Program Specialist

Position Title: Program Specialist

2025-02-07 Kabul Full Time 9

Job Location:	Kabul
Nationality:	National
Category:	Program
Employment Type:	Full Time
Salary:	As per organization Salary Scale
Vacancy Number:	VA-06-2025
No. Of Jobs:	1
City:	Kabul

Organization:	ACDO
Years of Experience:	10-year specific experience required
Contract Duration:	1 Year with 3-month probation period
Gender:	Male
Education:	Master
Close date:	2025-02-07

About ACDO:

Asia Community Development Organization (ACDO) is an Afghan non-governmental, non-political, and non-profit humanitarian organization established in 2014 and registered with the Government of Afghanistan under the supervision of Ministry of Economy (MoEc) with a mission to provide humanitarian and development assistance to the vulnerable, at-risk, and underserved people throughout the country. ACDO responds to the needs of deprived and marginalized rural and urban communities by managing and utilizing the available scarce resources in a well-organized, efficient, effective, transparent, and dignified manner to enhance resilience, boost access to education, health services, and infrastructure, ensure food and livelihood security, and promote social protection and inclusion. ACDO has an active presence in most parts of the country and intends to expand its operations to the remaining provinces so as to transform itself into a leading and developed organization that will deliver to and support large number of people who have been affected by the long-protracted and sudden on-set emergencies, and regardless of the hardest circumstances that exist in Afghanistan, ACDO has managed to deliver humanitarian and development assistance in most parts of the country.

Job Descriptions:

Job Summary:

ACDO is seeking a highly skilled and motivated program specialist to spearhead program design, development, and fundraising efforts. This role requires an expert in proposal writing, donor relations, and engagement with bilateral and multilateral funding agencies. The successful candidate will play a critical role in securing funds, developing high-quality proposals, and strengthening partnerships to advance ACDO’s mission and programs.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising & Donor Engagement:

Continuously monitor and analyze funding opportunities from bilateral donors (USAID, DFID, SDC, GIZ, DANIDA, EU), UN agencies, and international partners.
Identify potential fundraising opportunities, initiate contact with donor agencies and embassies, and conduct meetings to secure funding.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with donors, embassies, international organizations, NGOs, and INGOs at the national and international levels.
Participate in donor meetings, networking events, and site visits to enhance collaboration and funding opportunities.

Proposal Writing & Grant Acquisition:

Contribute to the development of high-quality proposals, concept notes, and responses to RFPs/RFAs, ensuring alignment with donor requirements and organizational priorities.
Prepare both financial and technical proposals, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and competitiveness.
Draft and submit Expressions of Interest (EoIs) and applications for Calls for Proposals (CfPs).
Work closely with program teams to integrate lessons learned and innovative approaches into proposals.

Program Development & Quality Assurance:

Support the programs department in maintaining high standards for program quality.
Stay updated on sectoral research, guidelines, and trends to inform program design and development.
Assess, promote, and document innovative ideas for technical improvements and future program development.
Develop and implement change management initiatives to support organizational growth and innovation.

Research & Data Analysis:

Conduct research and analysis on potential funding sources, sector trends, and best practices in program development.
Analyze program data and generate reports to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Ensure that proposals and projects are backed by strong evidence and sectoral best practices.

Strategic Support & Organizational Development:

Support the organization in strategic planning, program expansion, and strengthening partnerships.
Collaborate with program and finance teams to ensure alignment of project budgets with donor requirements.
Provide technical support to project teams on fundraising, program design, and donor engagement.

Job Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in International Development, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in fundraising, proposal writing, donor engagement, and program development in an international or humanitarian organization.
Skills & Competencies:
- Proven track record in securing funding from bilateral and multilateral donors.
- Excellent writing and communication skills, with experience in drafting high-quality proposals and reports.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to conduct research and interpret data for program development.
- Strong networking and relationship-building abilities with donors and stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in English (spoken and written); and local languages.

Submission Guidelines:

Qualified applicants are highly encouraged to apply for the position and submit their applications (Cover Letter and CV together) NOT Educational and Work Certificates, to the attention of the Human Resource Department at https://forms.gle/s3BMWr1W3TJCbjSN6 until 04:00 pm (Afghanistan Standard Time) on February, 7, 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be directly contacted for a written test and consequently for an interview. If you are not contacted TWO WEEKS after the closing date, please know that your application has not been successful for the post.