Important Note: This position is contingent upon donor funding.

About CRS:

CRS began working with local partners in Afghanistan in 1998 and launched its own direct operations in 2002. CRS carries out development and emergency relief efforts in Afghanistan with a focus on rural livelihoods through diverse programs that promote food security, natural resource management, and access to quality primary school education for marginalized communities and emergency response as needs arrive. CRS currently maintains 5 main provincial offices in Kabul, Bamiyan, Ghor, Daikundi and Herat provinces, as well as sub-offices that support the direct implementation of program activities.

CRS is seeking a qualified and well-experienced Senior Project Officer (SPO) to supervise the implementation of a complex humanitarian program that aims to support vulnerable households and communities to meet their basic needs and enhance the resilience of vulnerable populations through a multisectoral approach including livelihoods support, WASH, shelter and cash-for-food support. Under the supervision of CRS’ Program Manager (PM) for the BHA-funded Fostering Resilience in Afghanistan through Multi-Sector Emergency Support (FRAMES II) project, the SPO will lead a team responsible for delivering high-quality food security, livelihoods, and WASH activities. The SPO will be responsible for ensuring that programming activities are consistent with project implementation plans, and address program quality issues as they arise. The SPO will also build relationships with communities, work closely with community leaders, and support the PM to monitor progress, prepare reports, and evaluate results. The SPO will work closely with Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Senior Project Officers (SPOs) and be responsible for the timely collection and documentation of relevant project data and information for internal and external reporting purposes.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

Support to Project Implementation

• Organize and lead the implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices.
• Ensure that all project activities are implemented in line with safeguarding and protection policies, actively identifying and addressing potential risks, and providing guidance to staff to uphold the safety and dignity of beneficiaries, particularly vulnerable groups, throughout the project lifecycle.
• Supervise and perform ad-hoc inspections of various processes and resources at project sites to ensure timely project activities implementation and adherence to established process standards and procedures. Ensure proper tracking of resource use for project activities through periodic budget reviews and follow-up.
• Ensure project documentation for assigned activities is complete with all required documents and is filed per agency and donor requirements. Assist with preparation of reports and documentation of case studies and promising practices.
• Oversee the timely completion of high-quality community trainings.
• Oversee the timely procurement and documentation of goods and services required by the project according to the Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) and budget, including accurate submission of purchase requests and other necessary purchasing documentation.

Support to Project Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)  

• Ensure learning properly accompanies project activities throughout the project cycle. Support accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and guiding partners in their efforts to reflect on project experiences. Analyze implementation challenges and report any inconsistencies and/or gaps to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules.
• Contribute to monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual reflections on project progress towards targets.
• Support the collection of regular monitoring data including but not limited to participants feedback sessions, observation forms, and activity tracking.
• Support MEAL staff with updating the feedback mechanism online platform and coordinate with PM to follow-up on feedback received.

Staff Supervision

• Directly supervise and build the capacity of Project Officer (Sr. Engineer), Field Officer, and Field Assistants, to develop and carry out work plans.
• Support professional development through individual coaching, reviewing staff performance management plans, and providing trainings as necessary.
• Support and coordinate capacity building and technical support activities to ensure assigned project activities are implemented per project guidelines and standards.
• Coordinate provision of logistical and administrative support to staff.

Teamwork and Relationships

• Support efforts to coordinate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders and serve as the liaison between them and the project team to mobilize local actors and promote project activities and impact.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with project participants, community leaders, and other community members. Foster positive relationships with key stakeholders, including service providers, vendors, NGOs and other actors in the district.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with CRS colleagues and promote an office atmosphere that promote professional development.

• Bachelor's Degree in rural/urban development, development studies or related fields required.
• Minimum of 4 years of work experience in project support required.  Experience in the field of food security, livelihoods, WASH for an NGO and for I/NGO would be a required.
• Additional experience may substitute for some education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Analysis and problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Strong staff supervision and relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with community leaders and government representatives

• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented
• Excellent communication and presentation skills and good judgment with regards to problem solving
• Strong sensitivity and respect for local cultures
• Professional manner in dealing with community members and co-workers.
• Strong listening and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in rural communities and community engagement preferred.
• Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data.

Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, OneDrive, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams).

Supervisory Responsibilities: Senior Engineer, Field Officer, Field Assistants

  Key Working Relationships:  

Internal: Program Manager, Bamiyan Head of Office, Technical Advisors, MEAL Coordinator, MEAL SPO, Finance and Procurement teams.

External: Project Participants, Community Leaders and other Community Members, partner organization, and other NGOs

Required Languages – Fluency in English and Dari

Travel – The position will be based in Bamiyan Center with at least 50% travel to project communities and sub offices and may require occasional travel to other CRS offices in Afghanistan for workshops and trainings. 

Note: The duty station for this position may be subject to change based on programming priorities.

"CRS is committed to providing daily allowances for mahrams who accompany female staff on day trips to the field, and per diem and accommodation for mahrams who accompany female staff on work-related trips that require overnight staying."

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.  

• Integrity  
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation 

• Builds Relationships  
• Develops Talent 
• Strategic Mindset 
• Accountability & Stewardship 

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.  

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Protection Acknowledgment: CRS prohibits all forms of abuse and exploitation towards children and vulnerable adults. As a professional candidate, you commit to adhering to the Agency’s policy on protection, rights and dignity of children and vulnerable adults and to safeguard them from abuse and exploitation as defined in CRS’ Safeguarding Policy

Applications comprise a one-page cover letter to explain your interest and suitability for the post and your CV. Please do not attach your education documents and work certificates unless requested.

Dear Applicants!

The process of submitting a CV/Application has been changed to the online system. Therefore, interested candidates are encouraged to apply using the link provided below. Applications sent to any other email address or location will not be considered. Please ensure to rename your application file according to your name entered on the first page of the application forms.

Interested candidates can submit their applications by clicking on this link.

Please note that applications received after the closing date (i.e., September 21^st, 2024), will not be given consideration. Only short-listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for tests and interviews.