Job Summary
The Assistant Manager Programs at AKEPBP will be an integral member of the Management Team, responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing community development initiatives with a strong focus on placement, skills development, agriculture, financial literacy, poverty alleviation, and entrepreneurship.
The Assistant Manager Programs will report directly to the Head of Programmes or a person assigned by the Head or Office Bearers and will work closely with the Office Bearers. This is a national-based position based in Karachi, responsible for overseeing and ensuring the delivery of programs in all regions across Pakistan. The position requires frequent travel to provide field support, engage with stakeholders, and oversee program implementation in various regions.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Program Development and Monitoring
Work closely with regional teams to develop, implement, and monitor programs across the key thematic areas of agriculture, financial literacy, skills development, rural activities, poverty alleviation, and entrepreneurship. The role will ensure that these programs are aligned with the strategic objectives of AKEPBP, offering integrated solutions that address both economic and social needs within the community.
2. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government bodies, agriculture departments, NGOs, private sector partners, and community groups. Collaborate with these stakeholders to design and implement programs that promote sustainable development across multiple sectors, particularly agriculture and entrepreneurship.
3. Research, Data Collection, and Documentation
Conduct research and analysis on emerging trends, innovations, and challenges in agriculture, as well as the other thematic areas. Collect baseline data for all thematic programs, ensuring that accurate post-intervention comparisons are made to evaluate the impact. Document success stories and lessons learned to inform future interventions.
4. Timely Response and Impact Assessment
Ensure that regions receive timely support and guidance for all thematic areas, with a specific focus on agriculture. Collect and analyze data, compare baseline and post-intervention data, and assess the effectiveness of programs, suggesting improvements where necessary.
SPECIFIC DUTIES
1. Program Development and Monitoring (Across Thematic Areas)
- Collaborate with regional teams to develop, implement, and monitor programs in key thematic areas:
- Agriculture: Focus on improving farming techniques, agricultural entrepreneurship, and market access for farmers.
- Financial Literacy: Design programs that help farmers and community members better manage their finances and plan for economic sustainability.
- Skills Development: Work on programs that build capacity and skills in agriculture and other sectors to empower the community.
- Poverty Alleviation: Develop initiatives aimed at lifting households out of poverty, with an emphasis on sustainable livelihoods.
- Entrepreneurship: Encourage and support community members to start and sustain businesses, particularly in agriculture and rural sectors.
- Consolidate regional input to develop national strategies for each of these thematic areas, ensuring alignment with broader EPB goals.
- Implement post-activity assessments to measure the effectiveness of all thematic programs and provide follow-up support to beneficiaries.
2. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong partnerships with agriculture experts, government bodies, NGOs, and other agencies working in the development sector to create synergies across thematic areas.
- Work closely with agricultural departments and field experts to promote sustainable farming practices and entrepreneurship opportunities in the agricultural sector.
- Collaborate with other institutions, including government and non-government organizations, to promote multi-sector development strategies that integrate agriculture, skills development, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.
- Foster partnerships that enable joint programming, training, and outreach, ensuring the maximum impact of all programs.
3. Research, Data Collection, and Documentation
- Lead research efforts to explore new opportunities and challenges in agriculture, as well as the other thematic areas, documenting key trends, innovations, and successful interventions.
- Collect baseline and follow-up data for all programs to measure progress and impact across agriculture, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and more.
Document case studies, success stories, and lessons learned from program interventions to improve future programming.
4. Impact Assessment and Data Analysis
- Collect and analyze data to assess the impact of programs across all thematic areas, ensuring that post-intervention outcomes are compared with baseline data.
- Prepare detailed reports on the success and challenges of programs, especially in agriculture, and provide actionable insights for improvement.
- Make recommendations for improving agricultural practices, entrepreneurship opportunities, and other thematic programs based on data-driven analysis.
5. Capacity Building and Internal Support
- Provide support and training to regional teams to ensure effective delivery and management of multi-thematic programs.
- Strengthen internal control frameworks to improve program implementation across all thematic areas, ensuring that best practices are followed.
- Work with regional teams to ensure that programs in agriculture, financial literacy, skills development, and entrepreneurship are effectively implemented and monitored.
Required Skills
Skills and Qualification:
Professional Experience
- Minimum 2 to 5 years of experience in development programs, with a focus on agriculture or rural development.
- Experience in one or more of the following thematic areas is highly desirable: Placement, Agriculture, financial literacy, skills development, poverty alleviation, or entrepreneurship.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and implement multi-sector programs, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
- Experience working with community-based organizations, government departments, and agricultural experts is a plus.
Skills and Attitudes
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with proficiency in both English and Urdu (oral and written).
- Proficient in MS Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data analysis tools, with strong analytical and report-writing skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, and private-sector partners.
- Problem-solving, multi-tasking, and organizational skills are essential.
- Flexibility and openness to working across diverse communities and respecting various cultural and social contexts.
Academic Credentials
- Minimum Master degree in Human Recourses, Rural Development, Social Sciences.
Language Proficiency
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Urdu; proficiency in regional languages is an added advantage.
Work Timings & Travel
- Six days a week (Monday – Saturday), with occasional weekend work.
- Frequent travel across Pakistan to provide field support and collaborate with stakeholders.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.