Afghanistan: Livelihood Program Specialist


Sep 12, 2014 | The Liaison Office

The Liaison Office (TLO) is an Afghan non-governmental organization that emerged at the end of 2003 as a swisspeace pilot project (supported by theHeinrich Böll Foundation), working to promote good governance. TLO was later approached by community elders requesting assistance for participation in the peace and reconstruction process in their southeastern communities. TLO’s four main areas of activity are: Research, Peacebuilding, Justice, and Livelihoods. One hundred and fifty TLO staff in six field offices is currently active across Afghanistan.

Since 2005, TLO has developed strong capacity to design and implement livelihoods initiatives for donors such as Oxfam-Novib/DFID, Heinrich Boell Stiftung, GIZ, ARD, Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC. TLO’s programmes have addressed community needs such as improving irrigation infrastructures & access to clean water, introducing & training of farmers in new agriculture practices/techniques and technologies, market value chains, establishment of orchards and nurseries, improving women headed families’ income by providing them opportunities (e.g. poultry kits, kitchen gardens for vegetable production), cultivation and harvesting of medicinal plants, the acquisition of organic certification, and improving market dynamics.

About This Project: 

The overall goal of the Sustainable Livelihood and Social Development (SLSD) Programme funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is to contribute to social cohesion and economic development in Southeast region of Afghanistan via economic opportunities and improved natural resource management benefitting both men and women while building capacities of local actors.

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In close collaboration with the SLSD Programme Manager, the livelihoods program specialist will effectively contribute to shaping the long-term strategy of the SLSD Program and the successful development and implementation of livelihoods projects in southeastern Afghanistan provinces (Paktia, and Khost).

  • Contribute to shaping the overall strategy and objectives of the SLSD Program.
  • Develop and design comprehensive project plans, proposals and related documents based on consultation meetings conducted with communities, district authorities, and provincial Agricultural Departments for the sustainable livelihood and social development of targeted communities.
  • Support the SLSD team in conducting baseline surveys, preparing sub-projects log-frames, monitoring & evaluation plans; contribute to presenting these materials to the donor and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Lead on developing technical material required for capacity building of local communities and organizations and presentation of these materials to the donor and relevant stakeholders. Such material will detail options/strategies for improving local actors and service delivery institutions (public and private) in the targeted provinces to effectively manage social and economic development projects and deliver needed services to beneficiary populations. It will particularly involve improving the capacity of community organizations (implementing partners, DDA, CDC, agriculture departments, cooperatives, and watershed committees) in project management, implementation, supervision, and monitoring to address development issues such as social inclusion and reduce vulnerabilities.
  • Actively participate in the internal annual review of the SLSD program.
  • As needed, provide technical support, to the larger SLSD team in the following areas:
  1. Improving and diversifying agriculture and livestock production in the targeted communities, to increase income of women headed/vulnerable families and individual farmers are using improved techniques and practices.
  2. Training communities in natural resources management and sustainable water, land, and forest management practices; support local communities to gain protection from water related hazards, gain access to clean water, protect their farm land from floods, and improve irrigation systems; and support local communities in developing agri-business techniques.
  3. Contribute in the strategy design and activities, focusing enhancing livelihood opportunities and facilitating social protection services, for vulnerable and women-headed households including economic strengthening, knowledge transfers, and agriculture & livestock development.
  4. Design, plan, and lead livelihoods needs assessment, develop log frames, and M&E systems for SLSD program with clear indicators of success of activities linked with long-term sustainable and social development.
  5. Liaise with key government agencies, departments, regular information sharing, and inclusion in dialogue opportunities and joint ventures at the province level.
  6. Contribute to the development of NRM and DRR response strategy and support the program operational implementation.
  7. Create or be part of networks for sustainable livelihoods and social development, advocacy and lobbying, including governments and other stakeholders, in line with Afghanistan National Development Strategies.
  8. In coordination with TLO M&E Officer, develop monitoring plans and strategies for effective and efficient monitoring and reporting of the progress and results of the livelihood activities.
  9. Assist target communities in using their new access to productive use of water to expand existing livelihood activities or engage in new livelihood activities initiated by SLSD in the previous year(s).
  10. Contribute to the development of project completion, semi-annual, and annual reports and work plans as scheduled by SLSD Program Manager.

How to Apply:

Please submit complete applications including:

  • Current CV, including three professional references;
  • Cover letter stating the candidate’s motivation, interest and suitability.
  • Electronic applications should be sent to the following email address : 

tawab.stanikzai@tlo-afghanistan.org 

hr@tlo-afghanistan.org 

Write clearly in the subject of your e-mail: Application for the post of Livelihoods Program Specialist, and Vacancy No.:TLO-V2014-07 

Hard copies can be delivered to TLO at: House No. 959, Street 6, Taimani Road, Kabul, Afghanistan