Senior Project Officer (Livelihoods and SME)

CRS is an international humanitarian and development agency working to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

CRS has been operating in Afghanistan since 2002 and CRS is currently maintaining staff presence in Kabul, Herat, Ghor and Bamiyan, alongside an expanding scope of partnership implemented programs in Kunar, Samangan, Balkh, with strategic expansion planned further in 2026. CRS Afghanistan focuses on poverty and risk reduction and promoting resilience, human development through implementing livelihoods, education and emergency response.

The role contribute directly to the Strategic Objective 2, the project will strengthen the potato value chain to reduce post-harvest losses and increase value capture by: (i) conducting a market/value chain assessment; (ii) implementing catalytic matching grants for community-level storage and/or processing infrastructure (including zero-energy and solar-powered options where feasible); (iii) supporting producer group formation and governance; and (iv) delivering targeted small-business and market training to producers and relevant actors

As the lead for SME/livelihoods and value chain activities, you will coordinate and support implementation of project activities to achieve results and ensure adherence to CRS program quality standards, donor requirements, and coordination with relevant ministries. You will lead planning, implementation, coordination, and reporting for the livelihoods/value chain component, including producer group formation, market linkages, training delivery, and support to the assessment and matching grant process.

Roles and key Responsibilities

Technical and Management Leadership – Potato Value Chain & SME Support

• Lead implementation of SO2 outputs related to strengthening the potato value chain, including coordination of assessment, training, producer organization, and market linkage activities.
• Coordinate with the contracted assessment partner, to support delivery of the potato market/value chain assessment, including consultations with producers, aggregators, traders, buyers, and other value chain actors.
• In coordination with engineers, support design and rollout of the catalytic matching grants mechanism for storage/processing infrastructure, including community sensitization, applicant support, and coordination of required documentation and agreements.
• Support establishment/strengthening of producer groups/cooperatives and their governance, including rules for facility access, usage, and transparent management arrangements linked to supported infrastructure.
• Coordinate delivery of small business and market-oriented training for potato producers (e.g., market dynamics, negotiation, quality/handling, record keeping, cost-benefit of storage versus immediate sale), adapting methods to literacy levels and local context. B. Activity Planning, Coordination, and Implementation Quality

• Organize and lead implementation of assigned activities in line with the project’s detailed implementation plan, CRS program quality principles, and donor requirements.
• Coordinate with internal technical staff (including infrastructure engineering support) to ensure livelihood-related infrastructure investments meet required standards and are implemented with appropriate oversight.
• Coordinate with community structures and stakeholders to ensure inclusive, transparent participation and communication across livelihood activities.
• Identify implementation challenges early, analyze root causes, and propose adjustments to sequencing, targeting, and activity design to improve results
• Develop training manuals and conduct capacity‑building training for field staff to ensure effective, high‑quality implementation of livelihoods and value chain activities, in line with project objectives, donor requirements, and CRS program quality standards.

C. Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Maintain effective working relationships with community representatives, producer groups, local market actors, and relevant authorities as required for implementation and coordination.
• Support coordination mechanisms that strengthen linkages among producers, input/service providers, aggregators, traders, and buyers, consistent with the project’s gradual, relationship-based approach.

D. Documentation, Compliance, MEAL Support

• Ensure documentation for assigned activities is complete and filed per CRS and donor requirements (including training records, consultation minutes, agreements, and grant-related documentation where applicable).
• Work closely with the MEAL function to support indicator tracking, learning, and accountability mechanisms (including community feedback channels) for livelihoods/value chain activities.
• Contribute to donor reporting inputs related to activities, progress updates, challenges, mitigation actions, and learning.

• Bachelor’s degree required (training/education in agriculture, livelihoods, community development, or a related field is an advantage). And master’s degree would be a plus.
• Minimum 4 years of relevant experience in project support/implementation and community mobilization (NGO/INGO experience preferred).
• Experience in SME development, market systems/value chain work, and/or financial inclusion approaches.
• Experience supporting grant processes and/or community/private sector co-investment mechanisms. (Project includes matching grants for infrastructure.)
• Strong documentation and reporting skills; experience working under donor compliance requirements.
• Strong facilitation skills and ability to adapt training methods to low-literacy contexts.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Supervisory Responsibilities: The livelihoods Field Agents, MEAL Officer and Small Infrastructure Engineer (Value Chain)
Key Working Relationships:  

• Internal: Program Manager, Head of Programming, Agriculture SPO, PO, DRM SPO, MEAL SPO, and operations team.
• External: Engages with assessment partners and service providers, producer groups and community structures, and private sector actors (aggregators, traders, buyers) to strengthen value chain implementation and market linkages and line departments

Required Languages – Fluency in Dari and working proficiency in English

Travel -This position will be based in Bamiyan. Up to 80% of travel to field sites in Bamiyan center and Yakawlang districts is anticipated

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 stays.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Observation, active listening, and analysis skills with the ability to make sound judgment
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and community members
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and coordination skills.

• Attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. 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. 

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. 
• Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

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., April 18^th, 2026), will not be given consideration. Only short-listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for tests and interviews.