Program Officer

Way of Hope to Life Organization (WHLO) is a non-profit, non-political, and non-governmental organization founded by 2002 by a group of Afghan intellectuals and youth with a shared vision of creating meaningful empowerment and a brighter future for Afghan communities. WHLO is officially registered with the ministry of economy under registration number 480.

Over the 23 years, WHLO has successfully implemented more than 250 projects across Afghanistan in the areas of: Education, Health, Food Security & Livelihood, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Community Development.

WHLO strongly believes in human rights-based development, humanitarian cooperation, accountability, equality, and non-discrimination, guided by these values, WHLO has earned a reputation as a trusted implementing partner among local communities, government stakeholders’ international donors.

Job Summary:

The Program Officer supports the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of WHLO projects and programme activities. The position works closely with field teams and relevant support departments to ensure activities are delivered according to approved proposals, work plans, budgets, donor requirements and WHLO policies. The Program Officer also supports coordination with communities, local authorities, partners and other relevant stakeholders and ensures that implementation issues are identified and followed up in a timely manner.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

·         Assist in preparing project work plans, activity schedules, implementation plans and related programme documents.

·         Support timely implementation of activities in line with approved proposals, log frames, budgets and donor requirements.

·         Coordinate regularly with field teams to review progress, implementation priorities, challenges and required follow-up actions.

·         Monitor progress against project outputs, indicators, targets and agreed deliverables and promptly raise delays or implementation concerns.

·         Conduct field monitoring visits when required and prepare concise findings and follow-up actions.

·         Work closely with the MEAL team to ensure project data and supporting evidence are collected, verified and submitted on time.

·         Prepare and consolidate weekly, monthly, quarterly and project-specific progress reports as required.

·         Contribute to donor reports, situation updates, success stories, case studies and other programme documentation.

·         Maintain complete and organized programme files, including activity reports, attendance sheets, monitoring records and beneficiary documentation.

·         Coordinate with Finance, HR, Procurement, Logistics, MEAL and Administration to support timely programme implementation.

·         Coordinate, as assigned, with relevant government departments, community representatives, and partners and other stakeholders.

·         Participate in relevant coordination meetings, workshops, assessments and technical discussions and represent WHLO when formally delegated.

·         Support activity budgeting, forecasting and expenditure follow-up in coordination with Finance and relevant departments.

·         Ensure programme activities and documentation comply with WHLO procedures, donor requirements and applicable regulations.

·         Promote safe, respectful and inclusive engagement with communities and comply with WHLO safeguarding, PSEA/SEAH, child safeguarding, anti-fraud and Code of Conduct requirements.

·         Identify programme, operational and safeguarding risks and ensure significant concerns are reported through the appropriate WHLO channels.

·         Provide practical day-to-day programme support to project and field staff and contribute to orientations, trainings and learning activities.

·         Perform other programme-related duties consistent with the position and assigned by WHLO management.

·         To carry out the responsibilities of the role in a way which reflects WHLO commitment to protecting children in accordance with the Child Safeguarding Policy.

Required Qualifications and Experiences: 

·         Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Management, Project Management, International Relations or another relevant field.

·         At least 3 years of relevant experience in programme or project implementation, preferably with a national NGO, INGO, UN agency or donor-funded project.

·         Practical experience in project planning, field coordination, monitoring, reporting and programme documentation.

·         Experience working with communities, local authorities and field-based teams in Afghanistan is preferred.

·         Experience with donor-funded projects and familiarity with donor compliance requirements is an advantage.

Required Skills and competencies

• Good understanding of project cycle management, work planning and results-based implementation.
• Strong report-writing, documentation, communication and coordination skills.
• Ability to monitor project activities, indicators, targets and implementation progress.
• Basic understanding of programme budgets, procurement processes and financial documentation.
• Good computer skills, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and email communication.
• Understanding of MEAL, accountability, safeguarding and PSEA principles.
• Ability to work effectively in a team, manage priorities, solve problems and work under pressure.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, cultural sensitivity and respect for do-no-harm principles.

Application Procedures:

·         Interested qualified candidates should submit a full CV with a cover letter explaining their motivation in applying for the job and highlighting their relevant skills and experience;

·         Please quote the Vacancy Number as the Subject of the e-mail when applying

·         To apply online please send your application / CV and cover letter through EMAIL Jobs@whl.org.af

no later than 10^th-Oct-2026

·         Academic certificates or references need not to be submitted at this time. These will be requested at the time of interview.

·         Only short-listed candidates will be invited for written test and interview.

Females are highly encouraged to apply.

WHLO is committed to the highest ethical standards and to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful working environment. Our work is guided by the core values of Responsiveness, Equality, Impartiality, Social Justice, and Integrity.

WHLO is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse, sexual harassment, discrimination, and all forms of misconduct.

Background, reference, and other appropriate pre-employment checks will be conducted as part of the recruitment process for the successful candidate.