The Aga Khan Foundation, Afghanistan (AKF (Afg)) is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of international, private, non-denominational development agencies working to improve living conditions and opportunities for people in some of the poorest parts of the developing world. The Network’s organizations have individual mandates that range from the fields of health and education to architecture, rural development and promotion of private-sector enterprise and institutions that seek to empower communities and individuals, usually in disadvantaged circumstances, to improve living conditions and opportunities.

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a non-denominational international development agency established in 1967 by His Highness the Aga Khan. Its mission is to develop and promote creative solutions to problems that impede social development, primarily in Asia and East Africa. Created as a private, non-profit foundation under Swiss law, it has branches and independent affiliates in 19 countries.
AKF seeks to provide sustainable solutions to long-term problems of poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and ill health. In Afghanistan, AKF works with rural communities in mountainous, remote or resource poor areas to improve quality of life in the areas of natural resource management, market development, governance, education, and health.

POSITION OBJECTIVE
Under the direct supervision of the project manager, the GRM communication and public outreach expert – EMERGe project will be assigned the tasks of overall project, Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), communication and public outreach including monitoring, and reporting will ensure that grievances are addressed in a timely manner and assure the effectiveness of ESM practices and system. He/ she will support the project manager and the project team in the successful implementation of the project from the initiation through the closure by coordinating the project, managing resources, and facilitating communication, presentation, and reporting. Under the technical supervision of the project manager, he/ she will take over the following responsibilities.

POSITION OBJECTIVE
Under the direct supervision of the project manager, the GRM communication and public outreach expert – EMERGe project will be assigned the tasks of overall project, Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), communication and public outreach including monitoring, and reporting will ensure that grievances are addressed in a timely manner and assure the effectiveness of ESM practices and system. He/ she will support the project manager and the project team in the successful implementation of the project from the initiation through the closure by coordinating the project, managing resources, and facilitating communication, presentation, and reporting. Under the technical supervision of the project manager, he/ she will take over the following responsibilities.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
•    Ensure availability and accessibility of key documents projects such as, SEA/SH action plan, Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP), Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEP), and other guidelines to the project team at all levels.
•    Oversee the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), ensuring it adheres to ESS and includes measures for timely, culturally appropriate communication, free from manipulation or coercion.
•    Facilitate a comprehensive understanding of ESM and GRM mechanisms within the project team.
•    Establish and maintain effective procedures for handling grievances related to ESM and GRM, ensuring compliance with Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) requirements in close collaboration with relevant teams.
•    Provide support, guidance, and training to the project team on ESM and GRM processes.
•    Evaluate the effectiveness of ESM and GRM practices and systems through regular assessments.
•    To ensure project activities comply with environmental regulations and WB standards, monitor complaints handling system and address measures to minimize negative effects.
•    Maintain accurate records related to ESM and GRM performance. Prepare regular reports on ESM and GRM activities for submission to the Project Implementation Unit (PIU).
•    Design and implement communication strategies that promote awareness and accessibility of the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM).
•    Tailor communication approaches different target audiences, including local communities, stakeholders, and vulnerable groups.
•    Organize and lead public outreach such as workshops, and online webinars to educate stakeholders about GRM processes.
•    Ensure that public outreach efforts are inclusive, particularly targeting disadvantaged groups and ensuring their voices are heard.
•    Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including community leaders, NGOs, government bodies, and media outlets.
•    Act as a liaison between the project and the public to ensure open lines of communication and address any concerns or queries.
•    Engage and maintain professional relationships with the team.
•    Ensure the establishment of GRM committees at Provincial, and District levels with clearly defined Terms of Reference (ToR).
•    Raise awareness among, Regional, Provincial teams, local authorities, and beneficiaries about GRM objectives and processes.
•    Conduct technical training and capacity-building workshops on GRM mechanisms.
•    Collaborate with the Safeguarding team to ensure the grievance mechanism addresses SEA/SH complaints.
•    Collaborate with the safeguarding the to improve the complaints process for the project at all levels, ensuring confidentiality, nondiscrimination, and respect for access to services.
•    Collaborate with the project manager on project plans, timelines, and progress tracking. Actively participate in meetings, presenting project objectives, and ensuring information dissemination among relevant parties.
•    Support the project manager in managing the project budget, tracking expenses, identifying variances, and contributing to budget forecasts.
•    Collaborate on the closure of the project, preparing closure reports, handing over deliverables, and documenting lessons learned.
•    To carry out the responsibilities of the role in a way which reflects AKF (Afg)'s commitment to safeguarding staff, beneficiaries and protecting children from harm and abuse in accordance with AKF (Afg)s Safeguarding policy.  
•    To report any suspicions or actual violations of the Safeguarding Policy and/or Child Safeguarding Policy as per the given training.

OCCASIONAL SIGNIFICANT DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
•    NA

JOB SPECIFICATION
•    University degree in environmental engineering, water resources management, social science, or a related field.
•    Knowledge of ESM/GRM system and standards, methods, procedures and policies of the WB and NEPA.  
•    Knowledge of Monitoring and evaluation methods, record keeping and procedures.
•    At least 5 years’ experience in project implementation, environmental and social management, GRM system, Monitoring and Evaluation in reputed international organizations or government.
•    Experience in project management will be considered as an advantage.
•    Fluency in English and local languages. And proficiency in computer applications is required.

REQUIRED CORE COMPETENCIES
•    Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
•    Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with stakeholders and team members.
•    Very good knowledge and experience in conflict resolution and problem-solving in community-driven development contexts.
•    Able to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

APPLICATION
Interested applicants should submit their CV along with a cover letter to Jobs.afghanistan@akdn.org no later than 07th October 2024.

Important Notes:
•    Please quote the Vacancy Number 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: Grade B based on NTA Salary scale.

Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to equal opportunity and safeguarding of children, beneficiaries, partners, community members and employees in accordance with AKF(Afg)’s safeguarding policy.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Your details and information shared on this advertisement shall remain confidential.

The Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan (AKF- Afg) 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.afghanistan@akdn.org. Please note that each job vacancy is assigned a unique identification number for your reference. After you submit your application, you will immediately receive an automatic confirmation acknowledging its receipt.

Aga Khan Foundation - Afghanistan (AKF- Afg) 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 AKF (Afg) implement a range of procedures and vetting checks including criminal records disclosures to ensure everyone associated with AKF (Afg) 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 AKF (Afg)s Safeguarding Policy at all times. 

By sharing your cover letter and resume with AKF (Afg) in response to this job application, applicants consent AKF (Afg) 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 AKF Afghanistan to AKFA.HR@akdn.org. Our commitment to ethical practices ensures that your career aspirations are supported without any financial burden during recruitment.