Head of Programme Afghanistan

What we are looking for
NRC is looking for a Head of Programme to join the Afghanistan mission. The role holder will lead the programme unit in Afghanistan and oversee the implementation of, and the funding for, high-quality programmes. He/she will manage the program technical development, including core competency strategies, and conduct quality assurance in relation to project cycle management.
If you are an influential and adaptive leader with a background in developing and integrating distinctive strategies; a track record of fostering a collaborative environment and building effective teams; and the ability to collaborate with others while building sound, constructive relationships, then this is the role for you!
What you will do
People leadership.
NRC policies, guidelines, and procedures compliance and adherence.
Country strategy and plan of action programmatic input.
Core competency strategies development.
Programme development (holistic, integrated, and needs-based).
Funding opportunities identification and forecasts. Development of funding strategies.
Grants’ management, BPO allocations, and donor reporting.
Quality control, monitoring and evaluation, and organisational learning.
Capacity building of all technical staff.
Represent NRC in forums/cluster/working groups, etc.
We highly encourage you to learn more about the role: please review the full Job Description here.
What you will bring
Senior management experience in a humanitarian/recovery context.
Core competency expertise.
Afghanistan context, or the Middle East, exposure and knowledge.
Programme and advocacy connection track record.
Change processes (scale up and scale down of operations) exposure.
Complex and volatile context exposure.
English fluency, both written and verbal.
What makes this position attractive?
Decades of war; chronic poverty; mass returns from Iran and Pakistan; rising regional tensions; recurrent natural disasters such as droughts, massive earthquake, and flash floods; as well as an economic crisis have devastated Afghanistan and driven a trajectory of sustained decline.
The UN estimates that 21.9 million people (45% of Afghanistan’s population) require humanitarian assistance in 2026. With humanitarian funding decreasing and operational space becoming more constrained, needs remain acute while opportunities for durable solutions remain limited. Addressing these issues needs comprehensive international support, sustained humanitarian aid, and collaboration with regional and global stakeholders.
NRC provides lifesaving, multisectoral assistance and works towards self-reliance and durable solutions, reaching over 340,000 project participants in 2025.
This is an opportunity to contribute to the protection and assistance of vulnerable and crisis-affected women, girls, boys, and men. NRC is one of the leading humanitarian response agencies (particularly for Afghans who have felt forced to flee their homes due to conflict).
NRC Afghanistan operates a diverse grants portfolio providing services within Education; Protection; Information Counselling and Legal Assistance; Shelter and Settlements; Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene; and Emergency core competencies.
Meaningful work that responds to the diverse needs, priorities, and concerns raised by beneficiary communities. NRC Afghanistan meets immediate humanitarian needs, prevents further displacement, and contributes to durable solutions.
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to join our work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility.
Learn more about NRC’s operation in Afghanistan here.
What we offer
Kabul, Afghanistan duty station.
24-month contract duration.
25% travel, approximately.
Grade 11 in NRC’s International Salary Scale, with accompanying terms and conditions. NRC offers

Work arrangement
No