FIELD ADVISOR (Bamyan, Afghanistan)

Summary:

This activity serves to outline the main parameters for a geographical mapping scope that is needed to support a nuanced understanding of the ground context in Afghanistan and where there may be need for further peace building initiatives; research or strategic communications support as a part of the PSI program. Being an extremely complex environment, there are many factors that will weigh into the decisions as to where to operate and what to do, the below is not an exhaustive list, but through the mapping we would layer our understanding of these parameters in order to determine where we might want to prioritize for programming, and that where we program is made as a conscious decision in order to be proactive in our conflict sensitivity.

In order for USAID/OTI to effectively leverage their comparative advantage of offering flexible, timely, fast-disbursing support in a fluid and unstable environment, interventions must be based on deep local contextual understanding of the situations on the ground, which, in insecure areas like those where PSI is working, is often best provided by local field advisors who are from, live in, and are embedded within those communities. In order for PSI to ramp up activities in these areas, while learning about threats and opportunities to the peace process, and other contributing factors to both conflict and resilience, there is a need for PSI to have local field advisors, serving as our eyes and ears on the ground in these zones, to analyze current events and trends, provide up-to-the-minute analysis on local context, engage with local communities, and design activities and interventions based on that deep local contextual understanding for PSI to implement. These activities will assist communities in areas that either present opportunities for peace gains, or present the potential to spoil the peace process, to improve confidence building measures, recover from conflict, improve their resilience to future shocks, and empower change agents to more fully engage in the Afghan society and economy both during and post-peace agreement. Field Advisor reporting will allow PSI to understand and anticipate local needs in peace process, accurately advocate for local populations and build local resilience strategies, and develop targeted, responsive and impactful activities.

This is an NTA grade “C” position. The duration of the contract is for five months with possibility of the extension of the programme.

Background and Reporting:

The services to be provided by the Field Advisor will support the PSI Program peace building initiatives; research, strategic communication and capacity building support to local partners. PSI will design and implement interventions to assist communities in areas that either present opportunities for peace gains, or present the potential to spoil the peace process, to improve confidence building measures, recover from conflict, improve their resilience to future shocks, and empower change agents to more fully engage in the Afghan society and economy both during and post-peace agreement.

The Field Advisors will be under overall supervision of Senior Programme Management Specialist (Peace) and guidance of strategic communication technical team lead and directly reports to Field Coordination Officer. The incumbent will perform the followings;

Responsibilities:

• Provide updates and analysis of developments related to the political, conflict, legal and economic situation in the geographic target areas for PSI programming

• Develop and maintain networks among local civil society organizations, community-based organizations, and people involved in local initiatives for peace and development

• Identify needs and opportunities for PSI activities to support community empowerment for peacebuilding, conflict prevention, advocacy, economic growth, and leadership

• Upon prior arrangement with both the partner organization and DAI, visit partner organizations, attend events and otherwise monitor activities funded by USAID, and provide information to USAID and DAI on implementation of activities, success stories, obstacles and lessons learned

• Assist visiting USG and DAI staff and as appropriate in scheduling and facilitation of meetings

• Coach field staff in strategic understanding, contextual updates and analysis needs

• Eyes and hears of local grievances that could be explored as concept ideas

• Other tasks as may be required.

Deliverables:

Bi-weekly reports to their supervisor that include contextual updates (political, security, conflict, economic, social, etc.) and potential activity concepts to address emerging problems.
Other contextual updates and concept ideas will be shared with partners or potential partners for future activity design and current implementation consideration.

Background:

“DAI is an international consulting firm headquartered in the United States with registration in Afghanistan. DAI is accepting CVs from candidates for Field Advisors in the following locations Bamyan; Panjshir; Badakhshan; Balkh; Paktia; Faryab; & Helmand for a six-month USAID Office of Transitions Initiatives (OTI)-funded Afghanistan program. The program aims to enable the Government of Afghanistan to engage in and advance peace negotiations with the Taliban and to inform medium and long-term peacebuilding efforts.

Qualifications:

University degree in communications, public relations, social sciences, political science, or related field with 5 years relevant experience.
Strong local networks and understanding of provincial and regional dynamics;
Relevant experience in a related role working in/with government, in/with civil society or non-profit organizations, in/with international organizations required.
Demonstrated knowledge of the peace process in Afghanistan. 
Critical thinking and analytical skills required.
Strong computer skills (MS Office suite) required.
Experience with grants or small grants-under-contract programs preferred.
Fluency in English is desired

Candidates should only apply if they are based in one of these seven provinces

To apply: Please send your CV & Covering letter to below email address and include Field Advisor – Bamyan in the subject line of the application. 

Note: Applications without specific subject line will not be considered.

Submission Email
APSArecruitment@dai.com