Improvement of Agriculture Training Organization (IATO) is a non-governmental, non-profit, and non-political organization that focuses on development and agriculture. Established in 2013, IATO has a history of training agriculture teachers for Agriculture High Schools, developing new curricula for Agriculture High Schools and Agriculture and Veterinary Institutes, equipping them with practical platforms, and offering agricultural, livestock, food, and nutrition. IATO’s thematic focus is agricultural services, research and development, food security and livelihood (FSL), and humanitarian assistance. Through its community-based approach, IATO has built strong relationships with communities and gained their trust by partnering with INGOs and public agencies such as UNICEF, WUR, HELVETAS, GIZ, World Bank's Afghan Skills Development Program (ASDPII), KFW, USAID's Catalyzing Afghan Agriculture Innovation (CAAI), and Afghanaid. The organization has earned an excellent reputation among donor organizations, partner organizations, public sector organizations, government officials, and other stakeholders because of its outstanding service delivery. IATO’s approach is to offer competency-based education programs to various target groups, host agriculture initiatives, and innovations, affiliate with top-ranked agriculture research hubs globally, and create numerous success stories in the field with noteworthy achievements.

Job Description

Prepares proposals by determining concept; gathering and formatting information; writing drafts; obtaining approvals. The Grant fundraiser works in many different industries to create clear, succinct documents that suggest a course of action or idea. The Grant fundraiser is expected to write well-- grammar, spelling and context all count. His/ her key asset would be the ability to write under tight deadlines, be organized and prepared, and have the ability to say much with a few words.

Responsibilities: 

• Determines proposal concept by identifying and clarifying opportunities and needs; studying requests for proposal (RFPs); attending strategy meetings.
• Meets proposal deadline by establishing priorities and target dates for information gathering, writing, review, and approval; entering and monitoring tracking data; coordinating requirements with contributors; contributing proposal status information to review meetings; transmitting proposals.
• Gathers proposal information by identifying sources of information; coordinating submissions and collections; identifying and communicating risks associated with proposals.
• Develops proposal by assembling information including project nature, objectives/outcomes/deliverables, implementation, methods, timetable, staffing, budget, standards of performance, and evaluation; writing, revising, and editing drafts including executive summaries, conclusions, and organization credentials.
• Prepares presentation by evaluating text, graphics, and binding; coordinating printing.
• Maintains quality results by using templates; following proposal-writing standards including readability, consistency, and tone; maintaining proposal support databases.
• Obtains approvals by reviewing proposal with key providers and Executive Director.
• Improves proposal-writing results by evaluating and re-designing processes, approach, coordination, and boilerplate; implementing changes.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; maintaining personal networks.
• Accomplishes organizational goals by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
• Manage grants by ensuring proper planning, budgeting, monitoring, and controlling of the activities and resources in accordance with IATO policies and procedures.
• To finalize the interventions and budget for new projects
• Represent the head of Strategy and Policy in negotiation with donors on changes of scope of the projects and budget (on need basis)
• Verify the accuracy and authenticity of financial records and reports prepared by the finance department.
• Coordinate project steering committee and oversight committee meetings,
• Ensure compliance with donor grant agreements and legal requirements for the project
• Check & review the quarterly and other periodical forecasts for donor and head office as required by the grant agreement
• Prepare periodic budget utilization sheet with the support of the finance department and submit to the MT.
• Perform risk analyses and propose changes to improve the systems and procedures in terms of increased effectiveness and efficiency for the grants
• Any other responsibilities assigned by the Executive Director.

• Proven experience as Grant fundraiser or relevant role;
• Minimum Bachelor degree in Finance, Business or related field, preferably master degree
• Should speaks in local languages Dari, Pashto and be fluent in English
• Understanding of business functions such as HR, Finance, marketing etc.;
• Demonstrable competency in strategic planning and business development;
• Experiences in fundraising;
• Presentation Skills, Written Communication, Graphic Design Skills, Technical Documentation, Layout Skills, Problem Solving, Deadline-Oriented, Process Improvement, Coordination, Strategic Planning, Market Knowledge
• Excellent research skills;
• Aptitude in decision-making and problem-solving;
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to the mission of IATO
• Flexible and able to multi-task;
• Ability to work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions;

• Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems;
• Planning and budgeting
• Ability to prepare financial statements.
• Understanding of accounting principles
• Strong management capability, encompassing planning and people management skills.
• Understanding of regulations & requirements of major international donors
• Proven ability to perform well in stressful situations (e.g. with tight deadlines etc), quality-oriented, proven ability to work independently and in teams
• Understanding of basics of project management.

Submission Guideline:

Interested and qualified candidates should submit a cover letter explaining their motivation and achievements and updated CV to the following email address: wafa.hotak@iato.org.af

 Please clearly state the Vacancy Announcement number and title of the position you are applying for in the subject line. The candidates who do not follow the above mentioned guidelines would not be considered for the mentioned post.

Due to the urgent need of the role, the interview may take place before the closing date of the post.