Project Manager / Team Leader

The Project Manager will provide overall leadership, management and quality assurance of the project, and will act as ADWSO's main focal point with the UNDP Western Regional Project Office and the ABADEI Project Management Unit. The incumbent is accountable for timely, compliant and high-quality delivery of all project deliverables within the approved budget.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Project planning and management

• Lead the inception phase and prepare the inception package: detailed workplan and seasonal calendar, staffing and field deployment plan, procurement and distribution plan, training and demonstration plan, monitoring framework, risk register and sustainability arrangements.

• Manage implementation of all project components in line with the approved workplan, budget (ICE), bill of quantities and UNDP requirements.

• Ensure the five contractual deliverables and their means of verification are completed and submitted to UNDP on schedule.

• Maintain an updated workplan and risk log, and inform UNDP in writing upon completion of each milestone.

Technical oversight

• Oversee the saffron suitability assessment, beneficiary and plot verification, and approval of the final beneficiary list for 325 farmers.

• Ensure quality delivery of the Farmer Field School programme, demonstration plots, input procurement and quality control, and distribution in line with the ToR conditions.

• Oversee technical follow-up, post-harvest support, market linkage, farmer group formation and the voluntary savings and reinvestment mechanism.

Team leadership

• Supervise, guide and appraise the project team; organize team meetings and field deployment plans.

• Ensure an adequate gender balance in field teams for safe and inclusive implementation.

Coordination and partnerships

• Coordinate with UNDP, the Directorate of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (DAIL), district authorities, community leaders and shuras, private-sector actors and other service providers.

• Coordinate with UNDP and the WAHDAT Mine Action Responsible Party for explosive ordnance screening before any land-based activity.

Safeguards, accountability and compliance

• Ensure application of UNDP Social and Environmental Standards, PSEA, Do No Harm, conflict sensitivity, disability inclusion and the Gender Action Plan.

• Ensure the grievance redress mechanism, including AWAZ 410, is accessible to all beneficiaries, with safe reporting channels for women.

• Ensure financial, procurement and asset management compliance with ADWSO and UNDP rules, and maintain complete, auditable records.

Reporting

• Submit monthly updates, quarterly narrative and indicator reports, and the final completion report to UNDP.

• Review financial reports with the Finance Department and ensure timely AIMS reporting.

• Lead documentation of lessons learned, success stories and good practices.

• Perform any other relevant duties assigned by the supervisor within the scope of the project.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education (mandatory)

• Advanced university degree (Master's or higher) in agriculture, rural development, economics, development studies, management, engineering, environmental science or a related field.

Experience (mandatory)

• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience managing multi-component livelihoods, agriculture, resilience or community recovery projects.

• Proven experience in project planning, team supervision, coordination, quality assurance and donor/partner reporting.

Languages

• Fluency in Dari and Pashto.

• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Desirable

• Experience managing UN-funded (preferably UNDP) projects.

• Experience in high-value crops, saffron or agricultural value chains.

• Experience working with returnees, IDPs and women in restricted contexts.

• Knowledge of the Herat and western region context.

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.

• 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.

https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/single/ngAc0x85