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 Community-Based Education (CBE) program aims to provide access to quality education for children in remote and underserved areas of Afghanistan. As part of the program, School Improvement Plans (SIPs) are being implemented to enhance learning environments in government schools. This includes minor infrastructure improvements and the provision of essential facilities to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for students and teachers.

To support these efforts, an Engineer will be hired to oversee, assess, and implement the technical components of SIPs, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with donor and government guidelines.

The Engineer will:

1. Support the implementation of SIP-related infrastructure activities in selected government schools (Hub-Schools).
2. Ensure that all technical work aligns with the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Ministry of Economy (MoEc) standards, as well as donor requirements.
3. Provide technical expertise and ensure quality control throughout the project lifecycle.

   Key Responsibilities

4. Assessment and Planning
   • Conduct technical assessments of selected government schools to identify infrastructure needs (e.g., classroom repairs, boundary walls, toilets, water systems, ramps for accessibility).
   • Collaborate with PED/DEDs, NRC regional staff and other related staff or organization to finalize SIP priorities.
   • Prepare detailed work plans and timelines for approved infrastructure activities under the SIPs.
5. Design and Cost Estimation
   • Develop designs, technical drawings, and cost estimates for minor construction, repairs, and renovations in alignment with local standards and regulations.
   • Ensure that designs prioritize safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability.     
   • Deliverables
6. Detailed technical assessment reports for all targeted schools.
7. Approved designs, technical drawings, and cost estimates for SIP activities.
8. Completion of all planned infrastructure activities within the agreed timeline and budget.
9. Final report summarizing achievements, challenges, and lessons
10. Procurement and Quality Assurance
    • Assist in the procurement of construction materials and services by providing specifications and verifying quality.
    • Conduct site visits to monitor ongoing work, ensuring compliance with technical standards and timelines.
11. Coordination and Capacity Building
    • Coordinate with local authorities, school management committees, and other stakeholders to ensure community involvement in SIP implementation.
    • Provide on-site technical guidance to local contractors, laborers, and community members involved in construction activities.
12. Reporting and Documentation
    • Prepare progress reports, including technical assessments, work completion status, and challenges faced.
    • Document lessons learned and provided recommendations for future infrastructure-related activities in the CBE program.

13. Commitment for Child Protection and Safegaurding Policy:

14. 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.
15. Having strong committement for the AICS SEAH Policy and code of conduct.

• • Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp).
  • Strong understanding of construction materials and techniques in Afghanistan.
  • Excellent communication skills to engage with communities and stakeholders.
  • Experience working with donor-funded programs and government systems is preferred.
• • Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp).
  • Strong understanding of construction materials and techniques in Afghanistan.
  • Excellent communication skills to engage with communities and stakeholders.
  • Experience working with donor-funded programs and government systems is preferred.
  • Fluency in Dari and/or Pashto; working knowledge of English is an advantage.
  • Frequent travel to remote and insecure areas to monitor and assess school infrastructure.
  • Coordination with local communities, government representatives, and implementing partners under challenging circumstances.

  • The Engineer will submit weekly progress updates to the Project Manager/Education Officer in Faryab, and a final report at the end of the assignment.

Interested applicants should submit their CV along with a cover letter to Jobs@aicsafg.org  no later than 25th December 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 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.

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