Core Responsibilities:
Leadership, Collaboration & Line Management
Communicate a clear vision of present and future programme goals and strategies to team members. Incorporate their feedback, and the best of their skills into the programme.
Manage, recruit and motivate a skilled, efficient team; incorporate staff development strategies and performance management systems into the team-building process.
Programme Design and Management
Implement the strategy of Turquoise Mountain Trust, as directed by the CEO and Trustees to support artisans in Afghanistan across Turquoise Mountain’s key areas of work: Livelihood, Heritage, Skills & Practice, Wellbeing, and Connection. Please note that a fundamental way in which the organisation supports artisans is through the sale of craft products to international markets, and that many of the activities, accordingly, are commercial in nature.
Establish a vision for new programming that leverages Turquoise Mountain’s value proposition and networks in Afghanistan to optimise support to artisan communities.
Operations and Financial Management
- Ensure program implementation is on time, on target and on-budget.
- Manage and develop the programme infrastructure and systems including financial management, operations, and donor relations, ensuring effective, transparent use of resources, and timely reporting systems, in compliance with Turquoise Mountain and donor policies/procedures.
- Ensure that all donor reporting requirements are met and that a proactive approach to communication is adopted with all key stakeholders to the Afghan operation.
- Oversee strategic budgeting and budget management of all internal programmes, and sub- grantees/sub-contractors as applicable.
- Maintain and develop systems that ensure the safety and security of the team in all aspects of its work according to best practices, Turquoise Mountain operating standards and field realities
Coordination, Representation and External Relations
- Represent Turquoise Mountain in Afghanistan with all relevant stakeholders, in partnership with the Director of the Institute for Afghan Arts and Architecture. This includes, but is not limited to, the Afghan Government, the community of Murad Khani, the project staff and wider beneficiary group, the International Community, and National and International Media.
- Represent Turquoise Mountain outside of Afghanistan where appropriate and upon request. This may include, and is not limited to, international collaboration on projects, fundraising efforts, and communication with Board members and stakeholders abroad.
- Communicate a clear vision of present and future programme goals and strategies and actively cultivate productive relationships with internal and external constituents.
Strategic Development & Fundraising
- Explore, propose and implement new programming in line with the mission of Turquoise Mountain Trust, and in conjunction with the CEO.
- Lead the annual country planning process and report to the CEO and Board on the aims, achievements and issues on the programme.
- Lead on institutional fundraising with support and oversight from the COO.
- Explore, evaluate and present innovative funding opportunities, leveraging impact and integrating activities with other NGOs, Art Institutions, International Organisations and other potential project partners.
Cross-working
Active engagement, integration and collaboration with Turquoise Mountain’s Global Teams is essential across:
- Commercial
- Creative (design development, exhibitions, training etc.)
- Operations – HR, Finance, MEAL, IT etc.
This list is not exhaustive, and other duties may be required as determined by the needs of the organisation.
Qualifications:
We are open to candidates qualified by experience.
Formal qualifications that may be advantageous include regional or thematically relevant subjects such as architecture, art history, area studies, Persian studies, anthropology. Open-mindedness, creativity, willingness to learn and ability to learn quickly are considered more important. Candidates with private sector experience/background are also welcome to apply.
Specific job skills and experience:
Essential
- Extensive experience in a Programmes or Operational leadership role within an INGO or social enterprise or other equivalent organisation working in complex or challenging regions.
- Experience in a leadership role
- Experience of leading and mentoring a diverse team working across programmes and operations.
- Successful track record of managing complex budgets including restricted funds.
- Experience of working with donor reporting requirements and programme budgets.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels with colleagues both locally and across international departments, and with external stakeholders.
- Experience of working in a matrix-management or delegated responsibility environment.
- Ability to contribute to the management of dispersed, in-country, finance colleagues, while not taking direct line-management responsibility for them.
Desirable
- Experience of working in Afghanistan.
- Experience of government liaison in Afghanistan.
NB this post is based in Kabul.
Candidates should submit their covering letter and C.V. to: vacancy@turquoisemountain.org. In the subject line of the e-mail, please mention – ‘Country Director – Afghanistan’ and your last name.
Kindly combine covering letter and C.V. as one pdf document.
About Turquoise Mountain
Turquoise Mountain is a non-profit, non-governmental organization specializing in urban regeneration, business development, and education in traditional arts and architecture. We seek to provide education, skills and livelihoods to Afghan men and women. Since 2006 Turquoise Mountain has cleared 45,000 cubic meters of rubbish from the streets, restored or built 150 historic and community buildings, created a primary school and a clinic, and installed water, electricity, and sanitation through the historic traditional craft neighborhood of Murad Khani in the old city of Kabul. It has created the internationally accredited Institute for Afghan Arts & Architecture, training the next generation of craftsmen and women in woodwork, jewelry and gem cutting, calligraphy and miniature painting, and ceramics. Finally, it has sold over US$15,000,000 of Afghan artisan products internationally.
Karwan Sarai Project Context:
The Shashpul Caravanserai is an evocative example of an earthen caravanserai from an extensive 17th century network, located close to the entrance to the Bamiyan valley, on what has been a hugely important path which was connected Safavid Persia, Mughal South Asia, and Central Asia through Afghanistan during the early modern period.
Shashpul Caravanserai was a bustling hub of trade and cultural exchange as well as a safe haven for weary travelers and their animals on one of the most important trade routes in the world.
Turquoise Mountain aims to bring back the Shashpul Caravanserai to its ancient glory. Over the next few years, we will restore, preserve, and expand public access to this historical site and bringing economic regeneration to the area.