,research and policy development, and through supporting the actions of others. We engage in over 15countries in Africa, Asia and Europe/Central Asia.In Europe and Central Asia, Saferworld’s focus is on the Western Balkans (Kosovo and Bosnia), theCaucasus (Georgia, Abkhazia); and Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan) with links to previousengagement in Ukraine, Moldova and Russia.PurposeThe role of the Programme Manager is to ensure delivery of Saferworld's planned programme of work inCentral Asia including management of partner and donor relationships, financial and grant management,personnel management, high level representation, research and writing, monitoring and evaluation. Inaddition, the Programme Manager elaborates the strategic framework for the further evolution ofSaferworld’s Central Asia Programme, and identifies and pursues opportunities for developing specificprogramme components and strands.The Programme deals with politically sensitive issues and is being implemented in a highly changeablecontext. In this environment, effective programme management also involves planning for and managing arange of expected risks. Finally, the post holder contributes to organisation-wide processes and discussionsto advance Saferworld's thematic priorities, methodological approaches and organisational development.ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIESIn coordination with the Team Leader, Europe and Central Asia team members and relevant Saferworlddepartments the Programme Manager will:Strategic planning and programme development Lead the development of, manage and implement Saferworld’s Central Asia Programme strategywith reference to Saferworld’s organisation-wide strategy

Develop new projects and initiatives and identify emerging opportunitiesIdentify and develop relationships, ensuring regular engagement and coordination, with keystrategic partners in government, security service providers, civil society, media and theinternational communityPromote internal lesson-learning within the Europe & Central Asia Team and other Saferworldprogrammes to ensure effective knowledge management on cross-cutting thematic issues (such asconflict sensitivity, community safety and police reform) and functions (such as capacity building,advocacy, fundraising and communications)Contribute to the development of the Europe & Central Asia regional programmesContribute to Saferworld’s wider organisational strategy and development by participating instrategic planning and other cross-organisational processesProgramme management and implementation Manage and oversee the Central Asia’s Programme Manage and undertake research appropriate to the programme Manage the development and implementation of advocacy strategies targeting decision-makers andopinion-shapers in Central Asia and amongst the wider international community Ensure monitoring and evaluation of the programme, including through developing M&E plans,indicators and processes Lead in the production and delivery of narrative reports for donors Ensure Central Asia Programme documentation and effective information managementRepresentation and advocacy Represent Saferworld externally, and promote lessons learnt from Central Asia Programme Provide information to Saferworld’s Funding & Communications Team for external communicationpurposes Raise the profile of Saferworld’s work in Central Asia by managing the production anddissemination of appropriate information materials (e.g. publications) in line with Saferworld’soverall publications guidelines and practicePartnership and people management Line manage Central Asia Programme team Ensure the development of a security plan for managing risks to Saferworld’s Central Asiaprogramme and staff; act as Security Focal Point for Central Asia in line with Saferworld’s securitypolicy Manage external consultants, as needed Manage partnerships with local and international partners based on Saferworld’s partnershipprinciples, ensuring effective capacity-building, cross-learning and communication Ensure timely and accountable narrative and financial reporting by partners in order to comply withdonor requirementsFunding, financial and office management Identify new funding opportunities and write funding proposals for Central Asia Programme Develop and manage programme budgets and cash-flows in line with Saferworld’s organisationalprocesses Manage and monitor overall expenditure on the Central Asia Programme in line with donorrequirements and Saferworld’s financial procedures, including authorisation of payments andpreparation of fund projections to the London Office, in conjunction with Funding and FinanceTeams Oversee the financial systems in Saferworld’s Bishkek office ensuring timely and accurate monthlyfinancial reports to London Finance team. Verify expenditure by reviewing monthly variance reports produced by the Finance team Review and ensure, in conjunction with Finance Team, accuracy of financial reports for donors Manage Saferworld’s institutional presence in Kyrgyzstan including legal status and office base

PERSON SPECIFICATIONMaster’s degree (or equivalent) in international relations, political science or a related field. Developedanalytical and excellent writing skills.Five years experience in a management post (of which at least two years are in a senior capacity),including staff and budgets, preferably in a non-government setting.Experience of managing a small officeProven ability to undertake planning, programme development and evaluation.Good understanding of the discourse on peacebuilding and conflict prevention issues, the regional andsub-regional security structures and agreements, and the international policy environment in whichthese issues are addressed.Good understanding of Central Asia, with experience of working in parts of the region.Experience in policy and advocacy work.Fundraising and financial management (including reporting to donors).High level communication skills, including experience of communicating effectively across cultures andwith diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing; excellent written and spoken English; workingknowledge of Russian.Ability to undertake frequent travel (up to 3 months each year).Experience of working with colleagues based in other countries (line-managing and/or reporting tothem) is desirable.Proven experience of working in partnership with other NGOs and NGO networks desirable.Facilitation and training skills desirable.TERMS AND CONDITIONSLocation: The position is based in Bishkek with some time spent in London and other countries of theCentral Asia region.Probation: There will be a probationary period of three months.Salary: Commensurate with experience .Holidays: There are 28 days holiday a year (Jan-Dec) in addition to relevant national public holidays.Hours: Standard working week is 37.5 hours a week. However, the demands of the job are likelyto be such that a willingness to work longer hours, as required, will be necessary.APPLICATION PROCESSTo apply please email full CV and covering letter, detailing how you meet the selection criteria to Marie Azizat recruitment@saferworld.org.uk (please use subject heading: Ref: CPM).Deadline for applications: 4 January 2012.Telephone interviews are scheduled for the week of 9 January 2012.Second round interviews in London: week of 16 January 2012.We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.