Action contre la Faim (ACF) has been operating in Afghanistan since 1979. Its very first mission, has seen a strong focus on emergency responses, targeting primarily refugees, Internally Displaced Persons, and flood/drought affected populations. Integrated projects in nutrition and health, water, sanitation and hygiene, food security and livelihoods, and in mental health and care practices are implemented in 4 provinces. Our work with local partners is essential to gain access to more geographical areas.
In 2023, two-thirds of Afghanistan’s population will need urgent humanitarian assistance to survive as the countryenters its third consecutive year of drought-like conditions and the second year of crippling economic decline while still reeling from the effects of 40 years of conflict and recurrent natural disasters. The mission employs 450 staff in five operational bases : ; Kabul, Helmand, Ghor, Daikundi, and Badakhshan. ACF teams address the underlying conditions leading to deadly malnutrition and food insecurity and provideaccess to basic health services.
ACF is looking for its new Deputy Country Director - Programs, based in the coordination office in Kabul.
You have a master's degree in International Relations, Development Studies or related technical discipline relevant for ACF programs or a bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline combined with substantive work and international experience.You have a significant experience with INGOs, a previous experience with ACF is an asset: 5 years of experience minimum in similar position. A previous experience in insecure setting is an advantage and/or previous experiences as Field Coordinator or Head of Department are also desired.You have an experience in successful proposal development. You have an advanced knowledge of donors’ guidelines and procedures (ECHO, UNICEF, FCDO, BHA, GFFO/BMZ, etc.). You have a demonstrated ability to organize, train and motivate a multicultural team. You are fluent in English.
The mission is old but the context is new and is one of the most challenging and stimulating. Between January and July 2022, humanitarian partners reached 23.8 million people with at least one form of humanitarian assistance, including 23 million vulnerable people; 365,000 cross-border returnees; 72,000 refugees; 293,000 people affected by sudden-onset natural disasters. While humanitarian assistance has increased significantly over the first half of the year, particularly food distributions and seasonal support, many activities provide multiple rounds of and require ongoing financial support. The combination of global and in-country food and other commodity price spikes and funding shortfalls is already forcing humanitarians to provide fewer rounds of assistance than originally intended. Over the coming months, partners will focus on providing more integrated support in underserved areas, in line with the nature and scale of multi-sectoral needs now present while considering seasonal risks. In a context of increasing humanitarian needs and simultaneous rise in operational complexities, the humanitarian community’s ability to continue to stay and deliver life-saving assistance will be contingent on flexible funds, enabling financial systems and assurances of aid worker safety and principled humanitarian response.