What we are looking for

NRC is looking for an Area Programme Manager to join the Afghanistan mission. The role holder will be responsible for implementing integrated programmes and representing NRC at coordination forums, as well as improving management capacities and programmatic quality in the Central & East Area Office. This position will line manage senior programme staff, overseeing field implementation and leading on other programme development initiatives.

If you are an influential people leader and effective communicator; who is action-oriented and execution-driven; with experience in defining, planning, and shaping strategies and initiatives; and the ability to meet new challenges; then this is the role for you!

** This position is only open to internal NRC employees who have the legal eligibility work in Afghanistan. NRC is unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships for this position **

What you will do

• Area Office programmes strategic development.
• Programmatic strategy development for emergency and transitional solutions responses.
• Integrated, multi-sector programmes promotion, support, and drive.
• Project cycle management, including proposal development, budget management, reporting, etc.
• Line management of staff. Staff capacity building, training, and support in accordance with capacity gaps and training needs.
• Represent NRC in external forums/cluster/working groups.
• Stakeholder management.

What you will bring

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Management experience in a humanitarian/recovery context.
• Area management expertise.
• Cash-based interventions and market-based programmes knowledge.
• Emergency-based interventions experience.
• Complex, and volatile context exposure.
• Afghanistan context exposure and knowledge.
• English fluency, both written and verbal. Knowledge of Dari and Pashto.

What makes this position attractive?

• The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is complex, protracted, and worsening. The country recently underwent a regime change in a short space of time. The current regime has limited resources and/or systems in place to provide basic services. In addition to this, internal displacement has taken place due to conflict, climate change, and the economic crisis currently experienced in the country. Afghanistan is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with a risk of systemic collapse and human catastrophe.
• The Central & East Area Office comprises of a diverse and committed team of 400 staff, a portfolio of NOK. 70 million, six thematic areas, emergency responses teams, and two camps in earthquake-response areas.
• This is an opportunity to contribute to the protection and assistance of vulnerable and crisis-affected women, girls, boys, and men. NRC Afghanistan is one of the leading humanitarian response agencies (particularly for Afghans forced to flee), maintaining a presence of 12 offices and over 1,000 staff in 14 provinces across the country. NRC Afghanistan is the largest INGO in the country, at a programmatic, field coverage, and staff count level.
• Meaningful work that responds to the diverse needs, priorities, and concerns raised by beneficiary communities. NRC Afghanistan meets immediate humanitarian needs, prevents further displacement, and contributes to durable solutions.
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to join our work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility. Female staff are able to actively work at NRC Afghanistan.
• Learn more about NRC’s operation in Afghanistan here.

What we offer

• Kabul, Afghanistan duty station.
• Permanent contract.
• 50% travel, approximately.
• Grade 9 in NRC’s Salary Scale, with accompanying terms and conditions. NRC offers a competitive compensation and benefits package.
• NRC is an equal opportunities employer and aims to have staffing diversity in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability.
• We think outside the box, encourage ideas, and give responsibility to all employees at all levels. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.
• Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC.

Important information about the application process

• To apply log in with your official NRC email address or click on Opportunity Marketplace.
• This position is only open to internal NRC employees who have the legal eligibility work in Afghanistan. NRC is unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships for this position.
• When creating your profile, include your full name as per your passport.
• Apply by completing all the system-required fields of your experience, employment history, and education in your application.
• Ensure to attach your latest CV.
• Submit your application and CV in English.
• Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. NRC is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role and you meet most, but not all the requirements, we encourage you to apply anyway.
• Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered.
• Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We receive many applicants for each vacant position. Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to give detailed feedback to applicants who have not been shortlisted.
• For any queries, please email us at [email protected] with “Area Programme Manager Central and East Afghanistan” as the subject line. This email address is for queries only. Applications will not be accepted via email.
• NRC does not request any fees in connection with our recruitment processes.

Why NRC?

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. Our 15,000 staff work in crises across 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people every year.

Watch this short video to see NRC in action.

NRC Afghanistan seeks to protect and assist vulnerable women, girls, boys, and men who are affected by displacement. NRC provides assistance to meet immediate humanitarian needs, prevent further displacement, and contribute to durable solutions. We implement programming across all of NRC’s core competencies, integrating protection, advocacy, and an emergency response team to support preparedness and response.

We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee. Are you one of those people? If you are, NRC offers you the opportunity to:

• Do demanding and professional work, often in challenging contexts.
• Join a work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility.
• Be part of a welcoming and supportive community committed to human dignity.

Learn more about NRC here.