Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) is an international, non-profitable, non-governmental humanitarian relief organization with its head quarter in Birmingham, UK. It enjoys consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and is a signatory to the Code of Conduct for International Red Cross and red Crescent Moments and NGOs in Disaster Relief. Islamic Relief has been working in Afghanistan for more than 23 years, providing emergency relief and implementing life-changing development projects for some of the most vulnerable people in the country. Islamic Relief set up our first Afghanistan office in 1999. Since then, IRA continued providing assistances in emergency relief, food security, livelihood, education, health, nutrition, shelter, orphan sponsorship, Ramadan and Qurbani programmes.

Job Summary:

The FSL Programme Coordinator will deliver strategic leadership and manage all FSL program, ensuring cohesive, high-impact interventions. This role will guide the complete project cycle from needs assessment through implementation and reporting, while promoting stakeholder collaboration, MEAL integration, and team empowerment in alignment with Islamic Relief’s mission. 

• Internal: Country Director, HOP, Provincial managers, Programme development, MEAL, Finance, HR, SC.
• External: Donors, Line ministries, Cluster, UN agencies, INGOs, community leaders.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Lead the design and implementation of multi-sectoral and FSL programs in line with the needs, IRAF country strategy, and donor priorities.
• Develop FSL strategies and ensure integration of cross-cutting themes (gender, protection, climate resilience).
• Lead the design and implementation of FSL programs, including:
  • Food assistance (Cash transfers, vouchers, food transfers).
  • Cash-based interventions (MPCA, Cash for Work, Voucher Programs).
  • Agricultural recovery (climate-smart agriculture, seed/input distribution).
  • Livelihoods (vocational training, SME support, value chain development).
• Conduct needs assessments and market analyses to inform evidence-based programming.
• Develop concept notes, proposals, and budgets for new funding opportunities.pt notes, proposals, and budgets for new funding opportunities.

2. Team Leadership & Capacity Building

• Establish participatory management to optimize resources and efficiency.
• Implement mentoring/coaching for staff development and performance improvement.
• Mentor FSL staff and partners through capacity-building on tools like CaLP standards and market-based programming.
• Manage annual leave plans to ensure work-life balance and operational continuity.
• Conduct performance reviews with timely feedback and goal alignment.

3. Quality Assurance & Implementation

• Ensure high-quality deliverables for beneficiaries per SPHERE/CHS standards.
• Monitor field activities to address gaps and adapt strategies.
• Provide technical support to the field FSL team
• Develop/Validate tools, SOPs, and training materials to meet humanitarian standards.
• Promote innovation.

4. Stakeholder Coordination & Reporting

• Strengthen coordination with clusters, authorities, donors, and HQ.
• Provide regular updates/data analysis to stakeholders.
• Ensure timely, accurate donor reports (narrative/financial).

5. MEAL & Accountability

• Collaborate with MEAL to track outcomes, conduct evaluations, and adapt programs based on data.
• Empower community participation in monitoring and feedback mechanisms.
• Document success stories and lessons learned for organizational learning.
• Use data for decision-making and program adaptation.
• Conduct regular field visits to ensure quality and smooth implementation of projects

6. Compliance & Safeguarding

• Uphold Islamic Relief’s policies (Safeguarding, Code of Conduct).
• Mitigate risks (e.g., diversion, market distortion) in cash/food distribution.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The post holder must show a good understanding and empathy for Islamic values and principles and commitment to IRW’s vision and mission.

Essential:

Education: 

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Economics, Environmental Science, or Civil Engineering is required.
• Master's degree in Agriculture, Economics, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, or Development Studies is preferred.

Experience:

• 5+ years in FSL programming (emergency/development) with NGOs, or UN agencies and related 3 years supervisory roles.
• Experience in Food Security, Cash-Based, Livelihoods, Microfinance, youth development, value chain, and Agricultural Programming.
• Proven track record in proposal development, budgeting, and donor reporting.

Skills:

• Fluent in English and Dari/Pashto.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and team leadership abilities.

Values: Commitment to Islamic Relief’s values and humanitarian principles.

Desirable:

• Experience with disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate adaptation programs.
• Knowledge of Islamic finance principles for livelihood programs.
• Training in CHS, SPHERE, and Cash Learning Partnership (CaLP).

Interested and qualified national candidates should submit a cover letter explaining their motivation and an updated CV to the following link:

https://jobs.af/jobs/food-security-and-livelihoods-fsl-program-coordinator

The closing date for accepting applications is 23 May 2025

Please note that applications received after the closing date will not be considered, and only short-listed candidates will be called for written test.