Afghanaid is a British humanitarian and development non-governmental organisation established in 1983, dedicated to delivering humanitarian and development assistance across Afghanistan. For over four decades, the organisation has implemented programmes tailored to the needs of local communities, environmental conditions, and international development frameworks. With its head office in Kabul, Afghanaid maintains direct operations in Badakhshan, Herat, Samangan, Ghor, Nangarhar, Kunar and Daikundi provinces, and through partner organisations implements projects in Nuristan, Faryab, Ghazni, Jawzjan, Paktika and Takhar.

Afghanaid’s work is founded on four core pillars of sustainable development: the provision of basic services for all; economic opportunities, sustainable livelihoods and food security; climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction; and the delivery of emergency humanitarian assistance.

Role Summary:

The Lead Engineer plays a vital role in bringing Afghanaid’s infrastructure vision to life. From the very first assessment through to the final handover of each project, this position ensures that all construction and engineering activities are safe, effective, and aligned with both community needs and organisational goals. Leading a diverse team of engineers, the Lead Engineer not only provides technical guidance but also supports team members to grow, learn, and deliver their best work. By championing quality, encouraging innovation, and managing risks, this role ensures that every project is completed to a high professional standard and meets donor and national expectations. With a focus on learning and improvement, the Lead Engineer helps build the organisation’s long-term capacity and ensures that each project contributes to a stronger, more resilient future for the communities served.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all engineering activities throughout the project lifecycle, from the initial assessment and design to implementation, monitoring, and successful completion.
• Support and guide the engineering team in developing practical, technically sound, and compliant proposals, designs, and plans for all infrastructure projects.
• Carefully review engineering documents—including BoQs, drawings, specifications, and standards—to ensure they are accurate, feasible, and meet both regulatory and organisational requirements.
• Conduct thorough technical assessments of infrastructure projects, identify potential risks, and recommend solutions to enhance efficiency, safety, and long-term sustainability.
• Develop, implement, and monitor robust quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) plans to ensure all engineering and construction work meets required standards.
• Ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations across all construction sites, promoting a safe and secure working environment.
• Conduct regular site visits to track construction progress, assess workmanship, and carry out laboratory or field tests as required at different project phases.
• Maintain comprehensive QA/QC records, including test results, certificates, inspection logs, and reports on non-compliance or deviations.
• Identify and implement corrective actions when materials, workmanship, or construction processes do not meet approved standards or specifications.
• Provide timely and clear reports on QA/QC findings and project progress to management and relevant stakeholders.
• Provide practical, hands-on guidance and mentorship to site engineers, enhancing their technical skills and ensuring effective execution of all engineering activities.
• Collaborate closely with procurement and logistics teams to ensure materials meet project specifications and are delivered in a timely manner.
• Promote knowledge-sharing, problem-solving, and clear communication across project teams to ensure technical consistency, alignment, and high-quality delivery.
• Maintain accurate and systematic records of all engineering activities, ensuring documentation is up-to-date and readily available.
• Prepare periodic and ad hoc progress reports on construction activities in alignment with project work plans and submit them to the PIQ director.
• Undertake additional duties as assigned by the line manager to support the successful delivery of project objectives.

Education & Professional Qualification

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from a well-recognized University (Master’s degree preferred).

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience with at least 3-5 years of senior position in designing, implementing, and overseeing construction projects; including supervision and quality assurance, is required, ideally with national or international organisations.

Professional Skills, Competencies, Values and Attitudes

Afghanaid is looking for a reliable and skilled Lead Engineer with solid experience managing engineering projects in humanitarian, recovery, or development settings. You will have hands-on experience across the full project cycle, from assessment and planning to construction supervision and close-out. A deep understanding of construction contracts, procurement, safety regulations, and quality standards is essential, along with experience working with INGOs or UN agencies. We’re seeking someone proactive and adaptable, with excellent communication, organisational, and decision-making skills — and strong financial management and reporting capabilities.

Specifically, the holder of this position should also demonstrate the following:

Key Skills and Competencies

Essential

• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, with the ability to provide effective technical supervision and guidance in challenging environments.
• Proficiency in engineering and project management tools, including AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MS Project, Primavera, and GIS applications.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities, working effectively with government bodies, communities, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Solid understanding of community development and a strong commitment to accountability, transparency, and delivering quality results.
• Creative and analytical thinker with a results-driven approach, capable of working independently under tight deadlines while producing high-quality reports.
• Committed to inclusivity and capacity-building, with fluency in Pashto, Dari, and English, and personal qualities including integrity, adaptability, and active listening.

Safeguarding Statement

Afghanaid is committed to preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. We have a zero-tolerance approach towards any form of abuse, misconduct, fraud, corruption or any type of Afghanaid’s policy violations and ensure that all employees uphold the highest safeguarding standards. All roles at Afghanaid require strict adherence to our Code of Conduct and safeguarding Policy.

Please create your portal account and submit your application by filling the Afghanaid standard job application form by no later than 14 January 2026. Your covering letter and CV should be in PDF format.  Your covering letter should be no more than 1 standard A4 page in length and explain how you meet the essential and desirable position requirements and why you feel you would be a suitable candidate for this role. Your CV should be no more than 4 pages and include 3 professional references including your current employer. Afghanaid has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Afghanaid is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

We invite qualified candidates to apply for the position through the Afghanaid HR portal. Please click on the link below to complete your application.

Link for the Afghanaid HR portal: https://afghanaid.odoo.com/jobs

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to every application. If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the deadline, then you have not been successful for shortlisting.

Note: Priority will be given to candidates from the local area. Local candidates are highly encouraged to apply for this position.