Gender Officer (Social/Capacity Building)

About LITACA/MRRD:

The project Livelihood Improvement in Tajik—Afghan Cross Border Areas (LITACA) is the first socio-economic development project between the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Republic of Tajikistan executed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) —Tajikistan Office in Tajik side and the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) of the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Afghan side. The project is funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

LITACA II a 3 year initiative (2018 – 2020) to improve living standards and promote stability and security in the bordering provinces of Tajikistan and Afghanistan. This will be achieved by reducing poverty, supporting economic development and cross-border collaboration among the communities along the Tajik-Afghan border. More than 130,072people will directly benefit from LITACA project while the livelihoods of more than 1,823,828) people living in target bordering communities will be strengthened. The project will offer capacity development opportunities for the local governments, civil society and private sector organizations to sustainably manage local socio-economic development. As well, the project will offer investments for rehabilitating priority infrastructure initiatives and business development as a means of improving livelihoods of the target population, and thereby promoting stability and security in the region.

Job Description:

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Gender/Social Officer will be based within the provincial office and will work under the direct supervision of the Livelihood and economic department in close coordination with PMU. She will be responsible for the development and implementation of programs which support the development of female operated handicrafts and agricultural businesses, cooperatives and associations in order to improve their business skills, improve efficiency and profitability, provide guidance on business operations, improve food processing, safety, product development and marketing; within the project target districts in livelihood component and ensuring that this component is managed and implemented in line with the project’s contractual requirements.

Assist, manage, develop and implement community mobilization activities related to the implementation of livelihood sub-projects and OVOP business initiatives.

Delivery of workshops and trainings to women groups

Facilitate vulnerability assessments to identify the vulnerable groups including men, women, youth, elders, and people with disabilities, IDPs and marginalised groups.

Help in establishment of women producers group at the targeted districts, which will be supported in handicrafts and agricultural production, processing and marketing.

Help in Designing, developing and managing community mobilization activities which provides effective support to women groups in agricultural businesses, cooperatives and associations which benefit program beneficiaries and are in line with our program

Assist in capacity development of women producers group operating handicrafts, agricultural businesses, cooperatives and associations; to improve business and financial performance which results in an increased sustainable production

Deliver project related training and guidance, to women producers group and women-run handicrafts, agribusinesses and cooperatives and conduct capacity building activities to women groups

Prepare plans for workshops and public awareness programs to the women groups on Women economic empowerment and development.

Prepare, weekly, monthly and other periodic reports and keep the field office up to date of any changes in the implementation of the projects.

As per the Livelihood Monitoring Mission Calendar, conduct monitoring visits to assigned project sites in different districts. 

Assure that the activity implemented in livelihood component is in line with project concept note and findings are noted.

Provide photos (GPS Stamped and Time Stamped Photos) of site and women producers groups activities

Maintain a comprehensive, well-organized filing system of livelihood projects

Make regular field visits to LITACA focused villages to prospect for community engagement and/or associations who will become clients of the program.

Assist women groups in marketing of their handicrafts and agriculture products and improving linkages between them and sellers through OVOP business process.

Conduct need and market assessments, analysis, business plans, budgeting, marketing and sales plans, and any other related assistance that will achieve the goals of improving profits and sustainable employment for men and women.

Develop a contact list of existing and new handicrafts and agricultural businesses related women who can be members of OVOP

Maintain strong communications with clients and disseminate outputs with provincial field manager

Work closely with PRRD line departments, provincial and district level workers, CDCs and for the overall development and improved of livelihood projects. 

Job Requirements:

Qualifications required:

Bachelor Degree in agriculture/business administration is required

Experience and Skills Required:

Bachelor’s Degree with 4 years’ experience in related filed
Minimum level knowledge of spoken and written English is required.
Excellent language proficiency in spoken and written Pashto and Dari.
Computer skills, particularly with the Microsoft Office package and the Internet are required.
Must be capable of working both individually and as part of a team to undertake tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to communicate effectively and be organized.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including patience, diligence, diplomacy, willingness to listen and respect for colleagues.

Language Requirement:

Fluency in Dari, Pashtu and English is required for the post

Submission Guideline:

Interested Afghans with the required qualifications and experience should submit their applications electronically through vacancies.hrcsd@mrrd.gov.af
While submitting your applications please mention the Title of the position plus Vacancy Number in the subject of the e-mail; please do NOT submit any other supporting documentation or educational certificates with your application. If you are short listed you will be asked to submit electronic copies of your educational certificates and if you are invited to written test you will be required to present the original certificates. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date of the position. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for written test Note: In the interests of open and fair competition and a merit based selection process applicants are advised that lobbying for a position , whether by the applicant or by any person acting on his or her behalf, shall result in the immediate disqualification of the candidate from further consideration. Applicants are strongly advised to inform potential supporters of this restriction which shall be strictly enforced.

Please don’t forget to type the Vacancy Announcement Number (1334/019/HRCSD/LITACA/MRRD) in Subject while applying online. Application without vacancy number will not be accepted. 

The Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is highly committed to increase women’s participation in government sector therefore women are highly encouraged to apply.

Submission Email:

vacancies.hrcsd@mrrd.gov.af