Program Assistant (A2F)

About WEE-RDP/MRRD:

The Government of Afghanistan (GoIRA) launched the Women’s Economic Empowerment National Priority Program (WEE-NPP) on March 8th, 2017. The WEE-NPP forms the third pillar of the GoIRA’s Gender Strategy which is encompassed in the broader Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework (ANPDF) – the country’s five-year development plan. The WEE-NPP aims to build poor women’s capacity to strengthen the economy of their households, communities, and the entire nation. It is structured as an umbrella program (rather than a stand-alone project/operation) that would operate through over a dozen line ministries (through ongoing or pipeline projects) and coordinated through a Program Coordination Office (PCO) in the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled (MOLSAMD).

The Mission of the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) is implementing the Women Economic Empowerment Program (WEE-RDP) to ensure the social, economic, and political well-beings of rural society, especially with the poor and vulnerable people, through the provision of basic services, strengthening local governance, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. MRRD accomplishes this mission through donor funded national programs (Citizen Charter, Sustainable Economy Growth and the Boarders Sustainable Development) defined as the MRRD pillars.

Women Economic Empowerment-Rural Development Project (WEE-RDP) is a flagship national initiative of the GoIRA and part of the Sustainable Economy Growth pillar of MRRD, which intends to increase social and economic empowerment of rural poor women in selected communities during a five year project. It would work in 5000 villages in all 34 provinces across Afghanistan in close collaboration with Citizen Charter (CC) and assuring convergence with other MRRD projects, NHLP project of MAIL, Access to Finance project (TUP) of World Bank, etc. The project will work closely work with Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) and other stakeholders from financial sector to promote access to finance in selected rural areas.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

The Access to Finance Assistant (AFA) shall work in the Program Operations at the WEE-RDP Project Management Office in Kabul. The (AFA) will be responsible for supervising the development and delivery of technical services to field operations staff working to develop the ability of Self Help Groups (SHG) and Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) to build linkages to Micro Finance Institutions or other lending institutions and to improve access to credit for rural enterprise development.  The (AFA) will coordinate with and assist as needed the Enterprises on access to financial services and lending.

Job Description:

Duties and Responsibilities:

Coordinate the efforts of provincial staff who are in the business of promotion and nurturing of VSLAs.
Co-coordinate with different units within WEERDP, particularly CMID, TA and training unit in preparation of different training manuals and guidelines related to VSLAs.
Work with VSLAs to assist them in designing and developing appropriate financial products for their members and member institutions.
Support provincial staff in ensuring proper records at the village saving and loan associations (VSLAs) level;

Assist all advance clearance for Access to Finance component

Updating of the filling system.

Undertake extensive field trip missions for assess of VSLAs and VSLA establishment.

Providing necessary admin and logistic arrangement required for the mentioned unit.

Making budget for provincial trips, exposure visits, workshops another relevant works.

Following up process of seed grant with FBU MRRD, MOF and commercial banks

Perform other duties asked by the head of Access to finance unit.

Other duties and tasks as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Knowledge/ Experience

Bachelor degree with 2 years  relevant experience or baccalaureate degree with 4 years relevant experience, relevant activities with a focus on access to financial services project;
Experience and knowledge of business development services in Afghanistan are an advantage;
Knowledge of Islamic banking/lending and related financial products is required;

Qualification/ Skills

A Diploma in business, economics, and finance or accounting is required;
Bachelor degree in business, economics, and finance or accounting is desirable.
Fluency in English (both written and spoken), Dari and Pashto is required, and ability to write reports in English.
Excellent communication and problem solving skills.
Excellent computer skills using Word, Excel, Power Point and the Internet.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to the Head of, Access to Finance Unit, 

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 (1492/020/HRCSD/WEE-RDP/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