Project Officer-SDL

The Afghanistan Institute for Civil Society (AICS) is a nationally recognized non-governmental organization (NGO) committed to strengthening the role of NGOs in Afghanistan’s development. AICS initially focused on enhancing the institutional effectiveness of NGOs through a certification program based on locally defined and internationally recognized standards. It has also provided capacity-building support and promoted transparency and accountability among NGOs. Furthermore, AICS is actively engaged in capacity-building initiatives and research activities.

Over time, AICS has expanded its scope to include direct implementation and support of education sector programs, particularly in Early Childhood Development (ECD), Community-Based Education (CBE), and Accelerated Learning Programs (ALP). Additionally, AICS conducts capacity-building programs for NGOs and implements research projects in the education sector to support the development of evidence-based strategies, strengthen education systems, and contribute to more effective and informed decision-making by stakeholders at all levels.

Today, AICS continues to serve as a key platform for strengthening NGO capacity, supporting inclusive and quality education services, and generating knowledge to inform policies and practices across the development sector.

• To support and implement effective education programs across ECD, CBE, and ALP, aimed at improving access to and the quality of learning for Afghan children and youth.
• To generate practical, evidence-based research that contributes to improved education policies, planning, and service delivery in Afghanistan.
• To build the institutional capacity of NGOs through tailored training, technical assistance, and performance-based support.
• To promote transparency, accountability, and quality standards among NGOs operating in Afghanistan through the application of certification systems and good governance practices.
• To facilitate coordination and constructive engagement between NGOs, government entities, and development partners for effective and aligned service delivery.
• Support Youth and Adults with Skill Learning, TVET, entrepreneurial and employability skills to establish a sustainable living.

Project Officer will provide overall management, coordination, and supervision of the Skill Development and Literacy (SDL) Program on behalf of the Implementing Partner (IP), ensuring that all project activities are implemented in accordance with the signed AICS, approved workplan, Policies, and UNESCO requirements. The Project Officer serves as the focal point for day-to-day project implementation and is responsible for coordinating project staff, overseeing field activities, ensuring timely delivery of project outputs, and maintaining effective communication with UNESCO and other relevant stakeholders.

Project Planning and Coordination

• Lead the day-to-day implementation and coordination of the SDL project.
• Develop detailed project workplans, implementation schedules, and activity plans in consultation with project staff and UNESCO.
• Ensure timely implementation of project activities in accordance with approved timelines and targets.
• Coordinate project activities across all target districts and communities.
• Organize regular planning and review meetings with project staff.
• Monitor implementation progress and take corrective action when delays or challenges are identified.
• Ensure that project targets and deliverables are achieved within the approved implementation period.

 Supervision of Project Personnel

• Supervise and provide technical and administrative support to Project M&E Officers, Provincial Community Mobilizers (PCMs), District Community Mobilizers (DCMs), Master Trainers, Lay Counsellors, Literacy Facilitators, Skills Facilitators, and other project personnel.
• Ensure that project staff understand and perform their assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Review and verify monthly workplans, reports, and attendance records of project staff.
• Conduct regular meetings with project personnel to review progress and address implementation challenges.
• Support staff capacity building and performance improvement initiatives.

Community Mobilization and Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with relevant provincial and district authorities, community leaders, Village Skills Committees (VSCs), Community Development Councils (CDCs), religious leaders, and other stakeholders.
• Support community mobilization activities to ensure effective learner enrolment and participation.
• Participate in community meetings, coordination meetings, and project-related events.
• Address stakeholder concerns and implementation issues in a timely manner.
• Promote community ownership and support for project activities.

 Oversight of SDL Classes

• Ensure the timely establishment of SDL classes in accordance with approved targets.
• Monitor learner enrolment, attendance, retention, and completion.
• Ensure that classes are functioning according to approved schedules and methodologies.
• Verify that literacy, vocational skills, parenting education, and psychosocial support activities are delivered as planned.
• Ensure that learning spaces meet minimum project requirements and standards.
• Follow up on underperforming classes and support corrective actions.

 Monitoring and Reporting

• Ensure timely collection, verification, and submission of project data and reports.
• Review monthly monitoring reports submitted by project staff before submission to Donor organization.
• Verify the accuracy and completeness of project records and supporting documents.
• Monitor progress against project indicators and implementation targets.
• Support monitoring visits conducted by UNESCO and facilitate access to project sites and records.
• Ensure timely reporting of implementation challenges and proposed solutions.

Management of Project Materials and Resources

• Oversee the distribution of classroom kits, teaching and learning materials, vocational toolkits, parenting education materials, and other project supplies.
• Verify that project materials reach intended beneficiaries and project sites.
• Monitor the utilization and safeguarding of project assets and resources.
• Ensure that inventory records are maintained and updated.

Financial and Administrative Oversight

• Work closely with the Project Finance Officer and Sr. Operation Officer to ensure effective use of project resources.
• Review project expenditures against approved budgets and workplans.
• Verify supporting documents for project activities and expenditures.
• Ensure that project funds are utilized in accordance with approved budgets and organizational procedures.
• Monitor staff contracts, attendance records, and payroll documentation.

Documentation and Communication

• Collect and document project success stories, lessons learned, photographs, and case studies.
• Maintain organized project records and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with UNESCO and donor visibility requirements.
• Support preparation of project presentations, summaries, and other communication materials.

Safeguarding and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with AICS’s relevant Policies and Manuals, provisions, and organizational policies.
• Promote safeguarding, PSEA, and code of conduct requirements among project personnel and beneficiaries.
• Ensure that complaints and feedback received from beneficiaries are appropriately addressed and documented.
• Immediately report serious incidents, safeguarding concerns, or implementation risks to management and UNESCO.

• Bachelor’s degree in education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Administration, Management, or a related field.
• Minimum four (4) years of experience in project implementation, community development, education, literacy, skills development, or related Programs.
• Demonstrated experience managing field-based projects and supervising staff.
• Experience working with communities, local authorities, and development organizations.
• Strong planning, coordination, reporting, and problem-solving skills.
• Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Fluency in Dari and/or Pashto (written and spoken).
• Working knowledge of English is desirable.