WDIO Background:

Watan Development and Initiative Organization is a non-governmental, nonprofit, nonpolitical, and independent organization dedicated to empowering and uplifting communities through sustainable development, social justice, and the enhancement of well-being for individuals and families. Since its establishment in 2014, we have tirelessly worked towards poverty alleviation, economic empowerment, education and skill development, health and well-being, gender equality, women's empowerment, agriculture and livestock, and environmental sustainability. Our goal is to improve living conditions, provide quality education and essential skills to individuals, enhance community health and well-being, achieve gender equality, improve agricultural productivity, and promote environmental sustainability.

With a passionate team of over ninety-seven individuals and a strong network of partners and supporters, we strive to bring about positive change by preserving and celebrating cultural diversity and heritage, fostering social cohesion, and promoting cross-cultural understanding and respect. We ensure program effectiveness and accountability through continuous monitoring, evaluation, and data-driven approaches. Our commitment to integrity, sustainability, accountability, innovation, empowerment, advocacy, and respect for diversity guides our efforts as we address pressing challenges such as poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, environmental conservation, women's empowerment, child welfare, and sustainable development.

Through innovative programs, advocacy efforts, and community engagement, Watan Development and Initiative Organization is at the forefront of driving sustainable solutions and empowering individuals to create a better future

WDIO is nationally based in Kabul and maintains field operations through five regional offices, with over ninety-seven staff members, located in Kabul, Bamiyan & Logar (Center-Region), Ghor & Herat (West-Region), Nangarhar, Laghman & Kunar (East-region), Takhar & Badakhshan (North-Region) and Kandahar (South-Region). WDIO maintains the departments of Program, Operation, Human Resources Finance, and Procurement. Each department operates according to the WDIO written policies and procedure manuals updated based on the context of the area where WDIO implementing projects.

WDIO is committed to applying a ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards acts of sexual exploitation and abuse by its personnel. In 2003, the United Nations Secretary-General issued a Bulletin on “Special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse” (ST/SGB/2003/13) (“the Bulletin”). To support the system-wide implementation of the zero-tolerance policy, the Director-General has decided to adopt the standards of conduct and provisions on PSEA set by the Bulletin, adjusted as necessary, to be applied by WDIO personnel, as follows.

Job Summary

The Environment & Social Safeguards (ESS) Officer based in the Kabul office, works under the direct supervision of the Education Manager/ Coordinator. The ESS Officer is responsible for the following tasks, but are not limited to:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To identify potential environmental and social safeguard issues by the relevant donor and WDIO safeguard policies and procedures.
• Coordinating environmental and social commitments and initiatives with relevant agencies.
• Coordination of all social and environmental activities throughout the project cycle from conceptualization to operation and maintenance.
• Monitor ESMF implementation across all stages of project implementation.
• Develop safeguards reporting formats and maintain environmental and social records including land acquisition documentation on established formats.
• Develop procedures and guidelines on the environment and Safeguard following safety and hygiene principles to reduce the vulnerabilities of the borders to some viral and contagious diseases;
• Help contractors understand and implement the concept of Occupational Health and Safety issues in their working environment
• Create an Occupational Health and Safety system for the contractors.
• Guide Staff, Labors, and others on how to keep the environment neat and clean.
• Develop an initial Environmental and Social screening system to be used for School construction on the site.
• Help the project to mainstream the in the project life cycle, e.g., monthly/quarterly meetings whichever is the case, M&E, reporting system of the project, and supervision mission by the project leadership.
• Organize/conduct consultation meetings with all stakeholders (UNICEF, communities, and contractors).
• Integration of environmental, social, and safety measures into contract document.
• Conducting periodic site inspections.
• Assisting the Project Manager (WDIO) in reporting to the SCI on the status of ESMP implementation
• Maintaining necessary environmental and social records and assisting the Project Manager in reporting ESMP implementation status to various stakeholders.
• Preparing environmental and social budgets and maintaining records of expenditure.

Job Requirements:

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• BSc in social, environmental science, civil engineering, or related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience.

Required Abilities/Skills:

• Ability to use computers and have knowledge of MS Office package.
• Familiar with the project management cycle, supervision, and monitoring of the works.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal guidance and lead and guide others.
• Excellent cross-cultural skills, and ability to work in a diverse, multicultural NGO environment, with respect, professionalism, and gender sensitivity.
• Experience in project logistics and administration.
• Strong technical knowledge.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong work ethic.
• Client-oriented mindset.
• Continual learning and improvement.
• Safety consciousness.
• Ability to have frequent travels to all project’s targeted areas.
• Excellent knowledge of English and National language (Pashto and Dari) both spoken and written skills.

Safeguarding Responsibilities:

• Uphold WDIO’s Safeguarding Policy (https://www.wdio.org/safeguarding-policy) and Safeguarding Code of Conduct.
• Must read the Safeguarding Policy and either sign the Safeguarding Code of Conduct that is consistent with or references this policy and Safeguarding Code of Conduct.
• Must read PSEA and Anti-harassment policies and either sign them
• Ensure that all the staff, partners, and vendors selection process adequately implant PSEA, Anti-harassment Safeguarding Policies commitments.
• WDIO Behaviors/Core values: Integrity, Honesty, Transparency, Confidentiality, Equity, Accountability, Diligence, Perseverance, and, Discipline

Interested applicants could submit their CV and cover letter via the link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc57g3Rg-mJYA3TAn3RT21Wm6kMtrKjXU973mv2q2D5zzx-TQ/viewform?usp=pp_url