CARE is a leading global humanitarian and development organization. In Pakistan, CARE started its operations in 2005 and since then has supported the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to reduce poverty and suffering of the people affected by disasters. CARE’s programs focus on helping Pakistan achieve its Sustainable Development Goals especially in the areas of Health, Education, Women’s Economic Empowerment and Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR). Since starting operations in Pakistan, CARE has responded with life-saving support to a series of large-scale disasters. Through emergency programs, CARE International in Pakistan (CIP) has provided relief, recovery and rehabilitation support to millions of Pakistanis affected by disastrous floods, earthquakes and displacement. CIP works through its local partners and a range of stakeholders for development, as well as emergency response related interventions, which makes collaboration a key component of its work, across the country. We are a nationally inclusive organization that strives to support the most vulnerable communities all over Pakistan, with particular attention to women and girls and youth.

Project Overview:

The goal of this anticipated three-year project is to improve the well-being of the most vulnerable community children - especially girls and those with disabilities - through the provision of inclusive, equitable and sustainable quality education in a safe and accessible learning environment.

The project will address core education improvements for vulnerable communities. It aligns with the National Education Policy recommendations for preparation of future emergencies, school safety, risk assessment, rehabilitation, and disaster management plans for continuation of education services. Furthermore, it is developed in alignment with the objectives of the provincial Education Sector Plans and School Safety Framework by strengthening capacities of teachers, children, and Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) to mitigate risks in and around schools, and to build school and community level resilience to emergencies. The project will be implemented in 3 districts KPK and two districts in Balochistan.

The position will be based at CARE Country Office Islamabad with 50% travel to the project locations.

I.  JOB SUMMARY:

As part of the program team, and in coordination with various the projects, the Project Assistant will support the response planning and implementation of all project activities consistent with approved program designs and strategies. S/he will be responsible for maintaining all program files, information/ database, in both hard and soft form, as per CARE and donors’ policies. The Project Assistant will support the program team in performing desk reviews, editing reports/concept papers, raising purchase requisitions, proofreading documents, and keep track of CARE’s engagement related activities. In addition, the Program Assistant will follow up with the local partners about narrative reports, case studies and other relevant documents. The Project Assistant will also support in the field.

II. Job Responsibilities and Tasks:

Job Responsibility #1: Support implementation of all project activities consistent with approved program designs and strategies.

% of time: 40%

• Assist the Project Manager(s) in updating the project’s work plan and budgets and ensure all documents in soft and hard form are saved properly and updated regularly. Prepare project files in hard and soft copies
• Assist the position’s supervisor and fellow project colleagues in the successful implementation of all aspects of the project’s work plan and achievement of the project objective.
• Conduct field visits and share trip reports with the Project Manager
• Coordinate with the support teams and other program staff for the successful completion of project activities.
• Actively participate in field monitoring and verification of project activities at field level in the light of project strategies/procedures/systems.
• Work closely with the communication team for case studies and visibility of projects
• Perform day to day operations/ admin/ technical tasks related to the project activities.
• Research, analyze and share global best practices and innovative program approaches as part of CIP’s business development efforts, as and when needed.

Job Responsibility #2: Coordination and Reporting.

% of time: 30%

• Participate in periodic reviews of the project to record the minutes, report generation and action plans.
• Maintain liaison with other departments and external partners/stakeholders.
• Facilitate project related events
• Prepare meeting notes and follow up with the relevant staff on action items
• Assist in project reporting and program documentation as per CARE and Donor requirements and timelines.
• Ensure weekly updates of relevant portions of the project’s work plan and components thereof.

Job Responsibility #3: Record keeping and Communications

% of time: 25%

• Document success stories from the project based on information received from the partners.
• Assist the project teams in reviewing and archiving in a compliant manner all project documents.
• Ensure that all the documents received from field are properly reviewed and verified. Identify gaps in documentation and ensure accuracy.
• Support the project teams in ensuring that systems are in place to periodically capture and document learning related to success and failures occurring during the program period.
• Support Project Team Leads/Managers in field to develop updates on projects and share it with Communications Unit to upload on CARE website in regular fashion.

Job Responsibility #4: Any other task as assigned by the supervisor.

% of time: 05%

• Any other tasks or responsibilities based on organizational and programming need as assigned by Line Manager.

• Safety and Security is everyone’s responsibility within CI through full compliance and accountability (as per Principle of the CARE International Safety & Security Principles).

III. Problem Solving

The incumbent will be involved in daily routine activities, s/he also uses interpolative skills to pick and choose the right solution to address given problems.

IV. Qualifications (Know How)

a) Education/Training

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, International Development, Humanitarian Studies or related field.

b) Experience:

• Required: 
• Minimum 1 year of experience in the development sector with reputable NGO.
• Experience in recordkeeping, writing and editing reports/ concept notes etc.
• Desired:  Experience of working with International NGOs.

c) Technical Skills:

• Ability to perform successfully as a member of multiple project-related teams.
• Strong computer skills particularly in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point.
• Strong time management skills with the capacity to adapt to a changing environment and work under tight deadlines.
• Excellent writing, communication, proofreading, editing and presentation skills.
• Ability to interact with and manage diverse stakeholders (such as vendors, beneficiaries, and donors).
• Detail-oriented, ability to multi-task and manage time well. 
• Proficiency in English and Urdu. other Pakistani languages preferred.
• Willing to travel on a short notice, as required by the organization.

d) Competencies:

• Respect, accountability, building commitment, stress tolerance, collaboration, contributing to team success, customer focus and information monitoring.  
• Team work – Able to work effectively with other people within a work group.
• Writing – Able to communicate ideas and information in writing to ensure that information and messages are understood and have the desired impact.

V. Contacts/Key Relationships 

The Project Assistant is expected to collaborate with the PM, partner staff, and support teams on related functional affairs, consistently coordinate and team up to achieve the desired project activities. The position is to have constant contact with the partner organizations.

VI. Working Conditions and Level of Travel Required

The position is based in Islamabad with around 30% to 50% travel to field and partner organizations as per organizational requirement.

CARE International in Pakistan is an equal opportunity employer; only individuals who are shortlisted will be contacted for an interview. CARE has a zero-tolerance approach toward sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, and child abuse.

Note: Individuals can apply using Brightspyre or send their resumes directly to [email protected] clearly mentioning the position title in the subject line of the email, before the stated deadline. Please share your current as well as salary expectation along with the CV.