Project Manager (Subject to Donor Approvel)

The Community Development and Research Organization (CDRO) is a national non-governmental organization committed to supporting vulnerable communities in Afghanistan through humanitarian assistance, community development, and emergency response interventions. CDRO works to address the needs of crisis-affected populations through accountable, inclusive, and context-sensitive programming.

Position Summary
CDRO is seeking a qualified, experienced, and motivated Project Manager to lead the implementation of a Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) project in Zabul Province. The Project Manager will be responsible for the overall planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of project activities, liaising with relevant department and stakeholders, ensuring that assistance reaches eligible and vulnerable households in a timely, transparent, and accountable manner. Registration of the project with MoEc and Signning MoU with relevant Ministries.
The successful candidate will ensure compliance with donor requirements, CDRO policies and procedures, humanitarian principles, and relevant Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) standards. The position requires strong project management, team leadership, coordination, financial oversight, and community engagement skills, along with a sound understanding of the humanitarian context in Zabul Province.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Economics, Business Administration, Public Administration, Humanitarian Assistance, or a related field.

A relevant master's degree or professional training in project management or humanitarian response will be an advantage.

Professional Experience

Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in humanitarian or development programming, including at least 3 years in project management or a comparable supervisory role.

Demonstrated experience in implementing MPCA, cash and voucher assistance, emergency response, food security, or other humanitarian assistance projects.

Proven experience in project planning, team management, budget monitoring, donor reporting, and coordination with relevant stakeholders.

Experience working with national or international NGOs and familiarity with donor compliance requirements.

Previous experience in Zabul Province or other challenging humanitarian operating environments in Afghanistan will be an advantage.

Required Skills and Competencies

Strong understanding of MPCA implementation, beneficiary targeting, cash delivery mechanisms, and accountability requirements.

Excellent leadership, staff supervision, planning, and organizational skills.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Good knowledge of project cycle management, results-based management, and MEAL processes.

Excellent report-writing, communication, and coordination skills.

Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and meet tight deadlines.

Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Word, Excel, and other project management tools.

Ability to work effectively with local communities, authorities, and humanitarian stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Fluency in Pashto is essential.

Good working knowledge of Dari is required.

Proficiency in English, particularly for report writing and professional communication, is highly desirable.

Core Values and Conduct

The successful candidate must demonstrate commitment to CDRO's organizational values, humanitarian principles, accountability to affected populations, impartiality, transparency, safeguarding, gender equality, and respect for the dignity and rights of all individuals.

• Project Management and Implementation

Registration and signing MoU with MoEc and relevant Ministries and Directorates. Lead the overall planning, implementation, monitoring, and timely completion of MPCA project activities in accordance with the approved project proposal, work plan, budget, and donor requirements. Develop detailed implementation plans, procurement plans, cash distribution schedules, and activity timelines in coordination with relevant project departments. Ensure the timely identification, registration, verification, and selection of eligible households in line with approved targeting criteria and vulnerability assessments. Oversee the delivery of cash assistance through approved and secure payment mechanisms, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and accountability throughout the distribution process. Monitor project progress, identify implementation challenges, and take timely corrective action to ensure achievement of project objectives and targets.

Keep close coordination with Program Director

• Team Leadership and Staff Management

Provide effective leadership, technical guidance, and supervision to project staff and field teams. Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations for team members. Conduct regular team meetings, field visits, and performance reviews to monitor progress and address operational challenges. Promote teamwork, professional conduct, gender sensitivity, and compliance with CDRO policies and procedures.

• Financial and Budget Management

Monitor project expenditures against the approved budget and ensure efficient and appropriate use of project resources. Coordinate with the Finance and Administration departments to ensure timely financial reporting, cash forecasting, and budget monitoring. Ensure adequate documentation and verification of cash assistance payments, distribution records, and supporting financial documents. Identify potential budget variances and recommend appropriate corrective measures in consultation with senior management.

• Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)

Coordinate with the MEAL team to ensure effective monitoring of project activities, beneficiary feedback, and results. Ensure that beneficiary selection and assistance delivery processes are transparent, impartial, and based on established vulnerability criteria. Establish and monitor accessible feedback and complaints mechanisms, ensuring that community concerns are documented and addressed promptly. Support post-distribution monitoring (PDM), outcome monitoring, lessons learned exercises, and other assessments required by the project. Use monitoring findings and community feedback to improve project quality and inform management decisions.

• Coordination and Representation

Represent CDRO in relevant humanitarian coordination meetings, including Cash and Voucher Assistance and Food Security and Agriculture Cluster coordination forums, as appropriate. Maintain effective working relationships with local authorities, community representatives, humanitarian partners, and other relevant stakeholders in Zabul Province. Coordinate with relevant clusters, working groups, and humanitarian actors to support harmonized approaches, reduce duplication, and strengthen response effectiveness. Ensure that engagement with local authorities and communities is conducted professionally and in accordance with humanitarian principles and organizational policies.

Keep close coordination with all stakeholders

• Reporting and Compliance

Prepare and submit timely, accurate, and high-quality narrative reports, progress updates, and other project documentation. Ensure that project records, beneficiary databases, distribution documentation, and supporting evidence are maintained accurately and securely. Ensure compliance with donor agreements, project indicators, approved implementation modalities, CDRO policies, and applicable humanitarian standards. Immediately report significant operational, safeguarding, fraud, security, or compliance concerns through established organizational procedures. Contribute to donor reporting, project reviews, audits, and other organizational reporting requirements.

Provide six month reporting to MoEc and DoEc

• Protection, Safeguarding, and Accountability

Ensure that protection, gender, disability inclusion, conflict sensitivity, and the principle of Do No Harm are integrated throughout project implementation. Promote safe, dignified, and equitable access to cash assistance for vulnerable households, including female-headed households, persons with disabilities, older people, and other at-risk groups. Ensure that all project staff comply with CDRO's Code of Conduct, safeguarding policies, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) requirements, and confidentiality standards. Maintain strict confidentiality and secure handling of beneficiary information and personal data.

Application Procedure

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their updated CV and a cover letter in one single PDF document outlining their relevant qualifications and experience to: “[email protected]”

Email

Subject Line: “Project Manager- 20261026001”

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. CDRO reserves the right to close the vacancy before the deadline if a suitable candidate is identified.

CDRO is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a transparent, merit-based recruitment process.