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.

Finance Officer: We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Finance Officer to join our team at AICS. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the organization, including managing QuickBooks, ensuring compliance with NGO-specific taxation regulations, and facilitating communication with the Ministry of Finance. The Finance Officer will also be tasked with e-filing on the Ministry of Finance website, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in all financial matters.

• Manage and maintain financial records using Quick Books, ensuring that the budget line in all transactions is booked to the approved budget line, ensuring accuracy and compliance with relevant accounting standards.
• Manage petty cash funds, maintain petty cash journal, disburse funds for petty cash expenses, make petty cash payments in a timely manner and in consideration of AICS procedures, and reconcile petty cash expenses and advances on a daily and monthly basis.
• Process the staff monthly payroll on timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with taxation regulations specific to the NGO sector, Deposit in Government Treasury taxes and keep track of records of both soft and hard. Prepare and submit annual tax return documents for the organization and ensure to submit to MOF on time at the end of each physical year and acquire the MoF annual tax returns clearance letter.
• Reconcile bank accounts monthly and prepare bank reconciliation documents at the end of each month with supporting documents of the system (QB) and other forms.
• Expertly handle e-filing processes on the Ministry of Finance website, including submitting necessary financial reports and filings in a timely manner.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures to enhance internal controls and efficiency.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to provide financial insights, budgetary guidance, and support for grant applications and reporting.
• Support finance manager in overall general coordination, evaluation, management and supervision of the projects.
• Coordinate and support the audit exercise of the project throughout its duration, in addition to the financial reporting etc.
• Maintain proper communication and support to the team throughout the project duration.
• Uphold the highest standards of integrity in ensuring that the procurement procedures are free of conflicts of interest.
• Responsible for maintaining a proper filing system. This includes sorting, sequencing, and making sure that proper supporting documents are attached.
• Oversees the expenses with the implementation in coordination with the finance team.
• Contribute to the annual budgeting process and monitor budget variances, providing recommendations for corrective actions when necessary.
• This position is focused mostly on the finance and operations of all project with in the organization
• Perform any other appropriate tasks that support the overall project, as assigned by supervisor.

1. Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or a related field. Professional certification.
2. At least 6-7 years of work experience in the field of finance as an officer or accountant with national and international organizations especially.
3. Proven experience working with QuickBooks or similar accounting software, with a strong understanding of its functionalities for financial management.
4. In-depth knowledge of taxation regulations specific to NGOs, demonstrated through previous experience in managing tax-related matters within an NGO setting.

5. Excellent communication, Oral and written skills in English, Pashto and Dari, with the ability to effectively engage with internal teams and external stakeholders.
6. Proven work experience with MS office applications and excellent proficiency in Excel is a must.
7. Detail-oriented approach with a commitment to maintaining accurate financial records and reports.
8. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while managing multiple priorities with a high level of professionalism.

Application:
Interested applicants should submit their CV along with a cover letter to Jobs@aicsafg.org  no later than 14th November 2024. (First Come First Serve)

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.

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.

Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

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.