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.

You will assist STAR field activities by working directly with community members in support of CRS’ work to serve the most vulnerable. Your service and community interpersonal skills contribute to projects that benefit local communities that consistently applies best practices and continuously works towards improving its impact. You will serve as the focal point for targeted communities to ensure that assistance is aligned with needs and priorities.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Support programming activities at the field level, including community and participant identification and verification; community mobilization sessions; and following up and coaching IGA project participants; contributing to ensuring quality implementation.
• Contribute to ensuring accountability to project participants and local stakeholders.
• Support the monitoring of IGA project activities at the field level, per the M&E plan through collection of data.
• Support community mobilization efforts through communication and information sharing with project beneficiaries at the community level.

Identify and communicate field-level challenges and lessons to the project team.

• Secondary School Diploma required.
• Minimum 1-2 years work or volunteer experience in supporting community development and mobilization. Experience in hygiene promotion and/or psychosocial support a plus.
• Experience working for an NGO and for an I/NGO would be a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Observation and active listening skills
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups
• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships: 

Internal: Senior Project Officer for LH; Technical Advisor for LH; STAR Team

External: Target community members and local stakeholders

Required Languages – Fluency in Dari required. Professional fluency in English a plus.

Travel – This position will be based in Herat, with anticipated travel of 75% 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., April 13^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.

Using above link.