Mission and objectivesUNDP has been working across Afghanistan for more than 50 years on challenges related to climate change and resilience, gender, governance, health, livelihoods and rule of law. Guided by the government and its Development Councils, our work is fully aligned with the Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework and National Priority Programmes, and is carried out in close coordination with partner UN agencies under the One UN Framework. As the UNโs development network, we connect the Afghan government and people with the resources and information they need to drive their own development according to their own priorities, as well as to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
ContextAfghanistan remains among the most gender-unequal countries, with women facing systemic barriers to education, employment, and public participation. UNDP is committed to womenโs empowerment through capacity building, livelihood support, gender-responsive decision-making, and community inclusion, in line with UNSCR 1325. To address interconnected development risks, UNDP adopts a portfolio approach, leveraging linkages across interventions and assembling multidisciplinary teams for integrated responses. Personnel are expected to work across issues, units, and projects to enable collaboration. Portfolio 1: Climate Change, Energy and Environmental Management: This portfolio strengthens Afghanistanโs climate resilience and energy sustainability. It shapes climate strategies, adaptation plans, and addresses gaps in environmental assessments, hazard mapping, and greenhouse gas inventories. UNDP invests in community-based infrastructureโdams, irrigation, flood protection, afforestationโand promotes disaster risk reduction and early warning systems, aligned with UNSCR 2721 (2023). With limited access to global climate funds, the team seeks alternative financing through private sector engagement, partnerships, and donor collaboration. It also prioritizes renewable energy and extractive industries, fostering partnerships to close knowledge and resource gaps. The goal: scalable, sustainable solutions for adaptation and mitigation. Portfolio 2: Sustainable Livelihood and Resilience: This portfolio focuses on human development, resilience, and livelihoods, linking macro-level socio-economic interventions with local solutions. It promotes access to finance, social cohesion, and essential services, aligned with SDGs 5 and 10 for gender equality and reduced inequalities. Through multi-year, conflict-sensitive programs with UN agencies, donors, and national actors, it supports financial inclusion, private sector recovery, and infrastructure. Gender mainstreaming and targeted support for women, youth, and displaced persons are central. Strategic partnerships ensure inclusive, sustainable solutions for Afghanistanโs basic needs. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with FAO, IOM, and UNODC, has launched the Afghanistan Community Resilience Programme (ACRP) to tackle challenges from climate change and displacement. The programme aims to build resilient livelihoods, diversify agriculture, improve market linkages, strengthen preparedness for climate shocks, promote ecosystem balance, and reduce water scarcity. It leverages the combined expertise of the agencies to address socioeconomic impacts of the poppy ban and related climate issues. Activities will include coordinated interventions, baseline data collection, monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge sharing, while integrating with ongoing projects for maximum impact. Beneficiaries include communities affected by the poppy ban, with special focus on returnees, IDPs, women, and persons with disabilities. ACRP aligns with the UN Strategic Framework for Afghanistan (UNSFA) and complements existing efforts to address humanitarian needs and climate resilience. The partnership will connect to national and international networks, including Afghanistanโs Counter Narcotics Working Groups. A high-level group, led by UNAMA, addresses strategic counternarcotics issues, while a technical group under UNODC ensures coordination and synergy in alternative livelihoods and UNSFA implementation.
Task DescriptionWithin the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Project Manager, the UN Volunteer will carry out the following tasks: โข Monitoring and Reporting: 1. Design and implement data collection and reporting protocols linked to project outcome indicators to support routine high-level project progress reporting. 2. Support the team in monitoring data quality, tracking the progress of activities, and identifying opportunities for staff and IPs capacity building. 3. Perform field visits along with the national reporting officer as per need to ensure the quality of the data gathered by the project and to verify the accuracy of the reported data. 4. Draft reports and analyse data against indicators listed in the logical framework against indicators and AWP target. 5. Interpret outcomes of implementation through data or other evidenced-based sources and provide recommendations as needed. 6. Support the project team in drafting, finalization and implementation of the projectโs M&E plan, to effectively track project progress against specific indicators. 7. Draft monthly, quarterly, biannual, and annual reports, in adherence to and compliance with the financing agreement, M&E frameworks, and donor ad-hoc requirements. 8. Continuously monitor and update project risk logs both offline and in the QUANTUM to facilitate informed decision on the project implementation. 9. Assist in the monitoring of milestones and key accomplishments of the project. 10. Support in organizing special events such as donor engagement/joint monitoring, Third-Party Monitoring (TPM), and evaluation, etc. โข Visibility and Communication 1. Support the project to deliver effective external communication including sharing of success stories and highlighting progress to the relevant stakeholders. 2. Conduct a thorough analysis and research of the political, social, and economic situation in the country and collaborate with the Programme Management Support Unit (PMSU) team in preparation/revision of project documents, Annual Work Plan (AWP), and other documents as necessary. 3. Maintain the strategic partnerships and support resource mobilization. 4. Coordination and networking with clients, stakeholders, and programme partners. 5. Coordination and networking with UN agencies, clients, stakeholders, and programme partners. 6. Work closely with project field offices staff, UNDP IRMU/DEU/PMSU, and UNDP Partnership and communication team and other units to ensure related communications materials included information about the project. 7. Collaborate with UNDP Communication Unit to develop, publish and disseminate media-friendly communications products. 8. Write content for both print and Web including the UNDP website, blog, brochures, factsheets, exposures, monthly progress updates within the country office, and newsletter. โข Knowledge Management: 1. Constant communication with the Project Manager, Project Management team, donor, UNDP communication unit, and UNDP staff for implementation of the project communication work plan. 2. Facilitate and support learning agendas, collaboration, learning and adapting, and knowledge management activities; all aimed at facilitating effective collaboration and promoting learning and sharing among stakeholders. 3. Support the preparation of the publication, document case stories and best practices for learning and sharing. 4. Develop knowledge management products on M&E such as handbooks, toolkits for indicators, lessons learned reports, webinars, and others. 5. Network and actively engage with counterparts, communities of practice, and other partners in disseminating learnings and acquiring timely information to M&E policies, tools, and best practices.
Competencies and valuesโข Accountability โข Adaptability and flexibility โข Creativity โข Judgement and decision-making โข Planning and organising โข Professionalism โข Self-management
Living conditions and remarksThe successful applicant will be living within the UN-protected compound in Kabul. Accommodation will be provided by UNDP. A detailed induction will be provided to the successful applicant on living conditions in the duty station about the security situation, access and air travel, climate, alcohol use, cost of living, accommodation options, availability of food/water/electricity, medical facilities, banking facilities, communications infrastructure, etc.