GoodWeaveAfghanistan – Senior Social Programmes Officer

GW-KBL-03-2016

GoodWeave International (GWI) is a global network of non-governmental organizations working to end child labor in the handmade rug industry and offering educational opportunities to children in Afghanistan, India and Nepal.The GoodWeave®label offers the best assurance that no child labor was used in the production of a rug and ensures that a percentage of the purchase price of a rug pays for child rescue, rehabilitation and education.

GoodWeave currently has operations in Afghanistan, India, Nepal, Germany, the United Kingdom and the U.S. The organization has rescued thousands of children from exploitative labor within South Asia and provided health and educational benefits to them, their families and the weaving community in general.

The organization seeks an experienced community worker with program design and management experience to become the new Senior Social Programmes Officerin Afghanistan. The Senior Social Programmes Officer will have primarily responsibility for the development and oversight of social programs that benefit children and workers in the carpet industry.GoodWeave’s existing programs include daycare facilities for the young children of weaving parents, homeschooling for school-aged girls identified as weaving at home, and vision testing and eyeglass fitting for adult weavers.The Programmes Officer will carry out hands-on field work in weaving communities with children and families, laying the groundwork for further growthof programs and staff.

Overview of Position: Oversee all aspects of GoodWeave’s rehabilitation, social and educational programs in Afghanistanincluding the delivery of social initiatives and services to benefit children and families in weaving communities and the improvement of social and environmental production conditions in partnership with manufacturers. Coordinate programs closely with the GoodWeave Afghanistan National Inspection Unit (NIU) to ensure that all efforts are mutually supportive.

Duties and Responsibilities

Work in carpet weaving communities throughout Kabul Valley and the provinces to develop and implementprograms that serve the needs of weaving families, especially children, while meeting GoodWeave’s country program objectives. Carry out activities and programs in close coordination with the AfghanistanCountry Director, NIU and GWI Secretariat, helping to set overall strategic priorities, vision and expansion plans.

Connect and develop collaborations with implementing partners to include aid organizations, community social workers, case workers, rehabilitation centers, daycare centers,Mullahs, psychology agencies and other social welfare and health agencies in order to ensure that child laborers and children at-risk for becoming child laborers are receiving appropriate supportin areas such as daycare, early childhood education, school sponsorship, access to health care, and adult literacy and education. Develop and manage programs and relationships with these partners.

 Connect and collaborate with potential partners as described above to identify new program opportunities to improve overall social, environmental, health and safety conditions for producers.

 Monitor budget and expenses for social programs to ensure that they are being carried out in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Ensure that all program activities and all reporting requirements (financial, donor, statutory) are carried out efficiently and on a timely basis in accordance with GoodWeave, government and donor requirements.

Serve as a GoodWeave spokesperson and active information resource within communities to explain the GoodWeave program and raise awareness about the issue of child labor.Counsel factory owners, labor contractors and carpet workers on maintaining child-labor-free environments in factories and on home-based looms.

Ensure that weekly and monthly priorities are achieved and reported on as required, including family situation reports on counseled families. Communicate updates and developments to the Country Director and GWI Secretariat.

Qualifications:

This position requires strong initiative and an entrepreneurial attitude along with respect for the project goals of establishing international fair labor practices and private sector development. The Program Officer must provide leadership for overall Afghanistan social programs and be responsible for compliance with all project requirements.

Strong community field work and program development background required: Fiveyears of experience in program management for an NGO or internationally supported development project. Experience with international child labor standards a plus. Knowledge of child development, prevention and treatment of child maltreatment and family-centered social work practice. Ability to engage children and families, under difficult circumstances, to gather sufficient information to make accurate and precise decisions.Willingness to carry out a range of tasks in a start-up atmosphere and growing office.Familiarity with international donor project management policies, and some budget and financial management experience is preferred.Knowledge of the Afghan carpet sector would be a strength, though not required.

Ability to work independently and under pressure to achieve objectives on time.Ability to remain calm and develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others in potentially confrontational and challenging circumstances. Honest and hard working with a high level of personal integrity.

Ability to travel to northern and western Afghanistan.Strong team-building and interpersonal skills essential.Fluency in English and Dari essential.Knowledge of Turkmen or Uzbek a plus. Computer skills required.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Location: Based in Kabul, with frequent travel to Mazar and Herat.The position may require some international travel.

Reports to: GoodWeave Afghanistan Country Director

How to apply: Resume, references and one page cover letter describing interest in position, related experience and any other relevant information with a deadline ofJuly 30th, 2016.

Updated June 15, 2013