World Vision International is a nongovernmental, non-profit and humanitarian organization that provides Humanitarian services in more than one hundred countries around the world. This organization has been registered under the registration number (115) in the ministry of economy of Afghanistan that has activities in the far and non-developed areas of Ghor, Badghis, Faryab and Herat Provinces of Afghanistan from for over two decades. During these two decades, World Vision Afghanistan (WVA) has been addressing needs of children, their families and their communities in areas such as health and nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), food security and livelihoods, education and child protection.

The organization has been able to support more than 2.8 million Afghans, including 1.3 million children, through its various interventions in 2023.

Job Porpuse

The FSL Associate Sector Lead will be based at the WVA Herat National Office. S/he will spend at least 60% of the time in the field, supporting field teams in the overall management of Food Security, Livelihoods, NRM/DRR, and Cash-based projects. S/he will play a crucial role in design and implementation of projects, liaising with all FSL program stakeholders, building strong working relationships between WVA and regional working groups, FSAC, stakeholders (ANDMA, DoLSA, DoRR, DAIL, etc.), and peer agencies in Herat, Badghis, Faryab, and Ghor to enhance WVA’s profile in the targeted provinces of Afghanistan. The Associate Sectors Lead will ensure that programs adhere to the standards set by donors, align with WVA strategies, and comply with relevant government ministries.

Under the supervision of the FSL Sector Lead, and guidance of Program Development and Quality Director, the Associate Sector Lead will provide technical oversight and coordination to support Project Managers and field-based FSL technical teams in implementing FSL-related grants. S/he is expected to ensure adherence to WVA’s policies, tools, handbooks, and guidelines to improve the quality of activities and implement the Livelihoods and Food Security portfolio according to strategy, proposals, budgets, and plans of action. Additionally, S/he will provide backup support to field teams in managing budgets, ensuring that project activities and M&E data collection are on schedule, and regularly discussing ideas for project improvement in collaboration with Zonal Managers, Project Managers, and Officers responsible for FSL projects. The role also requires bringing new ideas and innovation within the WV FSL team and ensuring the quality implementation of initiatives through direct engagement with project teams on the ground.

Major Responsibilities 

Strategy Alignment & Program Development

Assist the Sector Lead in ensuring that WVA's Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) approaches and programs are aligned with the National Office Strategy and Our Promise.

Collaborate with the Program Development team to design new FSL-specific projects, providing technical input for all project proposals and concept notes.

Work closely with the PDQ team to engage with donors, effectively positioning new program ideas and models based on evidence.

Facilitate the active participation of women, men, girls, boys, adolescents, youth, and individuals with disabilities in developing and implementing strategies that address vital protection priorities, including conducting participatory assessments.

Support and collaborate with relevant government ministries and stakeholders at both national and provincial levels to identify innovative approaches that enhance access to quality FSL programming and standards.

Technical Support and Guidance: 

Ensure Cash Transfers and Voucher Assistance tools & implementation Guidelines/SMEB guides/SOPs/Feasibility Risks Assessments are developed and utilised by filed teams.

Ensure Financial Service Providers contracts /Agreements are prepared, signed and FSP are complying to WVA standards.

Ensure Cash Plus Programme initiatives of WVA such as cash for Education/Protection, Health/Nutrition, WASH is being implemented in line with technical standards and guidelines of CVWG and WVA standard practices

Ensure Cash for Work – Implementation Tools/Guidelines are streamlined across all the provinces and aligned to Afghan CWG standards. CfW Standard Operating Procedures are developed/reviewed in collaboration with the Project managers and field officers involved in Cash Based Programme of WVA

Collaboratively undertake a mapping/updating of CfW Assets for rehabilitation and protection projects within WVA targeted provinces. Ensure the priority projects are readily available for new project designs

Ensure Food Assistance Tools & Guidelines are available, updated, staff trained/oriented on use and are aligned to FSAC and CWG standards

Facilitate participatory review/development of SoP for Food Assistance programme of WVA

Ensure Agriculture Livelihoods–Tools/Training Resources/SoPs/Needs Assessment tools available, updated. and orient the field-based staff on the use of the tools.

Enhance FSL inputs catalogues, ensure all procurement requests raised by the field-based project staff are aligned to FSL technical specifications and ensure Procurement plans and Procurement requests for all projects are prepared by Project Managers/Coordinators in good quality and timely

Support the procurement team in the inspection and validation of FSL goods and items that are purchased for distribution to beneficiaries

Ensure Livestock’s Support in Emergency Guidelines and Standards (LEGS) are followed by WVA Project team.

Ensure Livestock Intervention Inputs Needs identified/ Technical Specifications provided /Trainings resources available/SoPs/Needs Assessments done to inform designs.

Ensure Start-up capital/Business Grants for Small Medium Enterprises in various project has appropriate Tools/SoPs.

Establish a centralised filing system for all FSL tools, guidelines and resources being used for FSL programmes in Afghanistan. Make the filing system accessible to all FSL teams in the field office

Assess Field level Capacity needs/gaps consultation with FSL Project managers, Zonal Managers and Officers and ensure appropriate technical support provided through on job training, coaching and mentorship.

Identify online training and in country technical trainings opportunities and ensure FSL field teams are regularly updating their knowledge and skills

During Monthly field support visits, organize hands on trainings on topical FSL programme areas appropriate to the projects being implemented

Participate in design of New and Innovative FSL proposals and concept papers. Ensure project design ideas are generated in collaboration with Zonal Managers, PMs and Coordinators in line with FSL Priority Objectives

Participate in Local Partners/Vendors Capacity strengthening Needs assessments and provide hands on coaching/mentoring/formal trainings throughout the partnership period.

Advocacy, Networking and External Engagement 

Attend regional cluster meetings and share the lessons and good practice in regional, provincial cluster meetings. Ensure Managers/Coordinators make monthly progress/lesson learned presentations during internal and cluster meetings

Attend Project inception phase meetings of the project to specify FSL related activities and scope of work

In coordination with the Zonal Manager and respective project managers establish and maintain liaison with relevant government departments.

Represent World Vision in local coordination forums and liaise with government officials and donors, UN-bodies and other partners wherever appropriate and required.

Where required effectively represent WV operations and mission when accompanying visitors, e.g. donor and/or Government representatives, journalists and other delegations to project sites

Reporting planning, Monitoring and Evaluation:

Ensure Food Security Livelihood, and Market Assessments including Post Distribution Monitoring Tools are up to date used and aligned to the standards of respective cluster working groups.

In collaboration with MEAL team, coordinate documentation of FSL program Evidence, lessons, good practice on a quarterly.

Organise and coordinate Monthly FSL projects reflection and review meetings with Project managers, coordinators and Officers. On a rotational basis, ensure the meetings are remotely hosted by the respective Managers/Coordinators.

Train FSL Field teams on documentation of Significant Change Stories/Impact Stories and ensure each province FSL team submit 1-2 Impact stories on a Quarterly basis.

Regularly update sector/context analysis using new data from REACH monitoring, IPC analysis and Cluster guidelines and standards for Afghanistan and Middle East Region.

Coordinate FSL Sector Assessments/Evaluations, Market/Livelihoods Assessments, MSNA Assessments, SFSA, PLSA in collaboration with MEAL and Field teams

Provide monthly updates to the humanitarian response FSAC, CVWG, and Report Hub

Other

Adhere to WV Child and Adult Safeguarding policy and standards.

Adhere to WV accountability standards.

To be aware and prepared to implement WV Afghanistan Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs plan

Required Education, training, license, registration, and/or Certification

Masters 's degree in Economics, Business administration, Social Science, Agricultural economics and any other relevant field

Proven ability to manage partnership relationships/consortiums including effective coordination with host country government

Experience in Fragile contexts is an added advantage

Experience in donor related program design and proposal development, including grant acquisition with public and private donors such as USAID/BHA, ECHO, FCDO, Canadian DFATD, Australian DFAT, etc. 

Understanding of the humanitarian architectures, clusters’ approach and humanitarian funding cycle is essential.  

Required Professional Experience

A minimum of 6 years of experience in a technical position related to Food Security and Livelihoods, business development, Natural Resource Management, or a related field in humanitarian settings, with comprehensive sector experience.

Proven track record in identifying resource opportunities and engaging with donors and partners on issues related to livelihoods and resilience building, as well as designing high-quality programs and budgets.

Experience in mentoring and coaching staff to enhance technical quality, along with mainstreaming efforts in key sectors, including WASH, Health & Nutrition, and Protection.

Demonstrated expertise in project design, management, monitoring, and evaluation, with experience working in international or local NGOs in relevant fields.

Required Language(s)

Fluency in English, Dari and/or Pashto, both written and spoken

Required travel and/or work environment accommodations

This position is based in Herat National Office with travel to WV’s operational areas across the country.

At least 60% of his/her time will spend in the field

Preferred Experience,  Knowledge and/or other Qualifications

Experience in design, implementing and managing of FSL, NRM projects in Afghanistan particularly Western, and Northern Afghanistan

Ability to draft good quality reports in English

Positive attitude, excellent communication skills, and excellent team worker

Demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities.

Demonstrate openness and willingness to learn about the application of gender/gender mainstreaming, equal’s rights, and diversity for all aspects of development and humanitarian work.

Experience in working with small scale farmers and conducting farmer trainings

Experience in working closely with local partner organisations and stakeholders throughout a programme cycle

Knowledge on Climate change and impacts on livelihoods/Agriculture sector

Experience in private sector engagement and market linkages

Ms. Office Applications

he application closing date is 11-Nov-2024. Qualified applicants can apply for the position by filling in the online application form in WV Career portal. applicants can also attach their CV and cover letter in the online system. Please note that only the applications received through the online portal will be considered for this position.

Applicants can login to WV online application system by copying and pasting the following link into their browser.

Note: Female qualified cancdidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Only shortlisted candiates will be contacted.

Submission Guidline 

Careers