| Job Location: | Kabul |
|---|---|
| Nationality: | National |
| Category: | Agriculture |
| Employment Type: | Full Time |
| Salary: | Grade A Based on NTA Salary scale |
| Vacancy Number: | NR/KBL/10/24/092 |
| No. Of Jobs: | 1 |
| City: | Kabul |
|---|---|
| Organization: | Aga Khan Foundation |
| Years of Experience: | 15 years of Experience of which at least 5 years at the managerial level in development sector. |
| Contract Duration: | One Year. Extendable based on Fund availability |
| Gender: | Male/Female |
| Education: | M.Sc in Agriculture Management, Agriculture Economics, horticulture, Agronomy and other related natural sciences. |
| Close date: | 2024-11-03 |
The Aga Khan Foundation, Afghanistan (AKF (Afg)) is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of international, private, non-denominational development agencies working to improve living conditions and opportunities for people in some of the poorest parts of the developing world. The Network’s organizations have individual mandates that range from the fields of health and education to architecture, rural development and promotion of private-sector enterprise and institutions that seek to empower communities and individuals, usually in disadvantaged circumstances, to improve living conditions and opportunities.
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a non-denominational international development agency established in 1967 by His Highness the Aga Khan. Its mission is to develop and promote creative solutions to problems that impede social development, primarily in Asia and East Africa. Created as a private, non-profit foundation under Swiss law, it has branches and independent affiliates in 19 countries.
AKF seeks to provide sustainable solutions to long-term problems of poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and ill health. In Afghanistan, AKF works with rural communities in mountainous, remote or resource poor areas to improve quality of life in the areas of natural resource management, market development, governance, education, and health.
POSITION OBJECTIVE
To strategically lead and innovate AKF’s AFS & CR programs by developing and implementing strategic initiatives that integrate sustainable agricultural practices, food security measures, and climate resilience strategies. The role aims to secure and manage resources, build strategic partnerships and drive innovative solutions that result in measurable improvements in the livelihoods of vulnerable communities, while ensuring alignment with organizational goals and national priorities.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Overall technical management responsibility for AFS programs, including programme design, budgeting, work planning, quality assurance, and operational issues.
• Implement a robust management system for AFS and CR projects, ensuring timely delivery, quality outcomes, and alignment with strategic goals, particularly in enhancing climate resilience.
• Lead the development of project proposals and concept notes in collaboration with the other rural development units that emphasize improving agriculture productivity, improving food security, and building climate resilience.
• Identify research needs, conduct action research and apply findings to improve program effectiveness in agriculture, food security, and climate resilience.
• Lead the initiatives for the project staff capacity building with the objective of improving the quality of programme implementation, particularly focusing on new themes such as climate resilience.
• Develop strategies and concepts for the sustainable use of existing natural resources, strengthening food security, creating income and employment opportunities for the rural population particularly youth and women.
• Identify and analyses food security and climate change related issues and develop strategies to strengthen community resilience to food shortages in AKF programme areas in Afghanistan and its integration with activities across region in Pakistan and Tajikistan.
• Build and maintain a broad network of external partnerships with line government departments, donors, private sector, and civil society organizations.
• Support the development of learning and communication materials, such as project briefs and case studies.
• Ensure compliance with documentation and reporting requirements or AKF and the donors.
• Undertake any other responsibilities assigned by the supervisor.
• Advocate for gender inclusion and lead safeguarding efforts across all EI initiatives, ensuring a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment.
• To carry out the responsibilities of the role in a way which reflects AKF (Afg)'s commitment to safeguarding staff, beneficiaries and protecting children from harm and abuse in accordance with AKF (Afg)s Safeguarding policy.
• To report any suspicions or actual violations of the Safeguarding Policy and/or Child Safeguarding Policy as per the given training.
OCCASIONAL SIGNIFICANT DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Attend and present at national and international conferences, forums, and workshops to showcase AKF’s economic inclusion work and share best practices.
• Support or lead cross-regional projects that align with AKF’s broader economic inclusion strategy, ensuring consistency and knowledge sharing across regions.
• Assist in developing and implementing response strategies for any emerging economic crises or challenges that may impact on the AFS & CR portfolio.
DECISION-MAKING & AUTHORITY
• Project design.
• Programme implementation and quality assurance.
• Staff Management.
• Project budgets and resource management.
JOB SPECIFICATION
• M.Sc in Agriculture Management, Agriculture Economics, horticulture, Agronomy and other related natural sciences with 15 years of Experience of which at least 5 years at the managerial level in development sector.
• Proficiency in conducting and overseeing research, including food systems analysis, value chain development, and climate resilience assessments.
• Extensive knowledge of Women’s economic empowerment programming.
• In-depth knowledge of agriculture, food security, and climate resilience strategies and practices, with a strong focus on integrating climate adaptation and mitigation into programs.
REQUIRED CORE COMPETENCIES
• Ability to set a clear vision and direction for agriculture, food security, and climate resilience initiatives, aligning them with organizational goals and driving impactful results.
• Deep understanding of climate resilience strategies and their integration into agricultural and food security programs, ensuring sustainable and adaptive solutions.
• Skilled in leading and mentoring diverse teams, fostering a collaborative work environment, and building capacity within the organization.
• Expertise in designing, implementing, and managing complex programs, with strong skills in strategic planning, budgeting, and operational efficiency, particularly in agriculture, food security, environment and climate resilience.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to craft compelling narratives, influence policy, and advocate for economic inclusion initiatives.
• An understanding of and respect for diverse cultural contexts, ensuring that programs are inclusive and culturally appropriate.
APPLICATION
Interested applicants should submit their CV along with a cover letter to Jobs.afghanistan@akdn.org no later than 03rd November 2024.
Important Notes:
• Please quote the Vacancy Number as the Subject of the e-mail when applying.
• No supporting documents (e.g., diplomas, recommendation letters, identification card(s) etc.) are required at this stage.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for further assessment.
• Salary scale: Grade A based on NTA Salary scale.
• This position is only for advertising and to be available from January 2025.
The Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan (AKF- Afg) promotes a transparent and equitable recruitment process. We reiterate that all services related to job applications, including processing, seminars, and training programs, are provided free of charge.
Our official job announcements are posted on the ACBAR website (acbar.org/jobs). Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications through our designated email address: jobs.afghanistan@akdn.org. Please note that each job vacancy is assigned a unique identification number for your reference. After you submit your application, you will immediately receive an automatic confirmation acknowledging its receipt.
Aga Khan Foundation - Afghanistan (AKF- Afg) recruitment and selection process reflect our commitment to equal opportunity and protecting children and at-risk adults, beneficiaries, partners, community members and employees from safeguarding violations. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with children and at-risk adults are recruited to work for us. In the process of recruitment, selection and appointment AKF (Afg) implement a range of procedures and vetting checks including criminal records disclosures to ensure everyone associated with AKF (Afg) is kept free from harm and abuse is prevented.
Protection from Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) is the responsibility of everyone, and all selected individuals will be required to comply with AKF (Afg)s Safeguarding Policy at all times.
By sharing your cover letter and resume with AKF (Afg) in response to this job application, applicants consent AKF (Afg) to keep this information on file for Recruitment and Human Resources Management purposes.
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
We request all job seekers to be attentive and report any instances of individuals or entities claiming to charge fees on behalf of AKF Afghanistan to AKFA.HR@akdn.org. Our commitment to ethical practices ensures that your career aspirations are supported without any financial burden during recruitment.