The Organization for Women Empowerment (OWE) was established in 2014 as a non-profit and development organization - registered with the NGO Department of the Ministry of Economy, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. OWE aims to help impoverished communities, particularly women, youth, and children, gain social, economic and political potency by raising awareness, building capacity, educational and vocational skills training, and creating professional opportunities. OWE is a women’s organization for women. OWE's learning experience as a development organization comes from its working association with communities in different areas of Afghanistan. More importantly, OWE is one of the successful organizations in the community, NGO Coordination Bureau, and region.

Position Summary

The Country Director provides strategic leadership and overall management of the organization’s operations, programs, partnerships, compliance, and resource mobilization efforts in Afghanistan. The position ensures that the organization's vision, mission, and strategic objectives are effectively implemented while maintaining high standards of governance, accountability, and donor compliance.

The Country Director represents the organization with donors, government authorities, UN agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders and provides guidance to the senior management team to ensure quality program implementation and organizational sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

• Provide overall strategic direction and leadership to the organization.
• Lead the development and implementation of organizational strategic plans.
• Ensure alignment of programs and operations with the organization's mission and objectives.
• Identify opportunities for organizational growth and expansion.
• Support the Board of Directors in achieving governance objectives.

2. Program Oversight

• Provide oversight and guidance for all programs and projects.
• Ensure quality implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects.
• Review project performance and ensure achievement of project objectives.
• Promote accountability, learning, and continuous improvement across programs.
• Support development of new project concepts and proposals.

3. Resource Mobilization and Donor Relations

• Lead fundraising and business development efforts.
• Establish and maintain relationships with donors and funding agencies.
• Review and approve funding proposals before submission.
• Identify new funding opportunities and strategic partnerships.
• Represent the organization during donor meetings and coordination forums.

4. Representation and External Relations

• Serve as the principal representative of the organization.
• Maintain strong relationships with government authorities, UN agencies, donors, clusters, and NGO networks.
• Participate in strategic coordination meetings and forums.
• Enhance the visibility and reputation of the organization.

5. Organizational Governance

• Support the Board of Directors in governance functions.
• Ensure implementation of board decisions and policies.
• Provide periodic reports to the Board on organizational performance.
• Strengthen organizational systems, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure transparency and accountability throughout the organization.

6. Financial Oversight

• Oversee organizational financial management systems.
• Review and approve annual budgets and financial plans.
• Monitor organizational financial performance.
• Ensure compliance with donor and regulatory financial requirements.
• Support financial sustainability initiatives.

7. Human Resource Management

• Provide leadership and supervision to senior staff.
• Support recruitment of key management positions.
• Promote staff development and capacity building.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Ensure compliance with HR policies and labor regulations.

8. Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with donor regulations and legal requirements.
• Oversee organizational risk management processes.
• Ensure safeguarding, PSEA, anti-fraud, and ethical standards are maintained.
• Address significant organizational risks and operational challenges

Education

• Master's Degree in Management, International Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Law, or a related field.
• Bachelor's Degree with extensive relevant experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in development and humanitarian sectors.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership or management role.
• Proven experience in donor-funded project management.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising and partnership development.
• Experience working with UN agencies, international NGOs, and government institutions.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent organizational and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Financial and operational management expertise.
• Proposal development and donor engagement skills.
• Knowledge of NGO governance and compliance requirements.
• Excellent English and local language communication skills.

Working Conditions

• Part-time position (approximately 20–25 hours per week).
• Flexible working arrangements based on organizational needs.
• Regular participation in management and board meetings.
• Occasional travel within Afghanistan as required.

Key Deliverables

• Organizational strategic plans developed and implemented.
• Successful donor engagement and resource mobilization.
• Effective oversight of programs and operations.
• Compliance with donor and legal requirements.
• Strengthened governance and organizational sustainability.
• Timely reporting to the Board of Directors.

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Updated CV/Resume outlining relevant qualifications and professional experience.
• Cover Letter explaining suitability for the position and demonstrating leadership and management experience.
• Copies of academic certificates and relevant professional qualifications.
• Contact details of at least three professional references.
• Copy of National ID (Tazkira) or other valid identification document.

Applications should be submitted electronically to admin.hr@owe.org.af no later than June 06, 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.