Senior Program Officer (Helmand, Afghanistan)

Program Background:

The project aims at responding to the compound crisis of large-scale conflict displacement and COVID-19 pandemic in Helmand Province. The program will respond to the urgent needs of the displaced population, providing life-saving health services. RI planned interventions include provision of emergency trauma-related medical supplies and equipment, and PPE and IPC supplies to existing health facilities, ambulatory services support, provision of laboratory reagents and support to blood banking services, capacity building for health care providers, support for community health workers (CHW), COVID-19 risk communication and community sensitization campaigns, in addition to the distribution of hygiene kits.

Position Summary:

The Senior program officer will lead the overall project implementation in Helmand province under the supervision of the Humanitarian Program Manager at Kabul level. The Senior program Officer will be responsible for initiating the response, developing workplans and spenddown plans, liaising with key stakeholders, community sensitization, activity implementation monitoring and follow-up, supporting and providing technical support to the team, and submitting progress reports.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Overall responsibility of the timely and effective implementation of the project’s activities, achieving the target indicators and meeting the grant’s objectives.
• Support the planning and coordination of the sensitization and mobilization interventions at the targeted communities and raise the awareness about the services provided.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with relevant government departments, community-based structures, and national and international NGO’s at the provincial level. 
• Represent RI and participate in field level coordination meetings as required.
• Provide support to field teams to ensure timely, effective, and efficient project implementation in line with the donor’s regulations.
• Support the capacity building of the team and/or mentoring activities for all project staff.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor progress and consult with key stakeholders to identify gaps and needs to take corrective measures within appropriate timelines.
• Conduct regular meetings with beneficiaries, community-based structures, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
• Conduct project team coordination meetings on weekly and monthly basis and prepare weekly and monthly reports and report to the HPM.
• Overall responsibility of ensuring safety standards for RI staff and property in close coordination with RI security focal point.
• Support the procurement and delivery of goods to various field sites in a timely manner to address program and operational needs without gaps.
• Develop and follow up on the spending plan and BVA reviews and liaise with the finance and operations teams to ensure alignment with the grant regulations.
• Follow up on achieving targets as indicated in the project proposal.
• Prepare and submit sound and timely project progress reports, highlighting issues of concern for RI, partners and donors.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with RI/MRCA policies and procedures with respect to child protection, PSEA, code of conduct, health and safety, and other relevant policies and procedures.
• Establish a community complaint and feedback mechanism.
• Contribute to compilation and documentation of lessons learnt from the project.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

About Relief International (RI):

Relief International is a leading non-profit organization working in 16 countries to relieve poverty, ensure well-being and advance dignity. We specialize in fragile settings, responding to natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and chronic poverty. Relief International combines humanitarian and development approaches to provide immediate services while laying the groundwork for long-term impact. Our signature approach — which we call the RI Way—emphasizes local participation, an integration of services, strategic partnerships, and a focus on civic skills. In this way, we empower communities to find, design and implement the solutions that work best for them.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• This position demands a dynamic, passionate team player with a demonstrated ability to achieve results in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
• Must be a medical degree holder from a recognized medical school.
• At least 3 years’ experience in project management in complex humanitarian response projects, more specifically, health sector response.
• Demonstratable experience of budget management.
• Demonstratable ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and tasks efficiently in a high-stress, fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrable experience of working in conflict/volatile security contexts.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills
• Excellent time management skills, resourcefulness, with strong attention to detail.
• Familiarity with key international standards for humanitarian work (e.g. SPHERE,).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office packages including PowerPoint, Excel, Word etc.
• Excellent representation, presentation, and communication skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
• Strong verbal and written skills in Dari/Pashto.

Relief International’s Values:

We uphold the Humanitarian Principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and operational independence. We affirmatively engage the most vulnerable communities. We value:

• Inclusiveness
• Transparency and accountability
• Agility and innovation
• Collaboration
• Sustainability

To be considered for this recruitment, please submit a cover letter, CV, 3 professional supervisory references (whom we may contact after a second interview) with the date of availability to  vacancies.afghanistan@ri.org.  The email subject line should include the following: “Senior Program Officer” Vacancy (RI-AFG-ECHO-004). Failure to do so will result in rejected applications.

Due to the large volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Relief International is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnic origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability.  In an effort to improve the gender balance within the organization, qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Submission Email
vacancies.afghanistan@ri.org