CRS works 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, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

Background:

CRS has been working on behalf of Afghan families since 2002, with hundreds of experienced Afghan staff working in offices across the country. We provide emergency relief, inclusive education, improved agricultural techniques, and other life‐enriching services to tens of thousands of households. The country’s long conflict has left many families displaced and impoverished, but the war’s end in 2021 has opened the exciting possibility of reaching many previously inaccessible communities.

CRS is currently implementing programs in the provinces of Bamiyan, Daykundi, Ghor, Herat, and Kabul, and is exploring additional expansion. CRS maintains five main offices in the country as well as several sub-offices that support the direct implementation of program activities. With over 200 staff, the Country Program is growing to meet new needs throughout the country.

Supporting Transformation for Afghanistan’s Recovery (STAR) Consortium project: 

STAR is a multi-sectoral project implemented by a consortium of 6 INGOs led by CRS which aims to build the resilience of households in some of the poorest and most conflict-affected districts across Afghanistan. The initial, $20 million phase of the project took place from February 2021 – September 2023 and reached 110,323 direct participants and 605,392 indirect project participants across 324 communities in 9 provinces. The project team strengthened the food and livelihoods security of community members through resilience-focused agricultural and livestock support, business training and value-chain activities, and skill-building and linkages to markets. The project also supported to improved access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene and helped improve child protection networks and well-being of children and youth. 

CRS is preparing for an extension of the project that will focus on strengthening the resilience and capacities of civilian victims of conflict through livelihoods interventions. Through this $8.3 million, 15-month cost extension, STAR will finish up WASH activities and support an estimated 7,500 new individuals across approximately 3 provinces to increase income, restore livelihoods and enhance resilience. The extension will build upon successes and learning from the first phase of the project. The STAR livelihoods project activities during this extension phase will focus on income generation through small enterprise development (business planning, marketing, bookkeeping, application of technical best practices, troubleshooting, peer exchange and coaching support, and other related topics) and household financial management. Work will include micro and small enterprise development and other activities to increase income and better manage existing household financial resources.

As a member of the STAR project team, you will oversee the field implementation of, and monitor and report on, all project activities in support of income-generating activity (IGA) interventions serving the poor and vulnerable. Your thorough and service-oriented approach will ensure that the project consistently applies best practices and constantly works towards improving the impact of its benefits to those we serve.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Support the coordination and implementation of all assigned project activities pertaining to income-generating activities and diversified livelihoods as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices.
• Support project participants in identifying IGA/business opportunities.
• Facilitate and/or train participants in entrepreneurship skills and record keeping.
• Ensure participants receive regular coaching by field agents.    
• Facilitate linkage with businesses / markets.
• Monitor and report any challenges and/or gaps identified to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules. Assist staff in their day-to- day interaction with participants and their efforts to reflect on project experiences.
• Support accountability through coordinating project monitoring and evaluation activities and assisting staff in their efforts to collect and analyze project data per specified mechanisms and tools.
• Collect information on staff capacity needs and technical assistance needs and monitor capacity building and technical support activities to ensure effective impact.
• Complete project documentation for assigned activities. Assist with identifying information for case studies and reports on promising practices.

• High School diploma required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in project support. Experience in the field of enterprise development, IGA activities and for an NGO and for an I/NGO would be a plus.
• Additional experience may substitute for some education.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Analysis and problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment
• Business coaching skills
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local actors

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with partners, participatory action planning and community engagement.
• Experience in staff supervision.
• Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Supervisory Responsibilities: Trainers, Field Assistants

Key Working Relationships:  

Internal: STAR Team, Finance, Procurement, and Admin staff; FRAMES II project team, Safe Return project team

External: Target community members and local stakeholders, peer organizations

Required Languages – Fluency in Pashto or Dari, working proficiency in English required.

Travel – This position will be based in Herat, with anticipated travel up to 50% to field locations.

"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 staying."

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.  Is considered honest.
• 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.

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., March 12^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.