Civil society has long been a key factor in addressing a full range of issues in the social, cultural, religious, humanitarian, and political life of Afghanistan. With the focus on the transition to Afghan leadership, civil society, particularly local and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs), have the potential to play an important and complementary role in Afghanistan in the delivery of the government’s priority programs, in supporting improved governance, in connecting the wider Afghan population to the state, and in advocating for the vulnerable and excluded.

NGOs in Afghanistan face challenges, including financial and capacity gaps and a public trust deficit, in their endeavors to play such a role effectively. The government, the international community, and civil society have been considering methods by which to support NGOs to address these challenges and realize their potential, dating back to discussions at the Conference on Enabling Environment for Effective Private Sector Contribution to Development in Afghanistan in June 2007. One of the outcomes of these considerations was the formation of a working group, with representation from international and national NGOs, key national NGO networks, and civil society professionals, to establish an organization that will enable NGOs to address these challenges.

The Afghanistan Institute for Civil Society (AICS) objectives are:

1. To raise the credibility of the civil society sector by certifying local NGOs using locally defined and internationally recognized standards.
2. To systemize capacity-building efforts by coordinating initiatives using measurable performance indicators.
3. To strengthen the role of civil society in Afghanistan’s development through policy dialogue and active engagement with the government, donors, and the broader development sector.
4. To provide a channel for resources for civil society by strengthening philanthropic and corporate social responsibility efforts.

The Education manager will lead the implementation, coordinator, and administration of education program, community base education (CBE), Early Childhood Development (ECD) and other educational programs. This role involves strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, donors and ensuring the program meet their objectives within the allocated timeframe and budget. The position required close coordination with local communities, government agencies, stakeholders, partners INGOs/NGOs and donor agencies to ensure the delivery of high quality educational services that meet the needs of the childrens in underserved areas.

The Education Manager, manages AICS education programs in Kabul, provinces and respective districts in accordance to AICS policy, education program directives and yearly work plans. The E-Manager is responsible for supervising the planning, budgeting, implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting of AICS education programs. The education manager will supervise the eduction team at national, provincial and districts level

Technical Advice and support:

• Provides leadership and management through assisting the regional teams in planning and implementing of programmes;
• Leads the education team in executing of the overall programmes activities and interventions in the field;
• Provides intensive mentoring support to the regional teams;
• Ensures that all the monthly action  plans are developed on the basis on the quarterly action plans       

 Programme Planning and delivery:

• Design and develop policies, procedures, SOPs and requirement mechanisms for education department as per the national and international standards.
• Oversees the implementation of programs, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.

Programme effectiveness:

• Oversees education activities to ensure that they are run in accordance to AICS policy, education program directives;
• Supervises Education officer that in turn supervices District Teacher Educators, Education (DTEEs) and ensures that their work performance meets expectations and they carry out their duties in a responsible, honest and efficient manner in accordance to AICS job performance criteria;
• Follow ups on regional team’s Regularly visits to all AICS Education programs schools at the area office level and ensures that the team are conducting their activities in accordance to donors and project work plans and policies;
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of programs, making adjustments as necessary to improve outcomes;
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of program coordinators, educators, and support staff.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback and professional development opportunities;
• Foster a collaborative and positive team environment;
• Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of CBE and ECD programs.
• Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, activities, and resource allocation.
• Ensure programs align with organizational goals and comply with national educational standards and policies.
• Manage program budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor program activities and collect data.

• Conduct regular field visits to monitor program activities and collect data.

Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, parents, Shuras and local stakeholders.
• Facilitate community participation in the design, implementation, and monitoring of educational programs.
• Conduct regular community meetings to gather feedback and address concerns.

Staff Management and Capacity Development:

• Ensures to identify capacity building and professional development area for them, and plays a key role in the performance management of the staff at the area office level;
• Oversees the Leading of the education team based in area office and in the fields to ensure that they perform their duties in responsible, effective and efficient manner in accordance with their job description;
• Train and support local educators and volunteers in CBE and ECD methodologies.
• Develop training materials and workshops to enhance teaching skills and educational practices.
• Promote continuous professional development for educational staff.

Resource Management/Mobilization:

• Resource Development
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities to support CBE and ECD initiatives.
• Develop project proposals and grant applications for education and other funding opportunities.
• Support and constantly provide updates and report to AICS leadership, board and donors whenever required.
• Work closely with other program teams, support funding opportunities and resource mobilization.
• Manage donor relationships and ensure compliance with donor requirements.
• Any other task assigned by line manager (Executive Director).
• Advocacy and Partnership
• Advocate for policies and practices that support community-based education and early child development.
• Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to promote educational equity.
• Represent the organization at relevant forums and events.
• Resource Management:
• Ensures the sound the process of purchasing requests of the materials and equipments for the education stakeholders, and ensures about the quality and on-time distribution all the resources to the relevant stakeholders;
• Keeps the recording of the handover of the resources and materials, and monitors the utilization of the resources delivered to the governmental institutions and communities. Also manages the utelization of the office equipments by the staff.
• Collaborate with procurement and logistics teams to secure necessary resources and manage inventories effectively.
• Continuously assess resource needs and adjust allocations to align with program priorities and organizational goals.

Communication, Reporting and Updates:

• Prepares monthly program progressive reports on the monthly basis considering the financial performance, program delivery considering the targets for each activity and monthly cash requests;
• Maintains regular communication with RCE & RME for all the significant issues and policy matters on program implementation;
• Ensures that all programs comply with relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
• Oversees the preparation and submission of regular reports on program progress, resource utilization, and outcomes to senior management and donors.
• Manages data collection and analysis to inform program improvements and decision-making.Complies and shares the lessons learned, program success stories, and challenges to ensure that the program activities are delivered efficiently and effectively through field monitoring.

Representation:

• Builds and maintains relationships with key stakeholders, including educational institutions, community organizations, government agencies, and donors;
• Represents the organization at meetings, conferences, and other events to promote the education programs;
• Works closely with the communications team to develop outreach strategies to increase program visibility.
• Maintains good relations with the local authorities; and
• Attends MOE, PEDs’, donor and stakeholders meetings at provincial, national and regional level.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks to assess program effectiveness.
• Prepare and submit detailed reports on program outcomes and impact.
• Maintain close coordination with Education and other relevant cluster.
• Submit reports and sufficient required the education cluster for the dashboard on monthly basis in close coordination with the M&E team.

Commitment for Child Protection and Safegaurding Policy:

• Carries out the responsibilities of the role in a way which reflects AICS’s commitment to protecting children in accordance with the AICS’s Child Safeguarding Policy and advocates for the rights of children.
• Having strong committement for the AICS SEAH Policy and code of conduct.
• Administration:
• Overseeing the Planning and execution of the activities in line with the budget
• Technical :
• Provides technical support to the Education team in HQ and regions.
• Is responsible for overall result and outcome of the activities executed in the area office.
• Geographical Scope:
• HQ & Provinces
• Logistical
• Works closely with Operations department
• HR/ staffing
• Supervise the entire education team’s performance.
• Finance
• Oversees the expenses with the implementation in coordination with the finance team.
• Any other task assign by line manager.

This position is focused mostly on the program delivery and staff management of all Education      programs

• Strong understanding of CBE and ECD principles and practices.
• Proven experience in program design, implementation, and evaluation
• High level of interpersonal skills and Proven ability to work with remote communities;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in Dari, Pashto and English languages
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools.
• Strong leadership, team management, and resource management skills.
• Strong motivation to improve education and ready to work in hard and remote areas
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work under tight deadlines.

Interested applicants should submit their CV along with a cover letter to Jobs@aicsafg.org  no later than 08th September 2024. 

Important Notes: 
•    Please quote the Vacancy Number and Position Title 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: Based on the organization & NTA Grade C salary scale.

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 on 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 to info@aicsafg.org. Our commitment to ethical practices ensures that your career aspirations are supported without any financial burden during recruitment.

Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

The organization has the right to start the recruitment process during the announced period (first come first serve)