Project Management Support Senior Officer (Deputy Team Lead for Rural Component)

Job Highlight

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a large-scale community resilience program in Afghanistan, directly impacting the lives of millions. The role offers exposure to project management, partner oversight, and community engagement within a challenging yet rewarding humanitarian context.

About The Project Office

Since 1995, UNOPS has maintained an active presence in Afghanistan, delivering efficient, agile services in support of both humanitarian response and development efforts. Prior to August 2021, the Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) implemented projects across a broad range of sectors, including infrastructure, procurement, capacity building, and environmental protection. In response to evolving humanitarian needs, AFCO has shifted its focus to supporting life-saving initiatives and basic human needs. Current priorities include managing large-scale cash-for-work programmes, procuring emergency supplies, and providing inter-agency coordination, communication, and accountability support.

Role Purpose

The Project Management Support Senior Officer(Deputy Team Lead for Rural Component) supports the planning, coordination, and implementation of the rural component of the Community Resilience and Livelihoods (CRL) Project, contributing to programme planning, oversight of facilitating partners (FPs), coordination with communities and authorities, and monitoring of programme implementation across regions. The position also supports the Rural Team Lead in managing programme operations and acts as a deputy when required.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Programme Planning and Coordination Support
• Support the Rural Team Lead in planning and coordinating the implementation of the rural component of the CRL programme.
• Support Rural Team Lead in overseeing programme implementation across regions through Facilitating Partners (FPs) and community institutions.
• Support the Rural Team Lead in the development of programme strategies, operational plans, and implementation frameworks.
• Support Rural Team Lead on all TPMA related activities and act as rural focal point for the TPMA.
• Support Rural Team Lead on the preparation of presentations, reports and required information for the ISM and any other task assigned by the Rural Team Lead.
• Act as Deputy to the Rural Team Lead during absences.
• Support Rural Team Lead in coordination between headquarters and field teams to ensure subproject implementation and report to rural team lead.
• Monitoring and Reporting
• Monitor implementation progress against programme workplans and targets.
• Review field reports and provide analytical updates to Rural Team Lead.
• Support coordination of field monitoring missions by Rural Team Lead and third party monitoring agents (TPMA).
• Monitor MIS on regular bases and provide required information and analysis to the Rural Team Lead.
• Support Rural Team for compilation of weekly and quarterly reports for WB.
• Regular data analysis and report to rural team lead.
• Operational Support and Compliance
• Ensure programme activities comply with UNOPS operational procedures, safeguards, and programme guidelines.
• Identify operational challenges affecting implementation and recommend corrective actions to ensure timely programme delivery.
• Support facilitating partners in resolving technical challenges related to community subprojects and social safeguards.
• Monitor FPs sub-project implementation with work plan.
  
  

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or Equivalent) in development studies, international relations, sociology, management, business administration, or other relevant fields with 2 years of experience.
• A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor's Degree) in development studies, international relations, sociology, management, business administration, or other relevant fields with 4 years of experience.
  
  

• Training in environmental safeguards and sustainable development practices.
  
  

• A minimum of 4 years of experience working with regional, provincial, or district-level authorities and/or communities.
  
  

• Experience working on Cash for Work projects or community-driven development (CDD) projects. Previous experience working with Community Development Councils (CDCs), Community Representative Groups (CRGs), or similar community structures.