Project Officer (re-announcement)

BACKGROUND

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a leading global development organisation working to tackle the root causes of poverty. For more than 50 years, we have helped create strong community institutions that support sustainable, locally driven initiatives to improve the lives of millions of people. By combining local knowledge with global best practices, we strive to bring about transformative and long-lasting improvements to quality of life. Working alongside the agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network and through partnerships with local communities, civil society, and businesses, as well as governments and international aid agencies, we are building a future where we all thrive together. AKF has been operating in Tajikistan since 1993 and, through its programme partners, continues to work in more than 60 districts and towns across the country. Together with state institutions, AKF Tajikistan (AKFTjk) directly contributes to the objectives of Tajikistan’s National Development Strategy and supports national efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Climate-Smart Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Activity (CS-WASH) will enhance the AKF and USAID partnership by adopting a climate-resilient and gender-sensitive approach to benefit 60,000 direct in Tajikistan’s rural communities. CS-WASH aims to ensure sustainable access to clean drinking water and sanitation, thereby enhancing public health and community resilience. Specifically, the initiative will focus on rehabilitating climate-proof water supply infrastructure to ensure that rural communities, particularly women and girls, have access to safely managed drinking water services. AKF will strengthen the capacity of water operators, helping them become cost-efficient and financially viable businesses that provide water services in a gender-sensitive and inclusive manner. Additionally, CS-WASH will improve hygiene and sanitation practices among the rural population.

JOB PURPOSE 

AKF Tajikistan (AKFTjk) is seeking a qualified and experienced local professional to fill the role of Project Officer (PO) position. The Project Officer will work closely with the Project Manager to oversee and execute project activities. Responsibilities include assisting in planning, implementing, coordinating, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on CS-WASH activities across the implementing partners, private entities, and public institutions. The position is based in Dushanbe with potential travel to project target areas. The Project Officer will report directly to the Project Manager. 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Project Implementation:
   • Assist the Project Manager in planning and coordinating project activities according to the project proposal, budget, deliverables.
   • Support the development and implementation of project activities schedules and timelines through Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) development.
   • Ensure that all project activities are completed on time, within scope, and within budget by facilitating monthly progress review meetings, follow up calls and spot checks of the documents.
2. Administrative Support:
   • Manage, maintain and file project documentation, including meeting minutes, project reports, and other relevant correspondence.
   • Assist in preparing and reviewing project-related documents within the requirements of the cooperative agreement, budgets and other compliance procedures.
   • Coordinate logistics for project meetings, workshops, donor as well as the government level visits, etc.
   • Provide technical support to the Project Manager, including the preparation of HR, Finance, Administration, and other related forms/documents.
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3. Monitoring and Evaluation:
   • Support the Project Manager and the MEL Manager during collection and analysis of project data to monitor progress and evaluate outcomes.
   • Assist in preparing regular progress reports for the Project Manager and stakeholders.
   • Help document lessons learned and best practices to inform future project planning and implementation.
4. Communication:
   • Facilitate communication between the Project Manager, project team, and stakeholders.
   • Assist in preparing and disseminating project updates, newsletters, and other communication materials.
   • Support the organization of events, meetings, and workshops, ensuring all logistical arrangements are in place.
5. Budget and Financial Management:

• Assist the Project Manager in developing the project’s annual budget as per AKF Tjk and USAID requirements and grant agreements, and in developing quarterly budget projections.
• Monitor, track, and analyze budget spending on a monthly basis, and take timely measures to address under or over-expenditures to avoid any ineligible expenses.
• Help track and manage project resources, ensuring efficient and effective use.

6. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership:
   • Assist in maintaining relationships with project stakeholders, including partners, donors, private and public entities and beneficiaries.
   • Support the organization and coordination of donor and other stakeholders’ visits to project locations.
   • In the absence of the Project Manager, attend and represent the project in relevant internal and external meetings, including working groups related to project activities.
   • Ensure stakeholder feedback is collected, documented, and addressed appropriately.
7. Risk Management:
   • Assist in identifying potential project risks and issues.
   • Support the development and implementation of risk mitigation strategies.
   • Help monitor and report on the status of project risks and issues.
8. Capacity Building and Team spirit:
   • Assist in organizing and facilitating training sessions for project staff and partners.
   • Support the development of training materials and resources.
   • Help evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and make recommendations for improvement.
   • Assist the Project Manager in building a strong relationship with the team, managing project staff, and providing technical and professional support to the staff.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS 

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Business Management, International Relations, Development, or other related discipline.

Professional experience: 

• Minimum 3 years of relevant program/project planning and coordination experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in development technical and financial proposals for international donor organizations, preferable for USAID. 

Special skills & knowledge: 

• Understanding of and experience in applying USAID rules and regulation.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of project management principles and practices.

Other:

• Able to travel within and outside the country. 
• Proficiency in Tajik, English, Russian. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit their CV and Cover letter and other required personal documents via AKDN Career Center via the below link www.the.akdn/careers/2187715 by 29 October 2024.

Please also note that in case of revealing any inaccurate data in candidates working history or personal documents AKF Tajikistan has the right to withdraw the application at any stage of the recruitment process.

AKF strongly encourages qualified female applicants for this position. AKF seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities and that staff members are able to keep an appropriate balance between work and private life.

For more information on the Aga Khan Foundation and Aga Khan Development Network visit: http://www.akdn.org.

AKF Tajikistan recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to equal opportunity, safeguarding of children from abuse and zero tolerance of sexual harassment.

DISCLAIMER

By sharing their cover letter and resume with AKF in response to this job application, applicants consent for AKF to keep this information on file for recruitment and human resources management purposes.