About ACBAR:

The Agency Coordinating Body for Afghan Relief and Development, ACBAR, is an independent forum founded in 1988 in response to the demand from NGOs working with Afghan refugees in Pakistan and across the border in Afghanistan to more efficiently coordinate assistance and delivery of services. With its main office in Kabul since 2002, ACBAR brings together 203 National and International NGOs working in in all sectors of humanitarian assistance and development in Afghanistan. Based on the 3 pillars of Information and Coordination, Advocacy and Enabling Environment, and Capacity Building, ACBAR’s activities focus heavily on sharing information with members to and coordination of its members and the aid community in general, coordination of activities at the national and regional levels, and advocacy on issues affecting the work of its members in Afghanistan. ACBAR has a mission to provide an efficient platform for members to carry out effective humanitarian, development, and peace building activities in Afghanistan. The members are the drive behind ACBAR, and their active participation is essential to ACBAR’s continued dynamism. For more information, please visit: www.acbar.org

The multi-stakeholder Localization Technical Working Group Afghanistan (LTWG) was established in late 2023 to develop a vision for localization in Afghanistan and collectively identify and implement practical decisions, actions and changes that can deliver key aspects of this desired localization, and advance localization practices through open and constructive discussions and agreements with local authorities in Afghanistan. In early 2024, the group has successfully developed a practical roadmap for localization with key milestones to be achieved over the next 12 months.

Objective: The primary objective of the LTWG Local Coordinator is to coordinate and guide the group’s efforts in implementing the Localization Roadmap, to steer the work of the LTWG throughout 2024/5, and to ensure that ACBAR members and other stakeholders are well informed and feel involved in the process.

Job Description:

The role involves providing leadership and direction to the Localization Technical Working Group (LTWG) in collaboration with the ACBAR Director and ACSM Advisor. This includes handling on-the-ground tasks, making technical recommendations, and facilitating regular meetings to promote collaboration and decision-making within the (LTWG) group. Additionally, the individual will work closely with stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the 2024 Localization Roadmap, monitor progress, and collaborate with external partners and organizations. Communication with key stakeholders, assistance with the ACBAR Conflict Sensitivity Working Group, and the preparation and presentation of reports and materials to stakeholders are also key responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

Essential tasks include the following:

• Provide leadership and direction to the LTWG, in close collaboration with the ACBAR Director and ACSM Advisor to the LTWG.
• Handle all on on-the-ground tasks of the Localization Technical Working Group, under the guidance of the ACSM Advisor and in close coordination with the ACBAR Director.
• Make technical recommendations to the LTWG, in close coordination with the ACBAR Country Director and ACSM Advisor
• Facilitate regular meetings of the LTWG to promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and decision-making within the group.
• Work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful operationalisation and implementation of 2024 Localization Roadmap– and support the ideation of next steps for 2025.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of the implementation of different key milestones within the 2024 Localization Roadmap, identify challenges and opportunities, and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Collaborate with external partners and organizations to leverage resources, expertise, and best practices in localization efforts.
• Collaborate with LTWG members and other external partners (e.g., HCT) to leverage resources, expertise, and best practices in localization efforts.
• Communicate regularly with ACBAR members and other key stakeholders to provide updates on LTWG activities, achievements, and challenges.
• Assist the work of the ACBAR Conflict Sensitivity Working Group
• Prepare and present reports, presentations, and other relevant materials to stakeholders as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and/or ATTRIBUTES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or attribute required.

• At least ten years senior-level experience in NGO coordination and working group facilitations or related work
• Knowledge of localization principles, methodologies, and tools, with a commitment to promoting inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.
• Extensive “hands on” experience with localization programs and related work
• Strong leadership, facilitation and networking skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and partners and motivate them towards common goals.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Knowledge of Afghanistan context and experience working in Afghanistan highly preferred
• Strong command of spoken and written English; proficiency in Dari/Pashto is helpful
• Courteous and polite when representing ACBAR

Job Requirements:

EDUCATION, TRAINING and/or EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in relevant professions.
• At least ten years senior-level experience in NGO coordination and working group facilitations or related work

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to visit and conduct face to face meetings with NGO partners
• Ability to write and speak standard English, Dari and Pashto
• Ability to work independently and in a team, and has good people’s management skills