WASH Project Manager

Who we are: NQA is a non-governmental, non-political and non-profit organization. NQA is dedicated to the advancement of education and health in remote and neglected regions of Afghanistan, with a specific focus on and commitment towards women and girls.

Our vision: an educated, healthy and balanced society in which women and men lead together social, cultural and economic changes in an inclusive manner that enable their children - boys and girls- to thrive.

Our mission: improve access to education and health in particular for women and girls of marginalized communities in remote areas of the country: mobilize local communities to build strong and empowered communities and foster change through sustainable development of rural Afghanistan.

NQA implements projects by Afghans, with Afghans and for Afghans. The association is committed to strengthening the dignity, self-confidence and initiative of the population in general, and of women and girls in particular.

For information on our projects, see www.nai-qala.org.

Position Overview:

The WASH Project Manager will lead the implementation of the WASH project under AHF fund in Khedir District, in Daikundi Province, focusing on sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions in a challenging environment. This role involves managing project staff, coordinating with partners and stakeholders, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, and integrating gender-sensitive approaches. The manager will oversee technical designs, community engagement, and risk mitigation while adhering to security protocols and cultural norms.

Responsibilities

1.     Project Planning and Implementation

1.1  Develop and update project work plans, timelines, and budgets in coordination with relevant departments.

1.2  Ensure timely delivery of WASH infrastructure (e.g., water systems, latrines) and hygiene promotion activities

1.3  Conduct field visits to monitor progress and resolve challenges in remote/rural areas

2.     Staff Management & Capacity Building

2.1  Lead a team of engineer, hygiene promoters, and support staff

2.2  Facilitate training on WASH standards, hygiene training, gender inclusion, and community engagement.

2.3  Conduct performance reviews, assess staff training needs and nurture a collaborative work environment.

2.4  Facilitate regular meetings for project alignment and knowledge sharing among staff. 

2.5  Promote teamwork and effective internal communication.

3.     Stakeholder Coordination

3.1  Liaise with donors, sectorial authorities, partners, and local institutions in coordination with Liaison Manager,

3.2  Facilitate community consultations to ensure ownership and sustainability.

3.3  Represent NQA in donor meetings, and other related  coordination forums

4.     Technical Oversight

4.1  Coordinate with technical staff to ensure WASH designs align with national standards, donor requirements, and recognized guidelines (e.g., SPHERE), where applicable.

4.2  Supervise construction quality and safety, using tools required software.

5.      Compliance, Reporting, and Budget Management

5.1  Follow financial and operational guidelines of NQA and donors.

5.2  Prepare progress reports, case studies, final evaluations, and learning outcome assessments

5.3  Ensure media materials (photos/videos) are collected with consent, appropriately stored, and reflect project achievements.

5.4  Oversee and monitor expenditure, ensuring efficient resource allocation

5.5  Track procurement and logistics related to WASH activities

5.6  Maintain project related filing systems, both digital and physical.

5.7  Collaborate closely with finance, HR, and procurement for documentation and accountability.

6.     Risk Management & Security

6.1  Apply NQA’s safety protocols to protect staff and beneficiaries

6.2  Proactively address project risks such as cultural sensitivities, remote access, or policy shifts

6.3  Ensure programming is conflict-sensitive and inclusive

7.     Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEAL)

7.1  Coordinate with the MEAL team to support monitoring activities.

7.2  Contribute to document lessons learned with the MEAL team and refine strategies for improved impact.

7.3  Use MEAL findings to inform adaptive project management.

Qualifications and Experience

·        Education: Bachelor's degree (Master degree preferred) in a field relevant to WASH (e.g., civil engineering, hydraulic engineering, environmental engineering, public health, water and sanitation engineering, hydrogeology/hydrology) or related field.

·        Experience: Minimum 5 years managing WASH project in Afghanistan, preferably in NGO context.

·        Technical Skills:  Proficiency in WASH methodologies, Water GEM, civil 3D AutoCAD/GIS, and Microsoft office.

·        Languages: Fluency in English and Dari/Pashto.

·        Soft Skills: Strong leadership, negotiation, and cultural sensitivity. Ability to work under pressure and independently.

Preferred Qualifications

·        Experience in the context of Daikundi with WASH interventions and donor reporting (e.g., AHF).

·        Knowledge of gender mainstreaming in WASH programming.

Working Conditions

·        Based in Kabul Province with frequent travel to Daikundi and rural sites.

·        Adherence to strict with the NQA policies and guideline.

•           Commitment to NQA’s values

Nai Qala Association (NQA) is an equal-opportunity employer committed to transparent, open, fair, and merit-based recruitment.

NQA maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards protection on sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PSEAH), abuse of authority, discrimination, and all other forms of misconduct. The organization is firmly committed to safeguarding and protecting children and adults at risk. Successful candidates will be required to comply fully with all applicable NQA policies, procedures, codes of conduct, and safeguarding standards. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the satisfactory completion of reference and background checks.  

Applicants must not attempt to influence the recruitment process through inappropriate contact, lobbying or interference. Such conduct, or repeated inappropriate follow-up, may result in disqualification.

Qualified applicants who are exactly suitable with the above criteria are requested to send their applications + CVs through this link: 

https://forms.gle/y89wpiSpB5izXchS6