Head of Operations Afghanistan

Period: 12 months with the possibility of extension
Starting date: ASAP
Line Manager: Country Director  
Location: Kabul, with occasional travel to PIN’s operational areas based on security clearance

PIN in Afghanistan

People in Need (PIN) is a Czech NGO that provides relief and development assistance in over 20 countries around the world. Formed in 1992, PIN has evolved into the biggest organization of its kind in post-communist Europe, providing relief and development aid where it is needed, and empowering civil society at home and abroad. In Afghanistan, PIN has been active since 2001, responding to humanitarian needs where they arise, and through targeted development programmes. Currently, PIN focuses primarily on the Emergency Response, Food Security & Livelihoods, Education and Shelter sectors, with support from a variety of donors. By working closely with the communities, PIN has managed to maintain a significant field presence in Afghanistan.

About the role:

The Head of Operations (HoO) is a member of the Country Management Team (CMT) – together with the Country Director (CD), Deputy Country Director (DCD), Head of Programmes (HoP) and Head of Finance (HoF) and Afghanistan Desk staff at HQ – and shares responsibility for the effective and efficient management of PIN’s Country Programme in Afghanistan, as well as strategy delivery. Specifically, the role of HoO is to oversee and improve the functioning of Operations departments, directly managing Human Resources (HR) and Logistics & Procurement departments, and ensure effective cooperation and coordination with other departments. The HoO will ensure that PIN complies with local legal and administrative requirements; and all necessary processes, procedures and policies, in line with PIN and donor regulations and requirements, are followed or rolled out.  

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Line manage, and provide support and guidance to Senior HR Officer / HR Manager, and Logistics & Procurement Manager.
• Facilitate smooth and efficient cooperation and coordination between HR and Logistics & Procurement departments, and with Programme and Finance departments, contributing to effective, efficient and timely responses to needs in Afghanistan.
• Ensure that key operations policies and SOPs are developed and/or regularly updated as required and appropriate to the context.
• Ensure procedures and regulations are compliant with PIN’s and donors’ requirements and guidelines.
• Ensure that recommendations for improvements (e.g. from audits) related to operations are implemented in a timely manner.
• Oversee the budgets and contribute to planning for new projects with regard to Operations departments, and improve overall needs planning and coordination.
• Oversee the HR department ensuring the implementation and regular review of national and international staff policies, as well as proper roll-out of required HR processes including onboarding and inductions for new staff, staff evaluations and capacity building.
• Provide technical support and guidance to Logistics & Procurement teams to ensure effective operations of and coordination between the office/base management, fleet management, procurement, and stock and assets management.
• Ensure compliance with local legislation, rules and regulations in terms of tax and labour law.

Suitable candidates for this position should possess:

• Significant previous experience with managing logistics and procurement, administration and HR;
• Experience with team management and supervision, and interest in building capacity of local staff;
• Experience of working in a humanitarian and/or development organization, including in developing and delivering processes/procedures and policies compliant with main international donors (previous experience with ECHO and UN is an asset);
• Excellent communication skills, fluent spoken and written English;
• IT literacy, advanced knowledge of MS Excel;
• Strong coordination, critical analysis and problem-solving skills;
• Responsible and systematic, and ability to organize and plan effectively;
• Ability to work in difficult conditions and under pressure.

PIN offers:

• Flexible and challenging working environment with room for personal growth;
• Robust and thorough induction training (2 weeks);
• HEAT training (unless the candidate participated in one recently);
• Starting salary, as per PIN salary scale, between 4200 – 4350 EUR gross depending on previous experience (subsistence and hardship allowance already included);
• Reimbursement of flight tickets to the country of residence once every 6 months of work, PIN also provides 1000 USD allowance per flight for R&R trips (total of max two R&R flights per year, as the R&R is intended to be taken between the 6-month flights to the country of residence);
• Reimbursement of costs of visas and vaccinations; assistance with visa application procedure;
• Comprehensive travel insurance;
• Medical helpdesk and psychological consultation available online;
• 24 days of paid leave annually and 10 additional days of R&R leave per year;
• Accommodation in PIN compound.

How to apply:

Are you interested in this position? Send us your CV and short cover letter in English via our application form. Please note that only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted on rolling basis and the vacancy will be closed when filled.
People in Need staff are expected to perform job duties and responsibilities in accordance with People in Need Code of Conduct and key policies (available at: www.peopleinneed.cz/policies).