Partnership and Program Development Manager
Kabul, Afghanistan
JOB DETAIL
About Kandahar Refugee Organization
Kandahar Refugee Organization (KRO) is a national, non-political, non-profit, and non-governmental organization dedicated to addressing the humanitarian and rehabilitation needs of Afghanistan. Led by Afghans, KRO is committed to fostering local economic development, promoting gender equality, and building sustainable capacity within communities. With a specialized network across multiple provinces, KRO effectively designs and implements programs in critical areas such as emergency response, WASH, food security and livelihoods, agriculture, nutrition, education, capacity building, disaster management, resettlement, and reintegration.
Position Summary
The Partnership and Program Development Manager will be a vital member of the KRO leadership team, responsible for driving donor partnership development, program management, and strategic fundraising initiatives. This role is essential for shaping KRO’s strategies to meet the evolving humanitarian needs in Afghanistan, enhancing donor engagement, and ensuring that programs align with international humanitarian standards. The selected candidate will collaborate closely with national and international stakeholders, bridging KRO’s operational priorities with donor expectations and spearheading efforts to secure funding and maintain accountability. This is a new position and the incumbent will be the first international staff in the KRO team.
Key Responsibilities
Program Management and Policy Development:
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Lead role in the creation, review, and implementation of organizational policies that align with both humanitarian standards and donor requirements.
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Ensure all programs adhere to KRO’s mission and values, delivering measurable impact for vulnerable communities in Afghanistan.
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Collaborate with project teams to monitor program performance, ensuring quality and compliance with donor agreements.
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Identify opportunities for program growth and improvement in alignment with national and international policies, particularly in response to emerging crises.
Fundraising and Donor Engagement:
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Act as the primary contact for fundraising efforts, focusing on UN agencies and international donors invested in Afghanistan.
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Develop and execute strategic fundraising initiatives to secure sustainable funding for KRO’s projects, particularly in areas impacted by conflict and displacement.
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Build and maintain relationships with existing and potential donors, including international NGOs and foundations committed to humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan.
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Prepare funding proposals, reports, and concept notes in collaboration with the grant writing and finance teams, ensuring alignment with donor priorities.
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Ensure transparency and accountability in all financial dealings with donors.
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Set specific fundraising goals for projects and regularly report on progress towards these goals.
External Representation and Advocacy:
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Represent KRO at national and international forums, advocating for the urgent needs of vulnerable communities in Afghanistan, particularly women and children.
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Liaise with international organizations, including the UN, to align KRO’s programs with global humanitarian objectives and best practices.
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Strengthen relationships with international stakeholders, ensuring KRO is recognized as a trusted partner in humanitarian action.
Capacity Building:
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Train and mentor KRO staff on effective program management, donor relations, and compliance with international humanitarian standards.
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Promote knowledge-sharing and best practices within the organization to enhance operational efficiency and impact.
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Foster cultural sensitivity and awareness among staff when working in diverse communities across Afghanistan.
Required Qualifications
Education: Master’s degree preferred or bachelor’s in international relations, social sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience for a master’s degree or in lieu of 5 years for a bachelor’s degree in program management, policy development, and fundraising within a humanitarian context. Experience working with international agencies in Afghanistan is preferred.
Skills:
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Proven success in developing and implementing effective fundraising strategies.
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Strong understanding of humanitarian standards, accountability mechanisms, and compliance requirements.
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Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse international donors and stakeholders.
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Ability to manage multiple projects in a complex, fast-paced environment, adapting to the dynamic context of Afghanistan.
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Demonstrated leadership and management experience, particularly in cross-cultural and multidisciplinary teams.
Preferred Attributes
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Gender Preference: Female candidates are encouraged to apply, reflecting KRO’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in Afghanistan.
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Languages: Fluency in English is required.
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Work Environment: Willingness to work in challenging contexts and travel frequently within Afghanistan.
Inclusion Statement:
KRO maintains a stringent zero-tolerance policy towards any behavior that contradicts its objectives, encompassing sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. Moreover, KRO is committed to upholding comprehensive child safeguarding principles. Consequently, all prospective candidates will be held accountable to these high standards and principles, necessitating thorough reference and background checks. These checks will involve verifying academic credentials and employment history. Additionally, selected candidates may be requested to furnish supplementary information to facilitate the background check process.
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