Project Manager

About Modern Agriculture and Animal husbandry Organization (MAAO):

Modern Agriculture and Animal husbandry Organization (MAAO) is a national, non-political, non-profit, non-governmental organization founded on the principles of human dignity, inclusion, and community empowerment. Registered with the Ministry of Economy of Afghanistan, MAAO is headquartered in Mazar-e-Sharif, Balkh Province, and is committed to applying relevant national requirements and international standards in its programs and operations.

MAAO works across multiple provinces of Afghanistan to promote sustainable livelihoods and economic opportunities by improving agricultural and livestock productivity, supporting education and vocational skills, promoting rural development, strengthening community capacities, and contributing to stronger and more resilient civil society. The organization places particular emphasis on the inclusion and empowerment of women and other vulnerable and marginalized groups.

MAAO has expertise in agricultural training and extension, agricultural education and capacity development, livestock productivity, value chain development, vocational skills training, handicrafts, hygiene promotion, health and nutrition, maternal and child nutrition, and other related areas. Through these interventions, MAAO supports communities to strengthen their livelihoods, improve food security, enhance resilience, and increase access to sustainable economic opportunities.

In line with its commitment to supporting food-insecure and vulnerable communities affected by drought, malnutrition, displacement, and other shocks, MAAO prioritizes assistance to the most vulnerable and marginalized households. This includes pregnant and breastfeeding women (PBW), children under two years of age (CU2), persons with disabilities, women-headed and elderly-headed households, and other households identified through appropriate vulnerability and needs-based targeting mechanisms.

a) Position Summary
The Resilience Food Systems (RFS) Project Manager will be responsible for the overall planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring, and successful delivery of the RFS Project in accordance with the approved project document, donor requirements, organizational policies, and project objectives. The incumbent will oversee activities related to food security, climate-smart agriculture, livelihoods, market systems development, and community resilience, ensuring quality implementation, accountability, and the timely achievement of project outcomes.
The Project Manager will provide technical and managerial leadership to the project team, oversee project budgets and resources, coordinate with relevant government authorities, donors, partners, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders, and ensure compliance with donor regulations and organizational standards.

Qualification/Requirements

Minimum 5 Years of relevant experience with national and International NGOs or UN Agencies.

Proven experience in food security, agriculture, or livelihood programming.

Strong background in planning, budgeting, and donor reporting.

Familiarity with project management tools, financial compliance, and M&E systems.

Prior experience with MAAO, WFP or other UN agencies is an advantage.

Knowledge of security, child protection, gender, and accountability standards in humanitarian contexts.

Strong leadership, supervision, and team management skills.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Preference will be given to those individuals who have sufficient experience in project management.

To be an Afghan citizen.

Educational Background

A relevant advanced degree in fields such as civil engineering, international development, agriculture, environmental science, or a related discipline is required. Candidates with specialized training in climate resilience, food security, or disaster risk reduction will be preferred. Continuous professional development and training in relevant areas will be considered an asset.

Experience

A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in program management, particularly in resilience and food systems, is required. Experience working in humanitarian contexts is highly desirable. Candidates should have a track record of successfully leading teams and managing projects in complex settings.

Languages

Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of local languages such as Dari or Pashto is highly desirable and will be considered an advantage. Proficiency in additional languages, especially Uzbeki, may enhance a candidate's profile.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Good understanding of humanitarian principles and food security programming.

• Understanding of CFM, AAP, protection, and safeguarding principles.

• Strong leadership, coordination, and problem-solving abilities.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel and data-analysis skills are an advantage.

• Strong written and verbal communication and report-writing skills.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

• Willingness and ability to travel frequently to remote and challenging locations.

• Good understanding of the food security, livelihoods, and socio-economic context of Faryab Province is an asset.

Core Competencies

• Leadership and Team Supervision

• Planning and Coordination

• Monitoring and Quality Assurance

• Communication and Community Engagement

• Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Accountability and Integrity

• Teamwork and Collaboration

• Cultural Sensitivity and Respect

• Adaptability and Flexibility

• Professionalism and Confidentiality

• Commitment to Safeguarding and Do No Harm

PSEA, Safeguarding and Vetting

MAAO is committed to preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, fraud, and other forms of misconduct. All staff are required to comply with MAAO’s PSEA, Safeguarding, Child Protection, Code of Conduct, Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption policies and maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

As part of our commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals, we conduct a thorough vetting process for all candidates. This includes a specific inquiry into any past allegations, investigations, or disciplinary actions related to sexual misconduct.

Selected candidates will be subject to appropriate reference checks and background/vetting procedures in accordance with MAAO policies and applicable requirements.

Plan, coordinate, and oversee RFS Project activities in accordance with the approved project document, workplan, budget, and donor standards. Monitor procurement and delivery against approved BoQs, specifications, quantities, budgets, and implementation schedules. Follow up on discrepancies, delays, quality concerns, and outstanding items, ensuring that receipt and distribution records are complete and accurate. Coordinate with procurement, logistics, suppliers, and relevant technical staff to ensure the timely procurement, quality verification, transportation, and delivery of NFIs and livelihood toolkits to designated locations and eligible project participants. Develop and monitor post-distribution implementation plans to ensure that livelihood activities commence promptly following the distribution of toolkits and other productive assets. Coordinate beneficiary orientation, technical guidance, follow-up visits, referrals, and other necessary support to promote the productive use of distributed items. Monitor the utilization of distributed toolkits and NFIs through field visits and beneficiary follow-up. Identify barriers to use, missing or damaged items, and implementation delays, and coordinate appropriate corrective actions. Lead and supervise the project team, delegate responsibilities, monitor staff performance, and ensure effective communication, coordination, and timely completion of assigned tasks. Conduct regular team meetings, including weekly coordination meetings with the provincial team, to review progress, address implementation challenges, and agree on follow-up actions. Ensure that required Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) screening is completed before relevant activities commence and that Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) are developed, implemented, and reviewed as required by the project and donor. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with government authorities, community leaders, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders at provincial and district levels. Promote participatory, community-based, and market-driven approaches, engaging relevant stakeholders in identifying needs, setting priorities, and developing practical solutions. Monitor project progress against approved indicators, targets, milestones, and workplans, using the logical framework, results framework, theory of change, and other relevant monitoring tools. Prepare timely and accurate progress reports documenting project activities, achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for internal management, donors, and relevant government authorities. Identify potential implementation risks and challenges and, in coordination with the Program Manager, develop appropriate mitigation measures and contingency plans. Facilitate learning and knowledge sharing among project staff, partners, and stakeholders, documenting good practices, innovations, and lessons learned. Participate in relevant sectoral and coordination meetings and represent MAAO's project activities to government and non-government stakeholders, as authorized. Ensure that weekly, monthly, progress reports and project completion reports are prepared and submitted in accordance with applicable reporting schedules and requirements. Ensure that project activities comply with donor requirements, MAAO policies, and applicable organizational standards, including accountability, safeguarding, and protection requirements. Perform other relevant duties assigned by the Program Manager or authorized management in support of project implementation.

• Safeguarding and Organizational Commitment

MAAO is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for staff, beneficiaries, and communities. The organization applies safeguarding and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)-sensitive practices throughout recruitment, contracting, and performance management. MAAO maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and is committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability, safeguarding, and professional conduct.

• Soft Skills

o Ability to cope well under pressure, work irregular hours and meet tight deadlines

o Sound organizational skills and ability to prioritize and deliver assignments in a timely manner often under severe time pressures

o Strong English Writing skills

o Report writing and communication skills

o Deadline-Oriented

o Experience in needs assessment, project monitoring and evaluation, and program development.

o Attention to details

o The duties and responsibilities set out above are not exhaustive and the post holder may be required to carry out additional duties from time to time which are reasonable in relation to their level of skills and experience.

Interested and qualified candidates can submit their CVs along with a cover letter to the HR Department of MAAO through the link address: MAAO Job List

Please note, while sending your C.V & Cover letter, please mention the vacancy number and position in the subject line, application received after the closing date and without subject line will not be taken in consideration. Local applicants from the same province are encouraged to apply and will be given priority.

Due to huge number of applications, only those applicants who meet the minimum qualification and requirements for the mentioned position will be contacted for the written test and interview.

Application destination: https://maao.org.af/Jobs-Listing-Page-main/jobs.html