Pakistan: Head of Programmes, Edace, Pakistan

The Pakistan Enhanced Democratic Accountability and Civil Engagement Programme (EDACE) is funded by Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) through UK government’s Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) and implemented by Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI)/Europe. This project began in November 2013 and will continue through 2016.

Target beneficiaries include the most marginalized groups of the society; women, minorities and youth. The project is working in 13 districts of Pakistan; three in Southern Punjab and ten in Sindh including Karachi. In addition to the project districts, EDACE is also working at federal and provincial levels with supply side institutions.

EDACE aims at rebuilding the trust of citizens on state institutions, responsible for Rule of Law service delivery. Rule of Law as the theme of the project is not restricted to criminal justice system only. It also includes institutions responsible for administrative justice like federal and provincial ombudspersons. It also works with federal parliament and provincial assemblies on Rule of Law issues.

EDACE with its unique approach combines both the demand and supply sides. However, EDACE works primarily on demand side to make the citizens aware of their legal rights, providing them knowledge about, how to access these rights and supporting them through legal aid and paralegal services.

On supply side, EDACE is working with the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan ( LJCP) on wider range of Rule of Law reform, Federal Parliament through first ever multiparty, bicameral Rule of Law Caucus and with provincial level state institutions in the Punjab and Sindh on a range of policy initiatives to make the system more responsive and citizen friendly.

EDACE commenced in November 2013 and has received an extension to the end of September 2016. DAI now seeks to recruit a Head of Programmes (HoP) for the extension phase (with the possibility of continuation).

The post-holder will report directly to the Team Leader and will have supervisory responsibility for the Programme Team, Research and Communication Personnel.

The HoP will report directly to the Team Leader and will have supervisory responsibility for the programmes team, research and communication personnel. S/he will sit on as an equal footing with the Head of Operations and Finance.

Performance Requirements

• Manage, oversee and ensure effective implementation of overarching programme strategies in accordance with programme objectives.


• Manage, oversee and support the development and implementation of the programme.


• Develop and implement long-term goals and objectives to achieve the successful outcome of the programme.


• Work closely with the Head of Operations and Finance, the Rule of Law and Monitoring and Evaluation Advisers and the Team Leader to ensure smooth running of the programme.


• Deputise for the Team Leader as required.


• Supervise Programme and Research & Knowledge Management, Communication & Media managers / staff by providing direction, input and feedback to ensure effective and efficient program delivery.


• Supervise consultants providing short-term technical assistance and provide quality-assurance of their work


• Oversee and ensure training and mentoring of personnel in Programme team in and Grantees as necessary


• Assist Team Leader on technical issues arising with grantees, the Government of Pakistan or the FCO.


• Ensure quality periodic reports and supervise all preparation for programme reviews (annual, mid-term, thematic and end-of-programme).


• Ensure effective role of Provincial Steering Committee/SAG in the programme.


• Pay regular visits to programme locations to observe and advise on technical delivery


• Develop networks and partnerships as appropriate in consultation with the Project Team Leader


• Pay regular visits to programme locations to observe and advise on technical delivery


• Develop networks and partnerships as appropriate in consultation with the Project Team Leader.


• Provide training and mentoring of personnel in the programme team and grantees as necessary


• Maintain own knowledge and take responsibility for own professional development

Qualifications and experience

• Advanced university degree in a relevant subject (e.g., human rights, social development, law or international development).


• Ten years’ progressively senior experience in relevant programmes, either in a donor-funded programme, a non-governmental organisation or a private sector development company.


• At least five years’ management experience


• Experience in working with international development donor organisations (preferred)


• Experience of working with civil society organisations


• Experience of working with government personnel


• Fluency in Urdu (essential), Pashto (desirable) and Sindhi (desirable)


• Fluency in written and spoken English

Additional competencies

Application deadline: 15th April 2016

Position Locaiton: Islamabad office with frequent travel to Punjab and Sindh programme districts.