Higher Education Commission - Tertiary Education Support Program (TESP) Terms of Reference and Job Specifications for appointment of Senior Program Officer Background: To enhance the capacity of Pakistani institutions of higher learning to produce high quality graduates, support innovation, and improve the overall governance and management of the higher education sector, the Higher Education Commission is implementing government’s agenda of reforms for which the World Bank is also extending its support. One Component of the Bank’s support will be for technical assistance and capacity building activities to address both policy design and capacity constraints to support the targeted changes for the higher education sector in Pakistan. Objective: The objective of the post of Senior Program Officer will be to ensure the smooth execution of all the tasks and activities of the program by maintaining an efficient management, governance and administration system. The key duties of this post are to help the Program Coordinator in designing and implementing functions of the program, in light of the rules and guidelines of the World Bank and Govt. of Pakistan, within the organization – to ensure that TESP program is effective and efficient and that its management systems and control meet international best practice principles. Essential Job Functions: The Senior Program Officer will be reporting to the TESP Program Coordinator and is primary responsible for ensuring efficient, timely and transparent execution of the entire TESP program processes, in equal manner, at the Higher Education Commission in line with the guidelines of World Bank and Govt. of Pakistan’s rules and regulations. Key Responsibilities: 1. The Senior Program Officer will play a leadership role in the continued growth of the organization by designing and implementing TESP management programs. Under the supervision of the Program Coordinator), the Senior Program Officer will assist with the direction, management and coordination of overall program activities. 2. Systematically monitor, analyze, and evaluate the performance of all the activities in accomplishing program and organization objectives, and assist program staff in reporting these results to the management. Keep the organization informed on pertinent program issues and regulatory matters; 3. Monitor technical information, policy developments, issues, and trends related to program management and advise the Program Coordinator on pertinent issues, and provide essential input for program review and evaluation; 4. Monitor, analyze, and evaluate regularly and systematically the performance of all activities in accomplishing program and organization goals. Utilize technical and analytical skills to provide technical assistance to projects, and ensure that program yield useful information and lessonslearned; 5. Provide technical assistance in reporting overall program outputs and results to the Program Coordinator and concerned stakeholders; 6. Prepare or review overall program related information through preparation of monitoring reports and policy papers, periodic reports, articles and presentations. 7. Keep abreast of professional developments and maintain a rigorous professional life through regular specialized training and professional interaction. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: The Senior Program Officer (SPO) should be a professionally qualified and experienced person and should: 1. Master’s degree (at least 2nd Division) from an HEC recognized institution of higher learning in the field of Management, Business Administration or related discipline; 2. 7 years working experience, at least 2 of which should be in a management and/or advisory role; 3. Experience in the management/operation of international donor funded programs; 4. Preferred experienced in the application of program related systems including knowledge and experience of SAP; 5. Have good knowledge of current developments in management, and should show demonstrable experience in management techniques – planning, implementation, evaluation, monitoring, reports, program funds, budgets etc.; 6. Design and management of internal controls, implementation of risk management frameworks; 7. Experience in working well under pressure and managing deadlines. 8. Be a strong team leader/player, with excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills. General: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by the intended Senior Program Officer. He/she is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job functions, skills, knowledge, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. Reporting to: Program Coordinator of TESP Program Place of Duty: Islamabad Terms of appointment: Two years contractual appointment reviewed annually and extendable till completion of the program.