Originally capable of accommodating less than half a million inhabitants, Kabul Metropolitan Area now supports a population of over four million in a rapidly expanding economy. Together with improving economic opportunities, this sharp increase in population density brings with it the associated problems of inadequate infrastructure, increasing pollution, and growing unemployment. Afghans are determined to shake off the burdens of the past and embrace a promising future; one in which Afghan enterprises based in Kabul compete on the world stage; but they need a place to do it. While existing Kabul City served the needs of the past, it does not provide for the needs of a sustainable future.

At this stage, Dehsabz is an exciting new city conceptual master plan, designed to become the engine of Afghanistan’s future. Integrating the latest sustainable technologies with traditional building methods and craft work, Dehsabz will be the world’s first eco-neutral capital city. Powered by water, wind and solar energy, Dehsabz will eventually become the heart of the new Afghan economy. While Dehsabz represents the future, existing Kabul City will always be the heart of her history, and this heritage will be lovingly preserved and restored. Side by side they will emerge as a world class Islamic capital city, capable of supporting Afghan and regional aspirations for the future, while preserving the heritage of existing Kabul for generations to come. A fusion of the best of the old world and the new, Kabul will stand as a symbol of Afghan determination and a testament to international cooperation. A beacon of hope on the roof of the world.

In 2006, the President of Afghanistan established the Dehsabz City Development Authority (DCDA) as a national priority, and gave it the mission to create this exciting new economic hub for Afghanistan and the region. Since then an independent Board, directing the DCDA policies and strategies and a small project executive team, headed by a CEO, have been hard at work. A number of European companies specializing in urban design, water management, sustainable environment and landscaping, business strategies and energy resource management were assigned to develop the conceptual master plan for the new city. Preliminary conceptual designs, initial feasibility, technical and economic impact studies and a 1:20000 model of future city are complete. The project is now moving into the final feasibility study and detail design phase and enjoys growing support from the international community, most notably Japan. To represent the interests of the Afghan Government during this crucial planning phase, DCDA requires a senior Project Manager and the related project management team for planning activities as mentioned above. If performance in the initial stages is satisfactory, the assignment may be extended to include the tendering and project implementation phases.

Duties and Responsibilities
The successful applicant will be responsible to:

• Establish and manage the project work plan;
• Establish and lead the Project Management Team
• Manage all master planning activities
• Manage all detailed design planning
• Manage all detailed implementation planning
• Manage all infrastructure feasibility studies
• Manage all environmental and other necessary studies
• Prepare Project risk assessments and manage the risks
• Coordinate the interfaces with legal, commercial and marketing divisions of DCDA
• Coordinate the planning work with all relevant governmental and non-governmental organizations
• Coordinate the interfaces with the authorities for the existing Kabul city
• Plan and manage the budget for the planning division of DCDA
• Prepare cost calculation (budget) for the implementation of the infrastructure
• Prepare cost estimates for implementation of the master plan
• Prepare and deliver regular monthly progress report to the DCDA Board
• Integrate and manage all Dehsabz project requirements and procurement;
• Produce all the Dehsabz planning division related project reports;
• Oversee, monitor and coordinate work performed by architectural, engineering, and construction firms, as well as institutional, state, and local entities;
• Review and interpret proposed designs, urban/architectural plans, and building specifications for appropriateness to required function and/or institutional standard, and initiate revisions where appropriate;
• Participate in the planning of design alternatives for major construction projects within metropolitan Kabul;
• Establish performance and delivery criteria, ensuring that client and institutional requirements are being met and prepare project specifications; and
• As Dehsabz project center of excellence, develop quality assurance system and provide expert advice to participating agencies of the Afghan Government and other relevant bodies as required.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements
The successful applicant is a senior manager from the urban planning/engineering background, preferably with a post graduate degree, and a Project Management Professional certification. He/she will have at least sufficient years of experience in urban development project management. He/she should have managed projects of similar magnitude as Dehsabz with a proven record of success. He/She is a strong leader, a proven team builder, and an experienced and effective manager with very strong oral and written communication skills and thorough understanding of cultural sensitivities. The successful applicant is technically proficient in Microsoft Office and the Primavera P6 or equivalent project management environment. This individual has the capacity to not only manage the project but develop the team as a learning organization that can serve as a model for future generations of Afghan project leaders. The applicant must have a good command of English. Familiarity with the national languages of Afghanistan (Dari and Pashto) will be an advantage.

Benefits
Salary range and other related terms shall be at international standards and will be discussed and agreed upon based on the level of qualification and experience.

Applications
To apply for the above position, please email your application, together with a CV, before 21 February 2008, to:

Chief Executive Officer
Dehsabz City Development Authority
Gulkhana Palace, Sedarat
Kabul, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Attention: Administrative & Finance Manager
Emails: masoud.hashimi@gmail.com

DCDA will not be able to respond to inquiries about application status and will only contact short-listed candidates.