Programme Development Officer

The Role

The Programme Development Officer is a key position within the PDIL Department, under the direct supervision of the Programme Development Specialist. The role is responsible for developing concept notes and proposals for institutional and statutory donors, reporting to existing donors, and building and maintaining relationships with partners and donors in Kabul.

Work Base

This position is based in Afghanaid’s Head Office in Kabul, Afghanistan. Travel to provincial offices in Afghanistan will be undertaken as requested by the Director of PDRM.

Duties and Responsibilities

The position covers the following key areas of responsibility:

• Support and lead on the development of concept notes, expressions of interest, and proposals, including: developing timelines and checklists; designing theories of change; coordinating technical input from across the organisation; writing high quality proposal narratives, budgets, LFAs, and budget narratives; and meeting internal and external deadlines in the process.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the situation in Afghanistan and the development and humanitarian needs of the communities in which Afghanaid works or seeks to work.
• Design projects which are responsive to beneficiary needs, drawing on data analysis skills.
• Represent the organisation at external fora and in meetings with partners and donors in an effort to promote the organisation, strengthen external relations and identify opportunities for funding and partnerships. In particular, actively participate in the UNOCHA cluster system and contribute to as well as internally integrate emerging best practice and evolving requirements.
• Interpret and apply donor requirements, and handover projects to the implementation team once approved, including analysis of donor stipulations.
• Develop sufficient understanding of Afghanaid’s technical expertise to contribute to project design across all of the organisation’s thematic areas (Basic Services, Strengthening Livelihoods, Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Adaptation, and Humanitarian Response).
• Identify funding opportunities through desk research and networking, and in consultation with the Director for PDIL, plan and update the pipeline for developing concepts and proposals.
• Contribute effectively to PDIL funding opportunity brainstorms, departmental meetings and other internal meetings, as required.
• Contribute to a strategic approach to organisational funding through participation in the annual PDIL strategic retreat and the drafting and implementation of the PDIL Resource Mobilisation Plan.
• Support the M&E unit in the development of tools for needs assessments and surveys, and the finalisation of reports.
• Participate in the engagement between the M&E, Grants Management, and Programme Development Unit, supporting organisational learning initiatives and promoting the application of lessons learned and best practice.
• Contribute to organisational capacity through developing and facilitating trainings and workshops for Afghanaid staff, including in provincial offices.
• Coordinate with Project Managers and the Finance Department to ensure donor reports are prepared and submitted in a timely manner.
• Carefully and critically review draft reports, ensure compliance and contractual obligations are met and pre-emptively raise concerns when quality or deadlines are not met.

Note: This job description is not exhaustive; it is subject to change in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

Requirements

Essential

Education

• A Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, International Relations, Social Sciences or other relevant programme of study

Experience

• The ideal candidate will have 2 to 4 years of experience of working in a development or humanitarian context, in project support, grant management, programme development or similar role. However, applicants with less than 1-2 years of experience are encouraged to apply. The salary will be adjusted according to prior experience and skills
• Experience of developing and/or managing budgets, and of writing narrative reports
• Experience of leading or contributing to proposal writing for international development and/or humanitarian response programming, ideally for a range of donors (including FCDO, SDC, EU, WFP, FAO, UNOCHA, WB, ADB, etc.); information on the thematic areas, budget size, donor, and role in the process must be provided in the CV and covering letter
• Experience of drawing on evidence from evaluations, surveys, studies, etc. to guide project design and/or implementation
• Understanding of and experience with logical frameworks and/or theories of change
• Experience living, studying, or working overseas in a developing country context

Knowledge and Skills

• Native English proficiency and demonstrated ability to write high quality, polished documents and reports for diverse audiences that are consistent with a set brand and style
• Knowledge of the international grant making and statutory markets
• Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to persuasively present ideas
• Ability to plan effectively, set priorities, and meet tight deadlines under pressure
• Working knowledge of research methods
• High standard of computer literacy (Excel, Word, Power Point and Outlook)
• Proven ability to form good working relations, both internally within the organisation and externally with people at all levels
• Initiative and drive to achieve results
• Strong organisational skills, able to work with significant levels of autonomy
• An outgoing and engaging personality and strong sense of humour, able to build trust, work collaboratively in teams, and manage relationships with a variety of stakeholders
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work in diverse multi-cultural environment
• Ability and willingness to travel for work

Desirable

• A Master’s degree in Development Studies, International Relations, Social Sciences or other relevant programme of study
• Experience working overseas in a conflict-affected country
• Experience using AI in a professional or academic context
• Understanding of the cultural, security and operating environment in Afghanistan (or in a similar context)
• Experience in project design or management relevant to Afghanaid’s areas of programming
• Training and experience in M&E
• Understanding of Dari and/or Pashto