Field Officer (Small infrastructure/value chain)

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.

Project Background

The project is being implemented in Bamyan. Under Strategic Objective 2, the project aims to strengthen the potato value chain by reducing post‑harvest losses and increasing value capture through community‑level storage and processing infrastructure (i.e., zero‑energy storage facilities, solar‑powered cold storage), supported by catalytic matching grants, producer group strengthening, and market‑oriented training. The Small Infrastructure Engineer (Value Chain) will play a critical role in ensuring that all livelihoods‑related infrastructure investments are technically sound, cost‑effective, safe, and sustainable, and aligned with CRS standards and donor requirements.

As the Small Infrastructure Engineer (Value Chain), you will provide technical leadership and oversight for the design, construction, rehabilitation, and quality assurance of small‑scale infrastructure supporting value chain activities, particularly potato storage and processing facilities. You will work closely with livelihoods staff, community groups, private co‑investors, and contractors to ensure infrastructure investments meet technical specifications, support market objectives, and are implemented in a transparent and accountable manner.

Roles and key Responsibilities

1) Technical Design, Feasibility & Costing

• Conduct technical assessments and site appraisals for proposed value chain infrastructure investments, including storage and small-scale processing options.
• Prepare/review technical designs, drawings, specifications, BoQs, and cost estimates; ensure designs are appropriate for local conditions and long-term sustainability.
• Provide engineering inputs to inform selection of infrastructure type and scale, supporting decision-making grounded in feasibility, market needs, and operational practicality.

2) Implementation Oversight & Quality Assurance

• Provide on-site technical supervision of construction/rehabilitation to ensure compliance with designs, quality standards, safety requirements, and timelines.
• Support procurement/contracting with technical inputs for tender documents, bid evaluations, contractor selection, and technical clarifications during implementation.
• Conduct routine inspections, document findings (progress, quality issues, corrective actions), and certify completion and handover (including as‑built documentation where applicable).

3) Co‑Investment / Traders & Private Actor Engagement

• In coordination with the Senior Project Officer (SME/Livelihoods), identify and engage potential traders/co‑investors (e.g., local aggregators, traders, private investors) interested in co‑investing in community-level potato storage and/or processing infrastructure.
• Provide technical due diligence on co‑investor concepts and proposals (site suitability, technical feasibility, indicative design options, cost reasonableness, and construction approach) to support transparent appraisal and selection under the matching‑grant mechanism.
• Participate in consultations/roundtables with producer groups and private sector actors to ensure infrastructure design choices and management arrangements reflect market realities and intended use (storage quality, handling, processing needs).
• Support the establishment of clear technical requirements and facility standards for co‑investors and contractors (construction quality, safety, operational parameters) to ensure the facility functions as intended and remains maintainable.

4) Matching Grants, Agreements, SOPs & Risk Mitigation

• Provide technical support to the catalytic matching‑grant mechanism, including review of technical proposals and advising on sizing and specifications of infrastructure investments.
• Contribute technical inputs to formal agreements that define ownership, access/usage rules, cost-recovery (where applicable), and operation and maintenance responsibilities for supported facilities.
• Support implementation of risk mitigation measures, including contributing to processes that reduce Housing, Land and Property risks (HLP) risks and help prevent land-related disputes or exclusion of vulnerable groups
• Provide technical inputs to practical SOPs for facility operation (including maintenance requirements, basic quality assurance considerations, and safe use of infrastructure).

5) Coordination, Capacity Building & Knowledge Transfer

• Coordinate closely with livelihoods staff to align infrastructure investments with producer group development, training, and market linkage objectives.
• Support basic capacity strengthening of producer groups/community structures and facility operators on infrastructure operation, routine maintenance, and safe practices as relevant for sustainability.

6) Documentation, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain complete technical documentation for all infrastructure activities (designs, BoQs, approvals, inspection reports, completion certificates, and handover documentation).
• Provide technical inputs to progress updates and donor reporting, including implementation status, constraints, mitigation actions, and lessons learned related to infrastructure investments.
• Ensure compliance with CRS standards and donor requirements throughout the infrastructure lifecycle (planning to handover).

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field.
• 4–5 years of relevant experience in small-scale infrastructure design and supervision (rural/community settings preferred).
• Experience with agriculture/value chain-related infrastructure (Potato storage/processing facilities).
• Familiarity with solar-powered systems or low-energy storage solutions (advantage).
• NGO/INGO experience and strong documentation discipline.
• Experience with community mobilization and engagement with market actors; demonstrated ability to work within communities while being sensitive to gender and local customs.

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
Key Working Relationships:  

• Internal: Program Manager; Senior Project Officer (SME/Livelihoods); MEAL; Procurement/Finance; relevant engineering staff.
• External: Contractors/suppliers; assessment partner(s); producer groups/community structures; private sector co‑investors (aggregators/traders/buyers) as relevant

Required Languages – Fluency in Dari and working proficiency in English required.

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.