Hand in Hand Afghanistan Organization (HIHAO) is a not-for-profit organization based in Afghanistan. It started operations in 2007. HIHAO is part of the international Hand in Hand (HiH) network of independent organizations, working together towards a shared vision to alleviate poverty through job creation. HIHAO’s vision is an Afghanistan where all citizens have access to qualitative and comprehensive services, where their fundamental rights are met without discrimination of gender or ethnicity.

The project “Organic Growth: Taking Afghanistan’s Certified Saffron Value Chain to Scale” project, funded by DANIDA and is implementing in Herat province from 2021 to 2026. This project aims to scale a certified and climate-resilient saffron value chain that contributes to improved income and job creation. HIHAO will train and mentor Afghan saffron companies and farmers to produce and process saffron that meets both ISO and EU Organic standards. As a result, the project will create or improve 3,200 jobs in the saffron value chain and support seven saffron companies—five of which have already received ISO certification and two EU Organic certifications. The project also seeks to help these certified companies increase their supply to international markets while securing higher price premiums.

The MEAL Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Hand in Hand International MEL Advisor, the Hand in Hand Afghanistan MEAL Manager, Project Manager to conduct annual evaluation, regular monitoring and collecting lessons learned from the project using the project MEL Plan, Results Framework, and other MEAL-related tools. The MEAL Officer will also support the project team by establishing strong monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning systems tailored to ISO and EU certification processes. S/he will ensure data quality, track project outputs and outcomes, and contribute to continuous learning and project improvement, particularly focusing on quality management, documentation, corrective actions, and compliance.

• Strictly follow and implement the project MEL Plan, Project Indicator Tracking Sheet (PITS), and other developed MEAL tools for this project.
• In collaboration with the MEL Advisor of HiHI and MEAL Manager, design and manage tools for conducting project evaluations and tracking output indicators.
• Track the project outputs indicators and activities using the PITS.
• Regularly monitor project activities, report to the MEAL unit, and take corrective actions as needed.
• Collect, verify, and analyze qualitative and quantitative annual evaluation data from the companies, farmers, pickers, processors, and farm labors.
• Prepare project reports in accordance with project/program stakeholder requirements
• Captures complaints, feedback, and suggestions from companies and register them in to the MEAL online feedback log sheet
• Document best practices, challenges, and lessons learned; review them with the MEAL Unit and MEL Advisor; and record them in HIHAO’s Online Learning System database.
• Organize sessions with project teams and beneficiaries to discuss findings and adapt project activities.
• Prepare monthly action plan and submit to MEAL manager.
• Perform any other task by the line manager/supervisor, relevant to the role and organizational needs.

• At least, Bachelor’s degree in social science, economics, statistics, business administration, computer science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in MEAL activities, preferably within ISO/ EU certification, or development projects.
• Advance knowledge and skills in data collection, analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, and reporting on outcomes data.
• Previous experience in analyzing effectively data from multiple sources, using triangulation and presenting data in a clear and concise manner.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office ( Excel, Word and PowerPoint)), Kobo Toolbox, and other data collection tools.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and proven ability to follow procedures, complete tasks, meet deadlines, and work well under pressure in a cooperative, team-oriented environment.
• Fluency in Dari, Pashto and English.

Interested applicants should submit their application comprised of a one-page cover letter explaining their interest and suitability for the position along with an updated CV.

The application should send via email to: jobs@handinhand.org.af

please note that applications received after the closing date 17^th May 2025 will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates whose application meets the above criteria will be contacted for written test or an interview.