Programme Officer (Alternative Development)

Organizational Context

This Programme Officer position is based in the UNODC Country Office in Afghanistan (Kabul), reporting to the COAFG Representative and a Programme Officer in Vienna. The role operates within the Division for Operations, supporting the Alternative Development Programme in Afghanistan and contributing to the broader UNODC mandate in the region.

Job Purpose

The Programme Officer will coordinate and support the implementation of UNODC's Alternative Development Programme in Afghanistan, focusing on promoting alternative livelihoods, socio-economic development, and the rule of law in affected areas. This involves providing strategic guidance, overseeing project teams, and ensuring quality assurance. The role requires establishing partnerships, developing scalable models, and managing project activities in line with UN regulations. A key aspect is engaging with stakeholders, including de facto authorities and beneficiaries, to ensure programme success and sustainability. The position also contributes to resource mobilization, inter-agency coordination, and representing the Alternative Development agenda at national and international forums.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and support the implementation of the Alternative Development Programme in Afghanistan, promoting alternative livelihoods and socio-economic development. Provide strategic guidance and oversight to project teams on planning, implementation, and monitoring. Establish and strengthen partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including the private sector, NGOs, and farming associations, to enhance market access and economic opportunities. Develop, document, and disseminate replicable alternative development models and best practices. Manage project activities, budgets, and reporting in compliance with UN rules. Engage effectively with de facto authorities and beneficiaries to ensure programme participation and ownership. Coordinate communication and visibility efforts for Alternative Development initiatives. Promote complementarity with other UNODC programmes and UN system initiatives. Lead resource mobilization and fundraising efforts, including proposal development. Represent the Alternative Development agenda at national and international forums and support broader counternarcotics coordination mechanisms.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive professional experience in project/programme management and implementation within alternative development, sustainable livelihoods, or socio-economic development is required, preferably in fragile environments. Experience in value chain development, market systems, and managing project budgets and donor reporting is essential. Experience in rural development contexts, technical cooperation, partnership management, and resource mobilization is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Teamwork, Planning and Organizing, analytical and evaluative skills, research and analysis, data collection and interpretation, project/programme management, partnership building, resource mobilization, communication, stakeholder engagement.

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