Note this position is open to female candidates only.

About CRS 

CRS began working with local partners in Afghanistan in 1998 and launched its own direct operations in 2002. CRS carries out development and emergency relief efforts in Afghanistan with a focus on rural livelihoods through diverse programs that promote food security, natural resource management, and access to quality primary school education for marginalized communities and emergency response as needs arrive. CRS currently maintains 5 main provincial offices in Kabul, Bamiyan, Ghor, Daikundi and Herat provinces, as well as sub-offices that support the direct implementation of program activities.

The Fellowship Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the CRS Afghanistan national Fellowship Program as part of the country program’s workforce development strategy. She will be responsible for refining the design of the program in collaboration with the Senior Management Team (SMT) and HR, guiding Fellows throughout the program lifecycle, and facilitating all program activities, including mentorship and professional development opportunities.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Ensures the design of the Fellowship Program (e.g. recruitment, training, workplan, supervision, mentorship, etc.) addresses specific workforce gaps, provides fresh graduates with an opportunity to integrate the knowledge and skills acquired in their field of expertise to CRS Afghanistan’s programs and operations, and offers strong retention potential for program graduates, in collaboration with the SMT and HR.
• Develops a comprehensive learning plan (learning objectives and curriculum), program content and structure necessary to facilitate the growth and development of the fellows into strong candidates for future job opportunities with CRS Afghanistan.
• Develops core materials for program management and implementation including detailed implementation plan, training calendars, orientation and onboarding materials, learning tools and guidance for Fellows, and guidance for supervisors and mentors.
• Supports recruitment of Fellows in collaboration with the HR Recruitment Lead by refining/developing the program’s recruitment strategy, spearheading outreach initiatives including soliciting referrals, creating the program overview, creating interview materials, and conducting trainings and workshops for colleagues involved in the recruitment and hiring process.
• Works with the Senior Management Team to identify a strong supervisor and mentor for each Fellow, facilitates training for supervisors and mentors on their role, and provides regular support throughout the program to ensure effective supervisor and mentor relationships that support the development of the Fellows’ skills, capacities, and experiences.
• Guides Fellows throughout the program lifecycle with the support of supervisors, mentors, the SMT, and HR – from recruitment, orientation, and workplan completion to performance assessment, graduation, and transition to onward roles within CRS Afghanistan.
• Coordinates with other CRS teams to include Fellows and mentors in professional development series for similar audiences and/or other learning opportunities, including organizing and facilitating meetings and conference calls.
• Regularly collects and analyzes program data from key stakeholders (e.g. Fellows, supervisors, mentors) to adapt and refine the program accordingly in consultation with the SMT.
• Develops and tracks key performance indicators of program success (e.g., program completion rate, retention upon graduation, success in onward roles, etc.).
• Manages the program budget, including reviewing the BCR monthly with the finance team to ensure spending is on track.
• Ensures that the program adheres to and Fellows are aware of CRS’ Safeguarding Policies and Procedures.
• Prepares fact sheets, lessons learned documents, and presentations for internal and external audiences as required.
• Assumes other HR, program management, execution, and improvement activities as assigned by her supervisor.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or other relevant degree preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years work experience in workforce development programs, fellowship management programs, or HR, preferably with an international organization.
• Minimum of 2 years managing or supervising one or more staff; remote supervision experience using digital tools an asset.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring young professionals strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of program design and management, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Knowledge of adult learning methods and capacity strengthening practices.
• Knowledge of operating context and related laws and regulations.
• Proficient in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, outlook).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Good planning, coordination, prioritization, and time management skills
• Effective communication skills and ability to cultivate a safe and empowering learning environment
• Strong emotional intelligence to handle workplace conflicts and dynamics
• Good analytical skills with ability to make independent judgment and decisions
• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team environment

Preferred Qualifications 

• Proficient in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, outlook).

Supervisory Responsibilities: (if none, state none): none.

Key Working Relationships:  

Internal: HR, REDI, Program and Operations departments 

External: Educational institutions, organizations, and fellowship job seekers 

Required Languages – Excellent English and Dari is required, Pashto is a plus.

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 30%. 

"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):

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.  

• Integrity  
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation 
• Builds Relationships  

• Develops Talent 
• Strategic Mindset 
• Accountability & Stewardship 

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., August 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.