Job advertisement: Country Director – DAARTT

Job Title: Country Director – DAARTT (Danish Assistance to Afghan Rehabilitation and Technical Training)
Location: Kabul, Afghanistan.
Reports to: Head of International Department, Danish People’s Aid.
Application Deadline: August 15th, 2025.
Contract Duration: 2 years, renewable, with a 3-month probation period.
Start Date: November 1st 2025

About DAARTT

DAARTT (Danish Assistance to Afghan Rehabilitation and Technical Training) is a specialized office under Danish People’s Aid (DPA), with headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan. Since 2003, DAARTT has implemented over 250 infrastructure, humanitarian, and capacity-building projects with funding from DANIDA, the EU, UN, and the World Bank. Our work focuses on construction and rehabilitation of public infrastructure (schools, clinics, judicial facilities), as well as delivering vital humanitarian interventions across Afghanistan.

 About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Country Director to lead and manage DAARTT’s operations in Afghanistan. The Country Director will play a key role in providing strategic direction, strengthening programme quality, managing partnerships, ensuring financial and operational accountability, and promoting a culture of excellence in a complex operational environment. 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Lead the development and implementation of a multi-year strategic plan.
  • Drive organizational agility and responsiveness in a dynamic context.
  • Foster partnerships and secure funding opportunities in Afghanistan and internationally.

Programme Management

  • Oversee project planning, implementation, and quality assurance.
  • Ensure compliance with donor standards and timely delivery of outcomes.
  • Lead the development of internal MEAL tools and risk mitigation strategies.

Finance and Administration

  • Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting and reporting.
  • Ensure strong compliance with procurement and audit standards.
  • Strengthen internal financial and administrative systems.

Human Resource Management

  • Lead and develop national and international staff teams.
  • Promote a respectful, inclusive, and professional work environment.
  • Manage staff performance, recruitment, and capacity-building.

External Relations

  • Represent DAARTT to donors, partners, government bodies, and key stakeholders.
  • Cultivate networks with NGOs, UN agencies, and funding bodies.
  • Lead proposal development and donor engagement.

Safety and Security

  • Ensure effective security management and staff safety procedures.
  • Monitor and respond to evolving security risks.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Advanced degree in international development, engineering, public administration, or related field.
  • Minimum 7–10 years of senior leadership experience in development or humanitarian operations, preferably in conflict or post-conflict settings.
  • Proven track record in programme and staff management, donor relations, and strategic planning.
  • Strong knowledge of infrastructure and/or humanitarian project implementation.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Experience working in Afghanistan or similar contexts is a strong asset.

What We Offer

  • A key leadership position within a respected organization with a strong impact track record.
  • Workplace is the DAARTT office in Kabul, Afghanistan. Travel activity both within Afghanistan and to Europe should be expected
  • Opportunity to shape strategic direction and contribute to post-conflict development in Afghanistan.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience. 

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your motivation and relevant experience to post@folkehjaelp.dk no later than 15 August 2025. Please include “Country Director – DAARTT” in the subject line.

For further information about DAARTT and Danish People’s Aid, visit: https://www.folkehjaelp.dk/en/

Danish People’s Aid values diversity and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.

Any questions about the position?

Contact Danish People’s Aid Head of International Department Niels Vestergaard Knudsen on tel. +45 6114 2969 or email nvk@folkehjaelp.dk 

afghan