The Sustainable Development Organization of Afghanistan (SDOA) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization registered with the Ministry of Economy of Afghanistan in 2016. It is dedicated to promoting capacity development and implementing initiatives in social welfare, education, health, and agriculture across the country.

The Program Manager is responsible for providing strategic leadership, oversight, and management of the program unit to ensure the successful planning, implementation, and evaluation of all program projects and activities. The role ensures alignment with organizational goals, donor requirements, and the needs of stakeholders and communities. Key Responsibilities include:

• Manage and motivate the Program Unit to achieve high performance standards in project delivery, impact, and sustainability.
• Develop strategic plans for the program unit aligned with organizational objectives and sector best practices.
• Foster a results-oriented environment that encourages innovative approaches and continuous improvement.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including objectives, activities, timelines, and budgets, ensuring alignment with donor guidelines and organizational priorities.
• Oversee the development of detailed work plans and ensure their effective implementation.
• Monitor program activities, ensuring they meet quality standards, deadlines, and budget constraints.
• Prepare and manage project budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to financial policies.
• Support financial reporting and ensure transparency and accountability in resource management.
• Establish and maintain effective partnerships with government agencies, donors, NGOs, community groups, and other stakeholders.
• Facilitate regular communication, consultations, and coordination meetings to ensure program relevance and community engagement.
• Promote participatory approaches that incorporate stakeholder feedback into program design and implementation.
• Support the identification of funding opportunities through research and stakeholder consultation.
• Lead or contribute to the development of high-quality proposals, concept notes, and funding applications to diversify and expand the program portfolio.
• Provide technical oversight and mentorship to project coordinators, field teams, and partners, ensuring technical excellence and compliance.
• Promote capacity building initiatives within the team to enhance skills and program quality.
• Establish and oversee robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress, outcomes, and impacts.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to senior management, donors, and other stakeholders, adhering to reporting standards and requirements.
• Ensure all program activities comply with organizational policies, donor regulations, and legal requirements.
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to safeguard program integrity and sustainability.
• The Program Unit manger reports directly to the Executive Director or Deputy Director and maintains close coordination with relevant departments such as Finance, M&E, and Communications.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Executive Director or Deputy Director to support organizational goals and operational needs.

Minimum 7 years of experience in program management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
 

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or related field.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and multi-stakeholder coordination.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Strong skills in project planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
• Familiarity with donor compliance (UN, World Bank, USAID, EU, etc.) and program management software/tools.
• Fluency in English and one of national language Dari or Pashto, fluency in both national languages will be advantage. 

Please submit your CV, Tazkira, and educational documents combined into a single file along with a cover letter to hr@sdoa.org.af before the deadline. In the subject line of your email, clearly specify the position title and vacancy number you are applying for.

Submission Deadline: July 15, 2025

Note: Only complete applications will be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

SDOA maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, fraud, and corruption. All staff are expected to uphold SDOA’s policies and ethical standards at all times. SDOA is an equal opportunity employer.

Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply this position. If you encounter any difficulties during the application process, please caontact the SDOA HR team.