About Rupani Foundation, Afghanistan

Rupani Foundation, Afghanistan is an international, not-for-profit and non-governmental organization, committed to fostering sustainable development across the country. The Foundation focuses on skill development, disaster risk reduction (DRR), reforestation and agricultural development, early childhood development (ECD), and education.

Rupani Foundation (RF) has been working in Afghanistan since 2008 with a focus on building prosperous, inclusive, and resilient local communities, RF is dedicated to eradicating extreme poverty through strong partnerships with local communities, donors, and collaborators to promote sustainable social and economic development.

Job Description:

As part of efforts to promote sustainable livelihood opportunities and economic empowerment, especially for youth and women, the Rupani Foundation, in partnership with UNWFP, is implementing a Gemstone Cutting & Polishing Training Program. Afghanistan is rich in precious and semi-precious stones, which, if properly processed, can generate significant income and employment. This training initiative aims to equip participants with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to transform raw gemstones into marketable products, supporting both individual livelihoods and the broader value chain in the gem industry.

General Responsibilities:

The Trainer will be responsible for delivering high-quality, hands-on vocational training in gemstone cutting, shaping, faceting, and polishing. This includes developing and updating training materials and lesson plans aligned with industry standards, while ensuring safety practices are followed. The trainer will assess trainee skill levels, monitor progress through practical evaluations, and provide mentorship to help graduates pursue employment or entrepreneurship opportunities.

Specific Duties:

• Deliver comprehensive, hands-on training in gemstone cutting, shaping/forming, and polishing, with a focus on semi-precious and precious stones.
• Introduce trainees to fundamental gemology, including gemstone identification, classification, properties, and safe handling practices.
• Demonstrate the correct operation, care, and maintenance of all relevant gemstone cutting and polishing tools and machinery.
• Continuously monitor and assess the technical progress of trainees, providing constructive feedback and tailored support to ensure skill development.
• Foster creativity, precision, and attention to detail to ensure the production of high-quality, market-ready gemstone products.
• Ensure a clean, organized, and safe training environment, promoting the proper handling and storage of all materials and equipment.
• Develop and update training materials, session plans, and maintain accurate records of trainee attendance, participation, and progress.
• Guide and support trainees in producing finished gemstone items for market linkage opportunities, exhibitions, or sales initiatives.
• Actively participate in team meetings, coordination sessions, and training-related activities as required by the project.
• Submit timely and detailed progress reports to the project manager team, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
• Perform any additional duties related to the training program as assigned by the line manager.

Job Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma with formal training or certification in gemstone cutting and polishing.
• Minimum of 3-4 years’ hands-on experience in GEM Training.

Other Skills

• Proficiency in using gem-cutting, forming, and polishing tools and machines.
• Prior experience as a vocational trainer or mentor is preferred.
• Patience, attention to detail, and strong teaching/communication skills.
• Basic record-keeping and reporting skills.
• Fluency in Dari and Pashto and or English is a plus.
• Good facilitation and communication skills for both literate and low-literacy audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity.

Rupani Foundation has a zero tolerance toward sexual exploitation and abuse and child abuse. RF takes seriously all concerns and complaints about sexual exploitation and abuse and child abuse involving RF employees and related personnel. All potential candidates will be subjected to rigorous background checks and controls.

Submission guidelines

If you have the expertise to take on this exciting opportunity, please apply online by sending your CV and motivation cover letter to hr@rupanifoundationaf.org and copy to info@rupanifoundationaf.org up to 13/6/2025. Please clearly indicate the position's vacancy number AD05-25 in the subject of your email, otherwise, your application will not be considered.

Rupani Foundation Afghanistan welcomes applications from all sections of the community and promotes diversity.  Although all applications will be considered on their individual merit, suitably qualified women candidates are especially encouraged to apply.  Due to high volumes of applications received, we can only correspond with short-listed applicants. Should you not have received feedback on your application within four weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.