National Director - Education - Aga Khan Foundation

Job Opportunities

Position Title: National Director - Education
Report to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Duty Station: National Programme Office - Kabul
Announcing Date: October 26th 2009
Closing Date: November 17th 2009
Vacancy No: KBL/2009/077

Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a private international, non-profit, and non-denominational development agency. It seeks sustainable solutions to long term problems of poverty, with special emphasis on the needs of rural communities in mountainous, coastal and other resource poor areas across the world. Concentrating its efforts in health, education, rural development and strengthening civil society sectors, AKF’s approach is based on long-term commitment that is maintained through political and social uncertainty.

AKF currently implements a range of education interventions aimed at supporting, enhancing and promoting access to quality education for disadvantaged children, and particularly for girls in the rural areas of Badakhshan, Baghlan, Bamyan, and Parwan provinces. AKF utilizes a holistic approach, closely aligned with the Ministry of Education (MoE) goals for Afghanistan, focusing on 1) school level support ensuring access and quality education from early grades to higher secondary school; 2) community participation focusing on strengthening, empowering, and encouraging ownership of education programmes; and 3) capacity building and support to MoE’s institutions at a national, provincial and district level.

At present, AKF is seeking an exceptional individual to fill the position of National Director of Education for its Programme Office in Kabul - Afghanistan.

Job Summary:
The National Director of Education will lead the strategic development of education programmes in the region and provide leadership to a diverse education team ensuring quality programme development, delivery and accountability. S/he will also work closely with other AKDN education institutions, in Afghanistan and across the global network in other parts of Asia, East Africa, North America and Europe.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and overall management to the education team in the implementation of education programmes, and the development of the professional capacity of staff;
• Provide strategic direction for future programme planning and development;
• Ensure a high level of government and donor interest and support for AKDN’s education programmes;
• Maintain a close working relationship with the Ministry of Education at a national level;
• Represent AKF in policy dialogue and educational reforms with government and other NGO partners in a range of educational issues;
• Promote AKDN inter-agency collaboration and partnership in and outside of Afghanistan to further strengthen and support access to quality education in Afghanistan;
  

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Masters Degree/PhD in Education or other related field
• Minimum 10 years experience in the areas of international education development and/or international development programme management with significant experience in post conflict areas and in complex security environments;
• Proven leadership qualities including excellent interpersonal, advocacy and team building skills, particularly in cross-cultural contexts;
• Proven track record in working with government and non-government stakeholders and international donors;
• Analytical strength and strong organisational skills;
• Sound management experience in administration, financial and HR matters;
• Excellent communication skills in English (preferably also Dari/Pashtu).
  

Application:
Applicants meeting the above requirements are requested to submit a cover letter along with their CV and the names of three references electronically to Jobs.afghanistan@akdn.org .
No later than November 10th 2009

or submit hard copy to:

AKF, National Programme Office House
No 43 Street No 13 Main Road Wazir Akbar Khan Kabul
Afghanistan

Only short listed candidates will be invited for an interview.