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Position Title: Deputy Head of Programming
Location: Kabul, Herat, Ghor, Daykundi, Bamiyan
Country: Afghanistan
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
CRS (Catholic Relief Services) is a humanitarian organization that works to save, protect, and transform lives in need across more than 100 countries. Established in 1943, CRS focuses on relief and development programs that encompass Emergency response, health, Agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. In Afghanistan, CRS has been operational since 2002, employing hundreds of experienced Afghan staff and maintaining a presence in various provinces. The organization is committed to addressing the urgent needs of communities affected by conflict, drought, and other crises, while also pursuing long-term development initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Head of Programming (DHP) will play a crucial role in providing strategic direction and management for the Country Program's (CP) programming efforts. This position complements the Head of Programming (HOP) in ensuring the establishment and successful implementation of high-quality programs that serve the poor and vulnerable populations. The DHP will leverage their management and programming skills to enhance the quality and impact of the CP's initiatives. Responsibilities include leading project Design, coordinating planning activities, managing team dynamics, and fostering a culture of learning and accountability within the organization. The DHP will also be involved in resource mobilization strategies and partnership development to optimize programming interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The DHP will be responsible for several key duties, including:

• Collaborating with the HOP to provide strategic direction for the design of CP strategic frameworks and plans.
• Leading and contributing to high-quality project design that adheres to project management standards and MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) methods.
• Coordinating the planning of activities for specific projects to ensure integration and efficiency in implementation.
• Managing talent and supervising team members, including providing coaching and performance assessments.
• Promoting a safe environment for sharing ideas and addressing challenges.
• Ensuring accountability and knowledge management as part of the MEAL policy implementation.
• Coordinating with operations staff for project budgeting and resource stewardship.
• Identifying and strengthening partnerships and overseeing capacity sharing for local partners.
• Contributing to Business Development efforts by ensuring quality proposals. 1
• Coordinating technical assistance and capacity strengthening for project teams and partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to see the big picture and make sound judgments. Excellent relationship management abilities are essential, as is the capacity to relate to individuals at all levels. Demonstrated financial management and planning skills are required, along with team leadership abilities. Proficiency in presentation and facilitation skills is necessary, as well as a proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented approach. Candidates should be able to adapt to an environment with limited comforts and maintain focus in stressful situations.

Educational Background:
A Master's Degree in International Development, International Relations, or a relevant field is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of Program Management in a humanitarian context.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of work experience in a program management position with progressive responsibilities in an international NGO is required. Experience in emergency response programming and/or Basic Needs and services programming is a plus. Candidates should have a strong background in project Grants Management, including project design, proposal writing, budget preparation, and monitoring and evaluation, preferably for projects funded by multiple public donors, including USAID.

Languages:
Fluency in English, with very strong written and oral skills, is mandatory. Proficiency in Dari or Pashto is considered a plus, as it would enhance communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The position requires a willingness to travel up to 50% of the time to various CRS provincial offices, including Herat, Ghor, Daykundi, and Bamiyan, as well as to Kabul for Coordination meetings. Occasional international travel may also be required. The role includes supervisory responsibilities for the MEAL Technical Advisor and the Basic Needs and Services Program Manager, with additional supervisory responsibilities to be confirmed. This position is full-time and is part of CRS's commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.