Chief Executive Officer - Afghanistan - OXUS

Reference: OXUS CEO / OAF

Department: Finance

Contract: Fixed term

Country: Afghanistan

Duration 12 months

City: Afghanistan, based in Kabul with frequent travel to the branches

Starting date: ASAP

Background on ACTED

OXUS Afghanistan began operations in January 2005 and currently has a portfolio of over US$ 8,2 million with an outreach of nearly 8,700 customers managed through 10 branches in 7 provinces.
OXUS Afghanistan is a part of the OXUS Group, a global network of Microfinance Institutions created by ACTED, a leading international NGO operating in 33 countries. The OXUS Group is present in Central Asia (Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan) as well as in Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo), and has its headquarters in France.

Position profile

Based in the Kabul, the incumbent will be the Managing Director of the subsidiary and will report to the Board of Directors. He will be in charge for the overall management of the Microfinance Institution, including operational and financial performance, human resources and the development of its institutional capacity.
II. Responsibilities:
Key areas of responsibilities
• Be directly responsible for the results of the institution;
• Provide clear leadership and direction to the institution, by implementing the business and action plan and achieving them based on a strategic planning approved by the Board of Directors;
• Ensure that all aspects of the institution’s activities obtain maximum profits in the best interest of shareholders, customers, employees, and the public;
• Recruit, retain and develop the talent needed to accomplish high performance standards;
• Set up new operational systems and procedures and strengthen the existing ones where necessary.
Detailed job description
Under the supervision of the OXUS Board of Directors and the OXUS Group Management Team, the CEO will be responsible for achieving the following objectives and will have the following responsibilities:
Strategic planning and performance management
• Implement a 5 year strategic management plan focusing on the long term sustainability, profitability, productivity of the organization as well as its transformation into a depository taking microfinance institution, and translate the Business Plan designed by Board into an effective action;
• Generate employee commitment, setting the performance standards required to achieve the short and long term objective and goals;
• Set financial and operational performance targets for all operations in the areas of outreach, sustainability, credit management, portfolio quality activities, human resources, administration, marketing, product development, fundraising and business development activities, and branch performance to ensure solid development in the local market;
• Ensure that all development of the institution’s activities comply with the local regulations and laws.

HR performance and talent management
• Oversee and support the development and implementation of effective HR policies and procedures for recruitment, training and talent development;
• Recruit qualified and competent employees;
• Establish an effective and competent participatory management style;
• Motivate all staff to excel in the quality of service they provide and to work effectively in team;
• Evaluate, appraise and give clear feedback to employees to support their development and improve their performance;
• Promote equal opportunity of employment with a strong focus on gender issues.
Transparency and internal control
• Hold responsibility for the implementation of high standards of internal control and procedures in order to safeguard the institution’s operations, assets and data;
• Ensure that internal audit procedures are respected, facilitate the work of external and internal auditors and and be responsible for the implementation of their recommendations;
• Develop systems and mechanisms for delivering timely and accurate reporting to the Board of Directors, OXUS management in Paris and Governance Bodies of the OXUS Group;
• Disclose risks and threats to the institution as soon as these become apparent;
• Oversee and work closely with the CFO to ensure timely and accurate financial management.
Communication, external affairs and corporate image
• Act as the principal representative of the institution with government agencies, donors, other companies and the media;
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with the relevant regulatory bodies, government officials, microfinance and banking industry leaders;
• Establish reliable networking mechanisms through which the institution can predict the medium and long term changes in the political, social, economic, legislative and market environment;
• Liaise with strategic partners to raise funds, maintain relationships and build new partnerships.

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance or Economics;
• 5 to 10 years experience in microfinance, commercial banking or in the financial sector;
• Extensive and proven track record in financial institution administration, operations and procedures;
• At least 2 years of management experience, ideally in a post conflict context;
• Experience in financial planning, management, analysis of financial institutions;
• Experience with investor/donors relations and funding negotiations;
• Financial analysis, risk management and HR management experience;
• Advanced computer skills;
• Fluency in English with strong written and verbal communication skills, knowledge of Dari is an asset;
• Excellent analytical, communication and interpersonal skills, and experience in people management;
• Ability to work in a challenging environment with poor infrastructure and human capacities and difficult security conditions;
• Highly motivated with a strong interest in development and social issues.

Conditions

• Competitive remuneration according to profile and experience;
• Benefits: Medical and life insurance, accommodation, food and travel expenses covered;
• Living and security conditions: Further information available during the interview process.

Submission of applications

Interested candidates should send their application by email with reference OXUS CEO / OAF to:
Giulio Tamacoldi
OXUS Development Network, France
Email: jobs@oxusnetwork.org