CRS began direct operations in Afghanistan in early 2002. CRS maintains four main offices throughout the country: Kabul, Herat, Chaghcharan, Daykundi and Bamiyan, with sub-offices in all of these provinces. The CRS strategic plan for Afghanistan focuses on poverty and risk reduction, human development and emergency response in rural areas in western and central Afghanistan. CRS works to support:

• People, especially girls and women from marginalized communities, gain basic education
• Poor rural and peri-urban households to have increased livelihood security
• Vulnerable communities to survive shocks without long-term negative impact on their livelihoods.

CRS has launched a multi-sectoral emergency response project, Fostering Resilience through Multisector Emergency Support II (FRAMESII), to address the needs of vulnerable households struggling to cope with the economic impact of the more recent drought conditions across the country and COVID-19 pandemic.  The project will support immediate household needs with food assistance during the lean season and livelihood support in the form of seed and fodder distributions.  The 16-month project will also focus on Agriculture, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), and Food Assistance activities that will support communities through learning events on improved agriculture practices, rehabilitation, or construction of critical WASH infrastructure for improved access to safe water, and Cash for Work.  Additionally, the project features sanitation and hygiene promotion component that emphasizes behavior change related to water treatment and storage, as well as household hygiene practices.  The WASH project will support communities through participatory approaches to implement small and community driven infrastructure projects that rehabilitate water sources and facilitate access to safe drinking water. CRS is currently looking for a WASH Foreman with the technical experience to supervise and monitor water source rehabilitation and construction projects.

Under the supervision of the WASH Field Officer (WASH Engineer), the WASH Project Assistant (Foreman) will assist in the surveying and implementation of projects. She/he will also supervise construction work and will manage local skilled and un-skilled laborers. The WASH Project Assistant will need to work closely with external and internal stakeholders including local government departments, communities, CRS Senior Project Officers, Livelihoods Field Officers (Engineers), Livelihoods Field Agents, CRS Administrative support, and CRS Program Managers.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the WASH Field Officer and Senior Project Officer to accurately identify new water source rehabilitation projects.
• Assist the WASH Field Officer during technical surveys, preliminary estimations, and development of preliminary proposals for review by the WASH Engineering team.
• Work proactively with the WASH Engineer and Procurement Unit to identify project materials, collect quotations, arrange for transport of materials, and coordinate with communities to handle tools and construction materials, maintaining a stock book at construction sites.
• Lead in monitoring project activities to ensure quality implementation of work and make accurate reports to the WASH Field Officer.
• Work with local shuras, community leaders and Field Officers to ensure communities understand stakeholder responsibilities, agreements, progress and document all communication clearly and promptly.
• Train local technicians on water system repairs and maintenance to effectively ensure successful operation of water points after the close of the project.
• In collaboration with the WASH Field Officer, support monitoring of WASH activities through data collection and other MEAL activities as needed.
• Conduct technical and administrative trainings to the Water Management Committees
• Contribute to field reports as needed
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with the project team and other CRS colleagues.

Develop and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, including project participants and other community members, government agencies, other NGOs, and service providers.

• Bachelor’s degree in civil or water-related fields of engineering 
• Minimum two years of relative experience with national or international NGOs
• Knowledge and experience using software such as waterCad, Epanet, AutoCad and GIS software in water supply system designs.
• Preferably have a certificate in construction or excellent professional experience in construction
• Knowledge of appropriate engineering and construction norms for Afghanistan
• Ability to work independently and within a team of national and international staff
• Excellent communication skills and good judgment with regard to problem solving
• Good attitude and willingness to always learn
• Literate in Dari some English preferred

Required Languages – Fluent in Dari, working knowledge of English a plus

Travel - willingness to travel to remote communities in Bamiyan Districts at least 4 days a week.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships:  

Internal:  Senior Project Officer, MEAL Officer, WASH Engineer, Livelihoods Field Agent, Program Manager

External: Project Participants, Community Leaders, and other Community Members.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong sensitivity and respect for local cultures
• Professional manner in dealing with community members and co-workers.
• Strong listening skills combined with excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
• Possess good interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.
• Possess initiative and ability to adapt and cope with pressure and challenges.
• Microsoft office 365 basic knowledge (Outlook 2016, Excel Online, Word Online, Microsoft Teams)

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)  

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.  

• Integrity  
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation 

• Builds Relationships  
• Develops Talent 
• Strategic Mindset 
• Accountability & Stewardship 

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. 

We welcome as a part of our staff people 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.

Protection Policy:

I understand the Agency’s commitment to protect the rights and dignity of children and vulnerable adults and to safeguard them from abuse and exploitation as defined in CRS’ Protection Policy.

 CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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., January 30^th, 2024), will not be given consideration. Only short-listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for tests and interviews.