Project Grant Officer

The Afghanistan Institute for Civil Society (AICS) is a nationally recognized non-governmental organization (NGO) committed to strengthening the role of NGOs in Afghanistan’s development. AICS initially focused on enhancing the institutional effectiveness of NGOs through a certification program based on locally defined and internationally recognized standards. It has also provided capacity-building support and promoted transparency and accountability among NGOs. Furthermore, AICS is actively engaged in capacity-building initiatives and research activities.

Over time, AICS has expanded its scope to include direct implementation and support of education sector programs, particularly in Early Childhood Development (ECD), Community-Based Education (CBE), and Accelerated Learning Programs (ALP). Additionally, AICS conducts capacity-building programs for NGOs and implements research projects in the education sector to support the development of evidence-based strategies, strengthen education systems, and contribute to more effective and informed decision-making by stakeholders at all levels.

Today, AICS continues to serve as a key platform for strengthening NGO capacity, supporting inclusive and quality education services, and generating knowledge to inform policies and practices across the development sector.

• To support and implement effective education programs across, aimed at improving access to and the quality of learning for Afghan children and youth.
• To generate practical, evidence-based research that contributes to improved education policies, planning, and service delivery in Afghanistan.
• To build the institutional capacity of NGOs through tailored training, technical assistance, and performance-based support.
• To promote transparency, accountability, and quality standards among NGOs/CSOs operating in Afghanistan through the application of certification systems and good governance practices.
• To facilitate coordination and constructive engagement between NGOs, government entities, and development partners for effective and aligned service delivery.

AICS is implementing the (Empower Afghan Futures: Building Capacity for Progress) project to enhance the capabilities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This initiative involves delivering capacity-building services through eLearning platforms, online courses, mentorship, online discussions, small grants, and peer-to-peer learning sessions in the local language Pashto and Dari. Programming grants and capacity development support. 

The Project Grant Officer under the EAF’AICS project plays a critical role in ensuring effective financial management, compliance, and reporting among grantees. This position is responsible for sub-grantees NGOs/CSOs reviewing and verifying financial reports, ensuring alignment with approved budgets and project activities, supporting the project to ensure  finance Department receives the required reporting requirements. The officer provides continuous guidance to grantees through regular and ad hoc meetings, enabling them to accurately report expenses and comply with contractual timelines. By maintaining close coordination with the Project Manager and those superior to him/her, the role contributes to the development and monitoring of work plans, financial plans, and periodic reports. The Project’ Grant Officer also ensures proper documentation, Invoice processing, and audit readiness, while actively following up on compliance issues and addressing gaps in financial management. Additionally, the role involves consolidating financial data, supporting project oversight, strengthening coordination with relevant stakeholders, and ensuring that project implementation remains aligned with initial plans and donor requirements, ultimately contributing to transparency, accountability, and successful project delivery.

· S/he is responsible for reviewing grantees’ monthly financial reports, ensuring alignment with the approved budget

and proposed activities, and verifying all supporting documents.

· Proactively supports the Finance Department in completing the grantees’ reporting packages.

· S/he is responsible for conducting regular and ad hoc meetings to ensure that grantees understand and properly

report their expenses.

· S/he is responsible for actively following up with grantees to ensure timely submission of reports in accordance

with the timeline specified in the contract.

· S/he is responsible for developing a work plan for periodic financial reporting and regularly updating and sharing

project progress on a weekly basis.

· S/he is responsible for participating In weekly team check-in meetings and providing updates on activity progress.

· S/he is responsible for preparing invoice packages for grantees, maintaining proper records, and sharing them

with the Finance Department for Installment payments.

· Proactively supports the Project Manager in coordinating and supervising grantees.

· The Project Officer plays a key role in translating donor and audit policies and guidelines into practical

implementation with grantees.

· S/he is responsible for collecting, compiling, and consolidating all financial information related to different

components of the project on a regular basis.

· S/he provides timely feedback to the Program Manager on financial progress and any identified gaps or challenges.

· S/he supports the Project Lead in developing and/or revising the work plan, reports, and financial plan on a

quarterly basis.

· S/he supports the team in ensuring that grantees’ financial and compliance processes are error-free and not

flagged during audits.

· The Project Grant Officer is responsible for ensuring coverage of all direct and indirect beneficiaries.

· S/he critically analyzes project components and ensures alignment of cash-for-work/payments and post-grant

evaluation with the initial plan.

· S/he establishes linkages with line departments, NGOs, and relevant institutions to ensure timely compliance.

· S/he prepares monthly and periodic reports in close coordination with the Project Manager and submits them to

the Project Lead.

· S/he updates the server with compliance data and maintains accurate records of grantees and related details.

Any additional duty related to the project work assigned by the reporting line.

• Excellent organizational and presentation skills, strong inter-personal skills, promote participation and teamwork, proven capacity for analysis and synthesis
• Experience and proven expertise in Grants and financial management of the sub-grantees or organizations.
• Experience in Audit is a value added.Experience in Audit is a value added
• Fluently speaking and understanding Dari and Pashto

Interested applicants should submit their CV along with a cover letter to Jobs@aicsafg.org  no later than 28th March 2026. 

Important Notes: 

Please quote the Vacancy Number and Position Title and Job Location, 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.

The Afghanistan Institute for Civil Society (AICS) 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@aicsafg.org

Afghanistan Institute for Civil Society (AICS) 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 AICS implement a range of procedures and vetting checks including criminal records disclosures to ensure everyone associated with AICS 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 AICS Safeguarding Policy at all times. 

By sharing your cover letter and resume with AICS in response to this job application, applicants consent AICS to keep this information in file for Recruitment and Human Resources Management purposes.

We request all job seekers to be attentive and report any instances of individuals or entities claiming to charge fees on behalf of AICS Afghanistan to info@aicsafg.org. Our commitment to ethical practices ensures that your career aspirations are supported without any financial burden during recruitment.

The organization has the right to start the recruitment process during the announced period.