Senior Field Officer

People in Need (PIN) is a Czech organization established in 1992, currently working in around 40 countries on human rights and humanitarian aid. Globally, PIN is recognized as a leading actor in Education in Emergencies and actively contributes to international coordination mechanisms and humanitarian clusters, including education, food security, nutrition, shelter, and WASH. In Afghanistan, PIN has been operating since 2001, delivering humanitarian and development assistance to communities affected by conflict, economic crisis, and natural disasters. Over the years, PIN has established itself as a trusted and experienced actor, with strong acceptance among local communities, authorities, and stakeholders, enabling access to some of the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations. Throughout its presence in the country, PIN has supported over 850,000 people across multiple regions. The Organization has remained operational through periods of significant political and social change, continuing to provide life-saving and resilience-building assistance to more than 250,000 individuals in recent years. It works in key sectors including food security and livelihoods, education in emergencies, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and protection.

The Senior Field Officer works under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and is responsible for the quality implementation of assigned humanitarian project activities in the field. The role provides direct technical and operational support to three Field Officers, WASH Engineers and the Hygiene Promoters, and engages directly with communities, vulnerable households and district level authorities. The Senior Field Officer ensures that field activities follow the project's SOPs, the Core Humanitarian Standard and PIN quality standards.

The Senior Field Officer is expected to be proactive, use initiative, and ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and on time. Any issues, risks or delays must be reported promptly to the Project Manager. As a core member of the project team, the Senior Field Officer contributes to achieving project objectives in line with the project approach, methodology and work plan, and represents PIN to the highest standard with community members, authorities and supported persons.

 RESPONSIBILITIES

The Senior Field Officer works under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and supports delivery of assigned projects through each phase of implementation: project preparation, area targeting and beneficiary selection, distribution preparation, distribution, and project close. The Senior Field Officer provides direct support to three Field Officers, WASH Engineers the Hygiene Promoters, and engages with communities and district level authorities. Throughout all phases, the Senior Field Officer upholds quality standards on Accountability to Affected Persons, the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), Protection and Safeguarding, and data protection of communities and project beneficiaries.

    A. Project Preparation and Data Collection Tools:

• Participate in PIN induction and training sessions and ensure that the Field Officers WASH Engineers and Hygiene Promoters are briefed on quality project delivery in line with CHS.
• Support the Project Manager in preparing tools, materials and equipment for field work, and check that the team is ready before activities start.
• Ensure full understanding of, and the ability to communicate, PIN's Community Feedback and Response Mechanism (CFRM), Safeguarding standards and Accountability guidelines, and ensure the field team does the same.
• Ensure the team understands and follows the SOPs for Beneficiary Selection, Distribution and Communicating with Communities.
• Ensure all field plans and security protocols are clearly understood by the field team.
• Review assessment and data collection work to ensure accuracy and avoid downstream quality issues.

2. Area Targeting, Vulnerability Criteria and Beneficiary Selection:

• Lead area targeting with Project Manager, and the Field Officers, in close coordination with the WASH Engineers and line department.
• Develop vulnerability criteria with the Project Manager, based on project requirements and community context, for approval before use.
• Participate in and facilitate training on the beneficiary selection guideline, process and standards for Field Officers.
• Engage with local community structures and the beneficiary selection committee to initiate and secure community acceptance.
• Apply the beneficiary selection SOP, CHS and other operating procedures, and guide the Field Officers in house-to-house visits and focus group discussions (FGDs) to identify eligible beneficiaries.
• Review and verify beneficiary lists for accuracy, consistency with the agreed criteria and transparency of the process, and report any concerns to the Project Manager.
• Ensure timely, quality data collection, provision of support to the enumerators including KoBo training and test of KoBo BNFs selection tool, timely monitoring of enumerator and  with data uploaded at the end of each day and numbers reported to the Project Manager.
• Ensure the confidentiality of personal data and information in line with PIN policies.

3. Support to Field Officers WASH Engineers and Hygiene Promoters:

• Provide day to day guidance, on the job support and quality checks to the three Field Officers.
• Support and coordinate the work of the WASH Engineers and Hygiene Promoters, including planning of sessions, quality of WASH activities, hygiene messaging and community outreach.
• Collect, review and consolidate reports and updates from Field Officers, WASH Engineers and Hygiene Promoters, and submit them to the Project Manager on time.
• Conduct regular field visits (as per the plan) to monitor progress, quality, SOP compliance and community feedback, and follow up on identified gaps.
• Identify capacity gaps in the field team and inform the Project Manager of training needs.

D. Distribution of Assistance

• Support the Project Manager and Logistics in preparing items for distribution, including distribution paperwork.
• Support communication with selected beneficiaries so that they know how to receive their assistance safely and on time.
• Supervise the preparation of distribution sites, ensuring that health and security protocols are observed and that PIN's CFRM and PSEA messages are clear and accessible.
• Oversee the Field Officers during distribution in line with PIN SOPs, CHS and distribution day protocols, and maintain protection measures for community members, beneficiaries and staff.
• Ensure accurate recording of distribution data at the end of each day.
• Raise challenges with the Project Manager promptly and appropriately, and resolve beneficiary questions and concerns calmly and respectfully, including under pressure.

F. Risk Management, Reporting and Compliance

• Conduct regular risk assessments, keep the project risk tool updated, and share updates with the Project Manager on time .
• Provide real time information on the field situation, including security, access, needs and health, and report access constraints or incidents immediately.
• Adhere to safety and security procedures and protocols at all times, ensure the team does the same, and raise concerns immediately.
• Adhere to all project operating procedures and ensure documentation is completed and submitted on time in line with internal rules and regulations.
• Take photos or video (as per PIN communication policy with having prior consent forms signed by BNFs) clips during assessments and distributions when requested, and only with documented informed consent.

G. Project Handover, Filing and Other Support

• Support the handover of completed project activities to communities and relevant authorities, with the required documentation.
• Maintain complete and organized project files, both hard copy and electronic.
• On request, participate in joint assessments with PIN to support humanitarian project positioning and the wider benefit of vulnerable people.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Project Manager.

Other programme support:

·        Coordination and performing assigning tasks regarding the monitoring of the partner. 

·        Support the Programme Unit in timely communication with selected beneficiaries to ensure they are aware of how to and are able to receive their assistance in a safe and timely manner.  

·        On request of PIN participate in joint assessments in support of humanitarian project positioning and wider benefit of the vulnerable people in need of support.

PIN COMPETENCY MODEL

PIN Competency Model is a framework used to define, assess, and develop the behaviours, skills, and attitudes expected from staff. It focuses on how people perform their work, not only on their technical knowledge.

Senior Field Officer will be recruited, and subsequently evaluated, following the PIN competency areas here below, where the staff is expected to at least meet the expectations as outlined below:

1.      Personal integrity and values:

Demonstrates honesty, accountability, and consistency in actions and communication. Adheres to PIN’s values, policies, and ethical standards, addresses inappropriate conduct, and continuously reflects on and improves personal performance.

2.      Universal competencies

o   Communication: Communicates clearly and effectively, adapting messages to different audiences. Shares information in a timely manner, listens actively, encourages dialogue, and uses evidence to support decisions and recommendations.

o   Cooperation: Builds positive and inclusive working relationships, values diverse perspectives, and promotes teamwork. Shares knowledge, supports collaboration, and addresses conflicts constructively.

o   Resilience/coping with stress: Maintains composure and effectiveness under pressure. Manages stress constructively, remains solution-oriented, and adapts well to challenges and changing circumstances.

3.      Specific competencies

o   Problems and tasks solving approach: Analyses issues, identifies root causes, and makes informed decisions. Proactively solves problems, collaborates with others, and seeks practical improvements and innovative solutions.

o   Result Orientation: Takes ownership of objectives, delivers high-quality results, and continuously seeks opportunities to improve performance and outcomes.

4.      Managerial competency:

Builds and leads effective teams by fostering collaboration, setting clear expectations, and monitoring performance. Provides constructive feedback, supports staff development, motivates team members, and takes accountability for team results.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum of three years of demonstrated experience implementing humanitarian responses in the country.
• Demonstrated experience working closely with local communities and various field level stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience conducting assessments using KoboToolbox, with strong attention to detail.
• Proven ability to identify and address implementation challenges.
• Demonstrated experience conducting distributions in accordance with humanitarian principles.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with local communities and, where relevant, mitigating community tensions.
• Demonstrated understanding and practical experience in gender and protection mainstreaming.
• Ability and confidence to travel to different locations across the province.
• Fluency in both Pashto and Dari.
• Practical working knowledge of English.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft.

Technical Skills

·        Strong understanding of humanitarian response principles, project implementation, and field level monitoring.

·        Ability to conduct needs assessments, collect and verify data using KoboToolbox, and maintain accurate records.

·        Knowledge of beneficiary identification, targeting, verification, and selection processes based on vulnerability criteria.

·        Demonstrated ability to organize and monitor distributions in line with humanitarian principles, accountability standards, and project procedures.

·        Ability to identify implementation challenges, assess field level risks, and recommend practical solutions.

·        Understanding of community engagement, stakeholder coordination, conflict sensitivity, and community-based approaches.

·        Knowledge of gender equality, protection mainstreaming, disability inclusion, and safeguarding in humanitarian programming.

·        Ability to monitor project activities against approved work plans, identify implementation gaps, and report progress.

·        Strong skills in data management, report writing, documentation, and follow-up on action points.

·        Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and other relevant Microsoft Office applications.

·        Understanding of accountability to affected populations (AAP), community feedback and response mechanisms (CFRM), and humanitarian standards.

Languages

·        Written and spoken English required.

·        Fluency in Pashto and Dari required.

·        Knowledge of Pashto preferred.

If you are interested in this position, send us your CV and short cover letter via our application form.
Please note only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Local candidates are encouraged to apply. 

People in Need is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct and committed to promoting the welfare of children and adults with whom People in Need involves. People in Need expects all staff to perform job duties and responsibilities in accordance with People in Need code of conduct and key policies (available at: https://www.peopleinneed.net/key-policies-4142gp). People in Need Staff will undertake the appropriate level of training.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks.
We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organization and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.