Development and Humanitarian Services for Afghanistan (DHSA) established in 1992, the mission of DHSA is to redefine development in Afghanistan by promoting a dynamic and capable civil society as a means to foster local ownership of development, dignity and a peaceful & sustainable future for all Afghans.

Throughout the 1990’s, DHSA focused primarily on drawing strength from local knowledge and traditional relationships to fill gaps, caused by a weak national government and absence of public services. During this time, DHSA focused on activities such as water sanitation and irrigation, education, food assistance to drought affected populations, and rural rehabilitation, matching local know-how with the financial and political support from international aid agencies and donors such as EC, USAID, WFP, WHO, the UN, Canada fund/Care International and Novib.

The political changes brought by the Bonn Agreement in 2001 allowed DHSA to add development of civil society in Afghanistan – through its media, education and various community development projects – to its portfolio, in addition to humanitarian assistance.

To achieve its mission, DHSA presently operates five activities:

• Humanitarian Activities
• Public Media and Communication (TKG),
• Education
• Cultural Heritage
• Environmental Protection

Project Manager-VSLA Project Care Int

Job Purpose:

The purpose of the jobholder is to manage and empower Women in partnership with Care Int and UN Women through implementation, establishment and running of promotion of women owned business (WoBs) Access to Financial Services through savings and loans schemes. In addition,  the Village Savings and Loans Groups/Associations (VSLAs)  main purpose is to ‘empower participants to increase access and control over resources and use collective power to overcome social and financial barriers’, with overall responsibility for effective and efficient management and delivery of the project through annual planning, budgeting, reporting, managing project officers and day-to-day project operations consistent with project cycle management and the project’s goal and to the highest standards of programmatic quality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage and coordinate day-to-day planning, implementation and management of project activities according to the project document and project log frame
• Develop and implement project plans with project staff, technical specialists and stakeholders to ensure effective project implementation
• Provide technical support and guidance on VSLA groups, and other technical issues within the project Scope of work
• Ensure that the project adopts best practice in integrated marketing and adaptation and takes up recommendations to ensure that lessons learned within the program are properly recorded and shared with other partners
• Ensure monitoring system and tools developed are used by project staff to track project progress, and capture learning
•  Ensure project compliance with all legal and donor requirements
•  Provide regular reporting to the Head of Programs as per guidelines including preparation and consolidation of project monthly, quarterly and annual reports
• Monitor the context and carry out adjustments to project plans and management on an on-going basis in light of changing context, resources and opportunities
•  Monitor project expenditure against budget, and preparation and submission of required project progress and financial reports on a regular basis
•  Develop and maintain strong relationships within inside and  outside women entrepreneurship parties and groups in the relevant ministries and departments and with project other partners and stakeholders  e.g INGOs, local organizations, private organizations, enterprise developments,  community leaders and relevant networks working in the district level specifically gender is effectively mainstreamed in all activities
• Ensure that the donor guidelines are adhered to particularly in regards proper management of the project activities and compliances compliances as mentioned in the project singed contract. to grant acknowledgement and reporting
• Work closely with the MEAL officer to capitalize on technical experiences of the project
•  Coordinate processes for project evaluation, document and share lessons learned with development partners and other VSLA Groups stakeholders
•  In conjunction with the Head of programs and project team  maintain open and strong communication channels with the project key line directorates and ministries
• Any other task given by the head of the programs

Essential:

• Master or Bachelor in Development sector with special experience in management of women entrepreneurship groups working and loan savings and management with attractive network and mobilization skills.

• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience at a similar level managing an agribusiness, livelihoods, and/or agriculture projects with special focus on women empowerment and other community base social empowerment projects.
•  Experience in managing projects from donors such as UE, UN Women, Care Int, DFID, USAID, etc.
• Experience of line managing field officers
•  Proficiency in computer packages especially with Ms Word, outlook and Excel and other related packages
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English and local language as well.

Others

• Ability to work with minimum supervision and take initiative.
• Ability to solve problems and take corrective action.
• Commitment to international and humanitarian NGO codes, standards and practices.
•  Commitment to respect of DHSA  and donor procedures and policies
•  High level of integrity and high standards of personal conduct.

Please submit your CV and cover letter to jobs@dhsa.af clearly mention the vacancy number and job title in the subject line DHSA/TKG (02-24) Project Manager, Application without subject line will not be considered.

Note: Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.
DHSA/TKG is an equal opportunity employer and both genders are urged to apply.

Females are higly encouraged to apply.