The Agency Coordinating Body for Afghan Relief and Development (ACBAR) is an independent forum established in 1988 to meet the coordination needs of NGOs assisting Afghan refugees in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Since relocating its main office to Kabul in 2002, ACBAR has united 203 national and international NGOs operating across all sectors of humanitarian aid and development in Afghanistan. Grounded in three core pillars—Information and Coordination, Advocacy and Enabling Environment, and Capacity Building—ACBAR focuses on sharing information, coordinating efforts at both national and regional levels, and advocating on issues impacting its members and the broader NGO community. ACBAR’s mission is to serve as an effective platform that empowers its members to deliver impactful humanitarian and development programs throughout Afghanistan. The organization thrives on the active engagement and participation of its members, which fuels its ongoing dynamism.

The Head of Programs is responsible for leading the implementation of ACBAR’s initiatives focused on capacity development and strengthening partnerships between national and international NGOs. This leadership role emphasizes program quality, research, and strategic engagement. The successful candidate will act as the main liaison with donors, overseeing proposal development, reporting, and external representation. The position is based in Kabul, with occasional travel to regional offices, and requires a well-qualified professional with a minimum of two years of experience in Afghanistan.

The Head of Programs will be responsible for the following essential tasks:

1. Design, plan, and lead the implementation of programs and related capacity development activities.
2. Lead the development of concept notes, proposals, and donor reports (quarterly and annual).
3. Manage and monitor program budgets in coordination with the ACBAR Finance Department.
4. Oversee Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEAL) activities; ensure data quality and reporting aligned with logframe indicators.
5. Develop and update the Theory of Change, risk register, and annual work plans.
6. Conduct field assessments, learning surveys, and research using robust methodologies; analyze and present findings to stakeholders.
7. Build and maintain strong relationships with national and international NGO partners; coordinate mentoring and training efforts.
8. Collaborate closely with stakeholders involved in NGO/CSO capacity building initiatives.
9. Represent ACBAR in donor and coordination meetings, especially with UN agencies and cluster leads.
10. Supervise and build the capacity of the national program team.
11. Promote program activities within the humanitarian community through presentations and written materials.
12. Ensure full compliance with donor requirements and alignment with ACBAR’s mission, policies, and strategic objectives.
13. Perform additional duties as assigned by senior management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes:

1. Proven ability to conduct surveys and research, analyze data, and present findings in a clear and professional manner.
2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of Dari or Pashto is an asset.
3. Strong interpersonal and networking skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

Education, Training, and Experience:

1. Master’s degree in Project Management (PMP) or a related field such as International Development, Public Administration, Public Health, or Social Sciences.
2. Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 2 years working in Afghanistan.
3. Demonstrated expertise in proposal development, monitoring and evaluation systems, donor reporting, and ensuring program quality.
4. Strong knowledge of project financial management and donor compliance requirements.
5. Experience in complex humanitarian environments is highly desirable.

Application Process

If you meet the required qualifications and experience, we encourage you to apply by completing the application form at the link below and submitting your CV and Cover Letter as a single combined file by 17:00 on April 25, 2025.

🔗 Job Application Form