Country Director for Afghanistan

Contract duration: 18 months with possibility of extensionStarting date: May 2026 or upon agreementLine Manager: Regional DirectorLocation: Kabul, with regular travel to PIN’s operational areas based on security clearancePIN IN AFGHANISTANPeople in Need (PIN) is a Czech NGO providing relief and development assistance in over 20 countries worldwide. Formed in 1992, PIN has grown into the largest organization of its kind in post-communist Europe, delivering aid where it is most needed and supporting the empowerment of civil society both domestically and internationally. In Afghanistan, PIN has been active since 2001, responding to humanitarian needs where they arise and implementing targeted development programs. Currently, PIN focuses primarily on Emergency Response, Food Security & Livelihoods, Education, and emergency WASH, with support from a variety of donors. By working closely with the communities, PIN has maintained a strong field presence in Afghanistan.ABOUT THE ROLEThe Country Director (CD), the main representative of PIN at the country level, is responsible for strategic leadership. The CD ensures compliance with PIN values, policies, and the strategy of the Relief and Development Department (RDD) and the Country Program (CP). The CD manages risks, ensures compliance with environmental and social standards, and supervises the quality of programmes and all support functions. The CD oversees management of human resources (HR) and staff development. The CD’s line manager is the Regional Director (RD), and the CD in Afghanistan currently supervises the Deputy Country Director for Programs (DCD-P),, the Head of Systems and Operations (HoSO), and the Communication Officer. The CD is the chair of the Core Management Team (CMT) and the Senior Management Team (SMT).DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:Strategic Leadership* Is responsible for upholding the strategy, vision, and mission of the RDD in compliance with PIN’s core values; and contributes to the organisational development and achievement of strategic objectives/organizational changes (localization, greening, etc.); * Provides strategic direction for PIN’s presence in the country and is responsible for the formulation and implementation of the country strategy in line with the RDD strategic framework; * Holds overall responsibility for maintaining and expanding PIN’s program portfolio in Afghanistan, in line with the CP strategy; * Monitors in-country developments and donor trends; and ensures the continued relevance of PIN programs in both the local and global context, with a particular focus on building upon and strengthening local capacities; * With support from the HQ, ensures that the necessary human, financial, and other resources are available and effectively used for their intended purposes; * Oversees the CP economy, striving for diversification of funding sources and long-term financial stability of the CP; * Ensures compliance with applicable local rules and regulations; * Is responsible for contingency planning and emergency preparedness; * Reports on CP performance to the HQ and ensures implementation of agreed plans.Human Resources & Capacity Development* Fosters a positive team spirit, a culture of respect, personal responsibility, transparency and openness; and actively promotes diversity and balance within the team in terms of gender, ethnicity, age, etc.; * Ensures that all staff are aware, understand and comply with PIN’s mission, values, and relevant policies, the Code of Conduct and Key Policies, including the PSEA and Safeguarding Policy; * Upholds a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination and ensures that any suspected breaches of PIN’s policies are properly investigated and reported; * Together with the RD, ensures adequate staffing of the CP, including the identification of HR needs and appropriate budget planning; * Together with the HR team, ensures main HR procedures are in place and well-documented; monitors staff satisfaction, employee retention, and turnover, and proposes corrective measures as needed; * Is responsible for the recruitment of key positions at the national level, and participates in HQ-led recruitment process for international staff assigned to the CP; ensures that key staff have relevant technical experience and capacities, and that they are continuously developed; * Ensures that the capacity development of national staff is properly managed and financed, including the efficient use of PIN internal resources (e-learning, webinars, exposure visits, etc.); * Provides the senior staff under their direct supervision with regular feedback, guidance, and support.Representation & External Relations* Serves as the legal representative of the organisation in the country; * Builds strategic relationships and formally represents PIN to local authorities, partners, coordination forums/networks, donors, and other relevant stakeholders (especially on strategic matters and new funding opportunities); delegates representation to DCD-P or other senior staff member as relevant; * Maintains strong partnerships with Alliance2015 partners in-country, and contributes to joint cooperation/coordination at both the country and global level, as relevant; * Is responsible for managing PIN’s brand, visibility, and external communication at the country level, including engagement with media; * Actively engages in both formal and informal networking, and develops relationships/partnerships with all relevant organizations/entities in the country, and promotes synergies, joint programming, and advocacy efforts.Quality & Risk Management* Ensures compliance with and roll-out of all applicable policies and standards, safeguarding PIN from reputational risks; * Ensures that all support departments and functions are fully established and operational; * Establishes effective internal communication and coordination mechanisms; and ensures effective information flow and coordination between departments at the CP level, and between the CP and HQ; * Together with the DCD-P and Program Development Manager (PDM), ensures: 1) all programmes are designed and managed in line with PIN/donor/cluster guidelines, quality standards and relevant SOPs, while leveraging existing know-how and PIN technical expertise/resources; 2) regular programmatic reviews are conducted and recommendations for improvement are implemented; 3) high-quality reports/proposals are submitted in a timely manner; 4) MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning)procedures and functions are effectively in place; and 5) protection, accountability and gender considerations are mainstreamed across all programs; * Promotes participation and accountability to beneficiaries, local authorities, partners, and donors; * Approves project proposals, contracts, and payments in accordance with established thresholds; * Oversees the management of key risks and coordinates the implementation of appropriate risk mitigation measures.Safety & Security* Together with the DCD-P, ensures the implementation of PIN Safety and Security Policy and country-specific procedures; * Strives to ensure the highest possible level of safety and security for PIN staff and assets, and promotes awareness of risks and corresponding mitigation strategies; * Maintains a balance between the accepted level of risk and the urgency of program implementation, in line with the Risk Management Policy; * Ensures the application of the Do No Harm approach and prioritizes the protection of PIN’s beneficiaries; * Leads crisis management efforts and chairs the Incident Management Team (IMT). * Performs any other tasks as required.MAIN REQUIREMENTS :* Degree in a relevant field (humanitarian action, social sciences, etc.); * Experience in managing a Country Program or large emergency response and/or development programs, with strong proficiency in budgeting and financial management of a CP or major initiative * Knowledge of institutional donor environment (UN, ECHO, EU, BHA, etc.), and extensive experience with donor liaising, external communication, and strategic program planning; * Strong leadership skills and extensive experience with management, supervision and capacity building of diverse teams; * Strategic thinking, analytical skills and sound judgement; * Ability to organize and plan effectively, follow procedures, meet deadlines, and work in difficult conditions and under pressure; * Outstanding communication skills (written and spoken); * Fluency in English - written and spoken; * Experience of working in complex and volatile contexts; * Previous experience from Afghanistan and understanding of the Afghan context is an asset; * Understanding of project cycle and principles of humanitarian and development work; * High ethical standards; gender and cultural sensitivity; and demonstrated patience and overall outstanding interpersonal skills; * Commitment to and understanding of PIN’s goals, values, and principles.PIN OFFERS:* Flexible and challenging working environment with room for personal growth; * Possibility of remote work; * Robust and thorough induction training (2 weeks); * HEAT training (unless the candidate participated in one recently); * Salary as per PIN salary scale, between 3,250 – 3,650 EUR gross depending on previous experience, plus 1440 EUR subsistence allowance and 400 EUR hardship allowance * R&R flight out of Afghanistan up to the limit of 1 200 USD covered by PIN (maximum of 4 flights per 12 consecutive months subject to a minimum stay of 8 weeks in Afghanistan prior to the flight)Reimbursement of costs of visas and vaccinations; assistance with visa application procedure; * Comprehensive travel insurance; * Medical helpdesk and psychological consultation available online; * 25 days of paid leave annually and 12 additional days of R&R leave per year; * Accommodation in the PIN compound.HOW TO APPLYIf you are interested in this position, send us your CV and short cover letter via our application form.Please note only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted on rolling basis and the vacancy will be closed when filled.People in Need is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct and committed to promoting the welfare of children and adults with whom People in Need involves. People in Need expects all staff to perform job duties and responsibilities in accordance with People in Need code of conduct and key policies (available at: https://www.peopleinneed.net/key-policies-4142gp)). People in Need Staff will undertake the appropriate level of training. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organization and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.