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.