ACBAR

We invest in women in 12 conflict-affected countries around the world as they rebuild their lives. We invest where inequality is the greatest by helping women who are forgotten— the women survivors of war and conflict. We help them learn the skills they need to rebuild their families and communities, and to transform their lives. The women in our direct delivery programs engage in community cohorts who learn to save, build businesses, understand their rights, improve their health, and participate towards transformation for themselves, their families, and communities. For 30 years, Women for Women International has used an integrated approach to innovate; we are a learning organization that listens to data, our country teams, and women themselves to constantly evolve and improve the way we work. 

Since 2002, we have operated in five provinces of Afghanistan, providing a bundled economic inclusion and livelihoods program to support women in vulnerable households to learn vital skills to earn and save income, improve household food security and strengthen decision-making, resilience, and health and wellbeing. Participants of our program receive business skills and vocational training for market-driven small enterprises such as poultry farming, mushroom cultivation, animal husbandry, tailoring and knitting, etc. Participants are supported to establish self-help groups for savings, and learn to invest in their businesses as they receive cash transfers, while also learning vital skills about climate resilience, disease prevention and treatment, maternal and child health, and nutrition for the family.  WfWI programming includes men’s engagement, where male family members and community leaders are engaged as allies and key supporters.

WfWI also support grassroots and local organizations, led by women community leaders, to gain access to resources and capacity-strengthening that improves their ability to respond to their organization and their community’s self-identified priorities. Globally, WfWI advocates to ensure that women’s participation, voice, and leadership are central to peacebuilding. Through listening to women, we build the evidence base to engage decision-makers at every level in a transformative effort to sustain an enabling environment for women in conflict-affected contexts. 

Purpose of the Role

The IT & Business Solutions Officer (Officer) is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of IT operations in a country where Women for Women International operates. This role requires a strong technical background, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams. The Officer will ensure the smooth functioning of all IT systems, infrastructure, and services in the country, aligning them with the overall Global IT strategy and organizational objectives. Additionally, the Officer will play a crucial role in improving business processes, increasing efficiencies, providing regular applications and information security training, successfully implementing initiatives directed from the Global IT team, leading both local and global projects, contributing to the advancement of Global IT's annual plans, and ensuring compliance with GDPR regulations and any other applicable laws in the country. 

Engagement

Internal Relations

• Collaborate closely with the Admin Coordinator and Global IT team to align country-level IT operations with organizational strategies.
• Serve as the primary IT focal point for all departments within the Afghanistan Country Office, ensuring smooth communication and coordination.
• Work cross-functionally with Program, Finance, Administration, and Operations teams to identify business process improvements and technology-driven efficiencies.
• Provide IT advice and guidance to senior leadership and staff, fostering a culture of digital literacy and security awareness.

External Relations

• Manage relationships with local IT vendors, service providers, and consultants, ensuring compliance with organizational standards and service-level agreements.
• Liaise with internet service providers, equipment suppliers, and external technical support as required.

Delivery

1. IT Infrastructure Management: Manage and maintain the IT infrastructure in the country, including network devices, storage systems, and telecommunications equipment. Ensure that the infrastructure is secure, scalable, and optimized for efficient operations. 

2. Systems Administration: Administer and support the country office's computer systems, including operating systems, software applications, and user accounts following the standards and procedures set by Global IT. Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement necessary upgrades or patches. 

3. Technical/Helpdesk Support: Provide technical support and assistance to end-users in the country, addressing hardware and software problems, network connectivity issues, and other IT-related queries. Resolve support requests in a timely manner to minimize downtime and disruptions and escalate requests to Global IT promptly when needed. Utilize Global IT's ticketing system to track and manage support requests, ensuring efficient communication and documentation. 

4. Network and Connectivity: Manage the local network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points. Ensure reliable connectivity within the office and to the Internet, implementing necessary security measures to protect data and systems. 

5. IT Security and Training: Implement and enforce IT security policies and procedures in accordance with the organization's standards. Regularly assess and monitor the country office's IT security posture, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending appropriate measures to mitigate risks. Conduct regular applications and information security training for all users, with a specific focus on data protection and maximizing the use of available systems. 

6. IT Procurement and Vendor Management: Collaborate with the Global IT team and local stakeholders to identify IT needs and procure necessary hardware, software, and services for the country. Manage vendor relationships and contracts, ensuring compliance with service level agreements. 

7. Business Process Improvement: Work closely with other teams in the country office to identify areas for process improvement and increased efficiency. Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business requirements and provide IT solutions that streamline operations. Act as a consultant and advisor on IT-related matters, helping teams successfully implement new initiatives directed by the Global IT team. Lead both local and global projects and contribute to the advancement of Global IT's annual plans. 

8. Backup and Disaster Recovery: Ensure information across devices and systems is properly backed up. Develop and maintain a country’s disaster recovery plan to ensure business continuity in various crisis scenarios. Regularly test and validate these plans' effectiveness, making necessary improvements to ensure business continuity in case of disruptions or outages. 

9. Documentation and Reporting: Create and maintain comprehensive documentation of IT systems and assets, processes, and configurations in the country office. Prepare regular reports on IT operations, including performance metrics, incident trends, and project updates for monthly management review. Utilize Global IT's knowledge management system to document changes and create help materials for users. 

10. Compliance with GDPR and Applicable Laws: Ensure compliance with GDPR regulations and any other applicable data protection laws in the country. Implement measures to safeguard personal data and privacy rights. Conduct regular audits and assessments to verify compliance and provide reports to the appropriate stakeholders. 

11. Business Process Improvement: Work closely with other teams in the country office to identify areas for process improvement and increased efficiency. Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business requirements and provide IT solutions that streamline operations. Act as a consultant and advisor on IT-related matters, helping teams successfully implement new initiatives directed by the Global IT team. Lead both local and global projects and contribute to the advancement of Global IT's annual plans.  

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field. 
• Proven experience in IT operations, infrastructure management, and technical support (3+ years preferred). 
• Strong knowledge of networking principles, systems administration, and IT security. 
• Familiarity with relevant technologies, such as Windows/Mac, Android and iOS operating systems, virtualization, cloud services, and enterprise applications. 
• Certifications in relevant areas (e.g., CCNA, Meraki, MCSA, ITIL) are a plus. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Fluent written and verbal Dari, Pashto language skills; please expect written fluency testing.
• Fluent written and verbal English language skills
• Willing and able to travel to sub-offices as needed as well as travel internationally.
• Demonstrated ability to take decisions proactively, work autonomously, and solicit team and leadership support when appropriate.
• Attention to details, Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, strong use of logic and creativity.
• Impeccable integrity.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate Afghanistan’s laws and regulations, and to effectively, respectfully, responsibly, and ethically manage contextual and extraordinary complexities.
• Meticulous organizational and time-management skills; able to prioritize and manage order of operations within multiple projects, directing and maximizing team inputs while: proactively supporting team wellbeing.
• Committed to progress in the workplace, including progress in equity for all, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Working Conditions:

• This position typically operates in an office environment.
• Occasional overtime may be required to meet deadlines or complete projects.

Thank you for your interest in this position. Please follow the instructions below to ensure your application is considered:

1. Application Process
Please submit your updated CV and cover letter to:
📧 afghanistanjobs@womenforwomen.org

2. Email Subject Line
Please clearly mention the Job Title and Vacancy Number in the subject line of your email.

We appreciate your interest in joining our team. 

Afghanistanjobs@womenforwomen.org