Program Manager

SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL (SI) is an international humanitarian NGO which, for more than 40 years, has been providing assistance to populations affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters by meeting their vital needs for food, water and shelter. Particularly involved in the fight against diseases linked to unsafe water, the first cause of death in the world, SI's interventions provide expertise in the field of access to drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene promotion, but also in the essential area of food security and livelihoods. Present in around twenty-five countries, SI's teams – more than 2400 people in total made up of expatriates, national staff, permanent staff at headquarters, and a few volunteers - work with professionalism and commitment while respecting culture.

Solidarités International (SI) is determined to prevent and fight all type of abuse – all act of exploitation, abuse and/or sexual harassment (SEAH) against members of beneficiary communities or collaborators, fraud, corruption, violation of persons and/or property, funding of activities harmful to human rights – that could be perpetrated in the frame of its interventions. SI implements a zero-tolerance policy regarding acts of SEAH.

Solidarités International is an equitable employer committed to finding all forms of discrimination. SI will never ask for any remuneration to take part in a recruitment process.

MISSION Objective:

The Program Manager is responsible for implementing and achieving the objectives defined under an inclusive WASH programming initiative, in alignment with Solidarités International’s strategy in Afghanistan.

With the help of the team they supervise, she guarantees the timely execution, relevance, quality, impact of the program’s activities and compliance of the activities under their responsibility with national, international, SI and donor standards and requirements.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES 

• Lead the implementation of a strategic inclusive WASH assessment and programme quality initiative, ensuring delivery of agreed objectives, workplans and budgets.
• Oversee technical assessments, evidence generation, data analysis and production of operational recommendations to strengthen inclusive WASH programme design and service delivery.
• Coordinate technical engagement with implementing partners and relevant stakeholders throughout implementation.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with implementing partners, technical institutions and other relevant stakeholders to support project implementation and technical collaboration.
• Develop a technical engagement strategy and represent SI in technical meetings, workshops and coordination forums related to the project, ensuring consistent communication and follow-up with external stakeholders.
• Support the development of strategy, practical tools, technical guidance and institutional learning based on assessment findings.
• Ensure activities are delivered in compliance with SI procedures, donor requirements and the evolving operational context, while maintaining appropriate communication and risk management.

PRIORITIES ON THE 2-3 FIRST MONTHS

• Complete the ongoing assessment, including supervision of data collection and analysis.
• Finalise the assessment report and related technical products.
• Coordinate review and validation of findings with SI teams and partners.
• Develop practical guidance and tools based on assessment results.
• Support integration of recommendations into future inclusive WASH programming.
• Ensure good planning, reporting and coordination throughout implementation.

JOB

List of main tasks:

Strategy

• Participates in defining the multi-year strategy, its annual review and annual programming with a specific focus on inclusive practices in WASH and based on feedback and evidence collected throughout the research initiative.
• Contributes to the strategic development of inclusive approaches within WASH programming, promoting community-driven solutions in the WASH sector.

Project Assessment and Design

• Participates in the preparation, implementation and drafting of inclusive WASH assessments, ensuring participation and leadership of marginalized segments of communities.
• Writes the technical chapters (including the logical framework) and appendices required for project proposals and amendments. 
• Proposes new approaches, innovative activities, or research initiatives aimed at strengthening access, voice, and decision-making of marginalized segments of communities in WASH.
• Develop an adapted strategy for the initiative, including fundraising strategy, and propose new projects based on identified needs (concept note).
• Advises on the relevance, inclusion and sustainability of the interventions, adjusting to evolving needs and contextual changes.
• Proposes potential partnerships to be established, whether technical, academic, or implementation related, to strengthen the initiative, particularly the technical platform convening women-led partner organisations.
• Participates in strengthening the capacities of stakeholders on gender-responsive WASH methodologies.

Implementation and Operational Monitoring

• Plans activities and activity cycles (training, assessments, community engagement, grants) in line with program objectives, SI strategy and programming, country requirements, SI procedures and donor criteria.
• Uses project management, monitoring, and evaluation tools adapted to the initiative
• Plans and supervises the implementation of the projects under her responsibility, in close coordination with the MEAL, administrative, financial, HR, logistics and security departments (MEAL plan, budget monitoring, cash flow requests, purchasing plan, recruitment, etc.) and the functional manager in coordination. 
• Ensures the systematic integration of cross-cutting themes (environment and climate, cross-cutting protection, public health and market-based approach) and, where relevant, multisectoral integration (internal and/or external).
• Supervises and guides field teams and implementing partners; monitors the progress and quality of field activities using SI management and monitoring tools.
• Develop and implement quality criteria and gender-sensitive indicators for WASH activities.
• Anticipate and mitigate challenges linked to participation, access, or safety in WASH programs.
• Anticipates and communicates difficulties related to implementation and facilitates the resolution of program-related difficulties.
• Leads the learning cycle for the projects under their responsibility.
• Makes regular field visits.

Capitalization

• Contribute to the dissemination of innovative methodologies promoting community-driven inclusive WASH governance
• Compile reports, knowledge briefs, and communication materials on the initiative
• Ensure proper handover and documentation before the end of assignment.

Reporting / communication / representation

• Drafts and submits internal reports on time, in accordance with SI formats and requirements.
• Drafts and submits reports and annexes required by donors within the deadlines, highlighting progress and needs on gender inclusion, and empowerment outcomes.
• Act as a focal point (reporting, communication, etc.) in the event of an implementation partnership.
• Represent Solidarités International in relevant coordination forums, working groups, and stakeholder meetings (particularly those focused on gender and WASH) at their place of assignment.
• Maintains effective communication and collaboration with women-led associations, government counterparts, donors, and research partners.
• Drafts administrative documents in conjunction with government authorities, communities and partners (MoU, project handover, etc.).
• Supports the preparation of communication and advocacy materials.
• Reports, in accordance with the procedure in place, any information on the security context or any event that could have a potential impact on the safety of SI teams and activities.

Education & Experience Requirements:

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as Social Sciences, Public Health, Engineering, Development Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Management or another related discipline.

EXPERIENCE:

• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in humanitarian, development, research or civil society programmes.
• At least 1-2 years of relevant experience on similar position.
• At least 1 year experience in coordinating projects, teams or partnerships. 
• Experience in programme management, research, assessments, MEAL, advocacy, policy, public health or WASH is desirable.
• Experience working with NGOs, UN agencies, research organizations or civil society organizations is an asset. 

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Project management: Experience planning, coordinating and monitoring projects, assessments or research activities.
• Analysis and reporting: Ability to analyse information and produce clear reports, recommendations and other technical documents.
• Digital and data management: Good computer skills (Microsoft Office); experience with Kobo or other digital data collection tools is an asset.

TRANSVERSAL SKILLS

• Communication and stakeholder engagement: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build effective relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Organisation and problem-solving: Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Leadership and teamwork: Ability to coordinate teams, facilitate collaboration and support capacity building.

LANGUAGES

• Proficiency in English is mandatory.
• Proficiency in Dari and Pashto is mandatory.

TECHNICITY: The Program Manager should be able to manage assessments, coordinate technical activities, analyse information, develop practical recommendations and support programme quality improvement. Experience in WASH, public health, research or humanitarian programming is desirable.

MANAGEMENT: The Program Manager should demonstrate the ability to effectively plan, coordinate and monitor project implementation, manage staff and resources, oversee budgets and ensure timely delivery of project objectives.

ANALYSIS/STRATEGY: The Program Manager should be able to analyse complex information, identify practical solutions, adapt to changing operational contexts and contribute to programme planning and continuous improvement.

REDACTION: The Program Manager should demonstrate strong writing skills in English, including the ability to prepare high-quality reports, proposals, meeting minutes and other project documentation.

Partnerships & External Coordination: The Program Manager should demonstrate excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively with partners, technical institutions, local stakeholders and internal departments.

Dear Applicant,

Solidarites International never asks job applicants for a fee, payment, or other monetary transaction. 

Please note that:

• SI is committed to a fair and transparent recruitment procedure.
• Only the HR department will contact you during the recruitment process.
• Only short-listed candidates whose application meets the criteria will be contacted & local applicants from the same province are encouraged to apply and will be given priority.
• ply for this vacancy, please submit your CV and Cover Letter in single PDF or MS Word Format in the given email address (recruitment@solidarites-afghanistan.org) and also submit your application form by using the following link.

Program Manager - Kabul  – Fill out form

If the link above does not work by clicking on it, please copy and paste it in the browser address bar.

As part of your application, it is essential that you include your full name and vacancy number (full name/vacancy number) for example: (Ahmad or Mahmood/AFG-KBL-PRO-117-2026) in the subject line, and the position title Program Manager  in the body of your email. Otherwise, your application will not be considered.

Please make sure that you have filled in the application form accurately and completely & at the end of the application, you have pressed the Submit button.