Livelihoods Officer

The Afghanistan Development and Welfare Services Organization (ADWSO) is a national, non-governmental, non-profit organization headquartered in Mazar-i-Sharif, with offices in Kabul and Herat. ADWSO works as an implementing partner of UN agencies and international donors, including UNICEF, UNDP, UNODC, WFP and the European Union, delivering programmes in livelihoods and vocational training, child protection, gender-based violence prevention and response, mental health and psychosocial support, education and community development across Afghanistan.

Important: This recruitment is conducted in advance of the proposal submission. Appointment is strictly contingent upon UNDP's award of the grant to ADWSO. CVs of selected candidates will be submitted to UNDP in UNDP's CV format as part of the proposal; by applying, candidates consent to this.

JOB SUMMARY
The Livelihoods Officer will lead community engagement, beneficiary targeting and field implementation in Injil and Guzara districts, ensuring that project support reaches the most vulnerable households transparently, safely and in line with WAHDAT targeting criteria.

Education (mandatory)

Bachelor's degree in agriculture, rural development, development studies, social sciences or a related field.

Experience (mandatory)

Minimum 5 years of relevant field experience in livelihoods, agriculture, community engagement and implementation support.

Strong knowledge of the Herat context.

Languages

Fluency in Dari.

Good written and spoken English.

Desirable

Knowledge of Pashto.

Experience with returnee and IDP programming and community-based targeting.

Experience with UN-funded livelihood projects.

COMPETENCIES

Cultural, gender, religious, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Good communication skills, including the ability to write concise and analytical reports in English.

Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Flexibility and responsiveness to changes and unexpected demands.

Ability to work with people from different backgrounds to deliver quality results within short timeframes.

Client-oriented and open to feedback.

Commitment to humanitarian principles, Do No Harm, Leave No One Behind and accountability to affected populations.

SAFEGUARDING AND CODE OF CONDUCT

ADWSO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH), fraud, corruption and any form of child abuse.

The selected candidate will be required to sign and comply with ADWSO's Code of Conduct and PSEA, safeguarding and anti-fraud policies, and to complete mandatory PSEA orientation.

All staff in contact with communities must complete orientation on gender-sensitive facilitation, peaceful masculinities, social cohesion and Do No Harm before engaging with beneficiaries.

Selection is subject to satisfactory reference checks, verification of qualifications and screening in line with UNDP anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements.

Community engagement and mobilization

Plan and lead community engagement in all target communities before beneficiary selection, informing communities about objectives, selection criteria, entitlements, responsibilities, timelines, feedback channels and the free-of-charge nature of assistance. Work with community leaders, shuras and Community Development Councils to promote transparency, inclusion and social cohesion.

Beneficiary targeting and verification

Lead transparent, vulnerability-based selection of 325 farmers (98 returnees, 32 IDPs, 195 vulnerable host-community households; at least 30% women and 10% persons with disabilities), with only one beneficiary per household. Verify land access (approximately 1,000 m² per farmer), irrigation water availability and absence of land disputes. Ensure every selected beneficiary signs a participation agreement and that verification records are complete for UNDP approval.

Implementation support

Support FFS scheduling, input distribution, technical follow-up and farmer group formation in coordination with the Agronomist and Market Linkage Officer. Organize women-only consultations and family (mahram) support sessions in line with the Gender Action Plan. Coordinate day-to-day field work of the Field Assistants / Community Mobilizers. Facilitate land, water and access dialogues where conflict risks are identified.

Monitoring and reporting

Ensure accurate beneficiary data for the Master Beneficiary Database, including deduplication and disaggregation. Contribute to monthly and quarterly reports, GRM follow-up and case studies. Perform any other relevant duties assigned by the supervisor within the scope of the project.

Apply only through the online application form: https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/single/ngAc0x85

Each application form is for one position only. To apply for more than one position, submit a separate form for each position.

Complete every section accurately, and upload your updated CV and your highest degree/certificate. Experience letters are recommended.

Applications by email, hard copy or any other channel will not be accepted.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to sign their CV in UNDP's format and provide copies of their identification documents.

ADWSO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Qualified female candidates and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Closing date: 21 October 2026, 11:59 PM (Kabul time). Late applications will not be considered.