Technical Planning & Program Design
Conduct comprehensive ecological and socio-economic assessments, including forest cover mapping, biodiversity surveys, and watershed analyses, to inform the design of evidence-based Natural Resource Management (NRM) interventions.
Develop detailed technical plans, implementation schedules, and monitoring frameworks for activities such as assisted natural regeneration (ANR), reforestation, soil and water conservation, and community forest management.
Prepare and review technical specifications, Bill of Quantities (BoQs), and terms of reference for NRM-related procurements and consultancy services.
2. Field Implementation & Technical Supervision
- Lead the field-level implementation and day-to-day supervision of all forestry, agroforestry, and watershed management activities, ensuring adherence to technical standards and project timelines.
- Provide direct on-site technical guidance and training to field staff, community mobilizers, and local laborers on techniques such as tree nursery management, seedling production, plantation establishment, and gully plug construction.
- Supervise contractor performance for specific NRM works (e.g., construction of check dams, terracing) to ensure quality and compliance.
3. Community Engagement & Capacity Building
- Facilitate the establishment, training, and operational support of Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) committees and Forest Protection Groups.
- Design and deliver participatory training programs for community members on sustainable harvesting, non-timber forest product (NTFP) management, fire prevention, and conflict resolution over natural resources.
- Promote and support the development of community-led micro-plans for forest and watershed management.
4. Stakeholder Coordination & Policy Alignment
- Serve as the project's primary technical liaison with relevant government ministries (e.g., Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock - MAIL, NEPA), local authorities, and other environmental NGOs.
- Ensure all field activities are aligned with national forestry policies, climate action plans, and biodiversity conservation strategies.
- Coordinate joint field missions, share progress updates, and secure necessary technical approvals and permits from government counterparts.
5. Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
- Establish and manage a robust field monitoring system to track seedling survival rates, forest cover change, soil health indicators, and community participation metrics.
- Utilize GIS tools and remote sensing data (where feasible) for mapping, analysis, and reporting on project-induced environmental changes.
- Compile and submit accurate and timely technical progress reports, case studies, and data to the Project Manager.
6. Mainstreaming Cross-Cutting Themes
- Integrate climate change adaptation and mitigation measures into all NRM activities (e.g., selecting climate-resilient tree species, designing water-harvesting structures).
- Ensure gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) by promoting women's active participation in NRM decision-making and creating equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms from forest resources.
- Apply a conservation and "do-no-harm" approach to safeguard biodiversity, protect critical habitats, and prevent unintended negative environmental impacts.
7. Knowledge Management & Documentation
- Document best practices, lessons learned, and success stories related to community forestry and landscape restoration.
- Maintain a systematic archive of all technical documents, including assessment reports, plantation records, training materials, and geo-referenced photos.
- Support the preparation of technical briefs and communication materials to showcase project impact.
Educational Qualifications
- Mandatory: Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Watershed Management, Agroforestry, or a closely related field.
- Preferred: Master’s degree in a relevant discipline or professional certification in areas such as Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM), Climate-Smart Agriculture, or GIS/Remote Sensing.
2. Professional Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of practical, field-based experience in forestry, watershed management, or community-based natural resource management projects, preferably within a development or conservation context.
- Proven experience in designing and implementing reforestation/afforestation programs, soil and water conservation structures, and participatory forest management plans.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience in conducting ecological field assessments, forest inventory, nursery management, and providing technical extension services to rural communities.
- Prior work experience in Afghanistan, with a strong understanding of local forest ecology, customary resource tenure systems, and socio-environmental challenges, is highly desirable.
- Experience in training and capacity building for community groups and local stakeholders on sustainable NRM practices.
3. Technical Competencies & Skills
- NRM Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of silviculture, dendrology, forest restoration techniques, soil conservation methods, and integrated watershed management.
- Community Facilitation: Strong skills in participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools, conflict-sensitive approaches, and facilitating community engagement in resource governance.
- Geospatial Skills: Proficiency in using GPS devices and basic competency in GIS software (e.g., QGIS) for mapping and analysis is a significant advantage
- Climate & Biodiversity Integration: Practical understanding of integrating climate change adaptation/mitigation and biodiversity conservation into field-level NRM interventions.
- Reporting & Analysis: Ability to collect, manage, and analyze field data and produce clear technical and progress reports.
4. Language & Communication
- Fluency in Dari and Pashto (written and spoken) is mandatory for effective community engagement and coordination with local authorities.
- Professional working proficiency in English is required for report writing and communication with project management and donors.
- Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and facilitation skills.
5. Personal Attributes
- High integrity and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, community empowerment, and ethical professional conduct.
- Physically fit and resilient, with the ability to conduct extensive field work in remote, rugged, and potentially challenging terrain and weather conditions.
- Proactive, resourceful, and a strong team player with the ability to work independently and solve problems in low-resource settings.
- Cultural sensitivity and a deep respect for local traditions and community-led decision-making processes.
Interested candidates should submit a Cover Letter and CV to [HR@accesspoint.af] by [18, Dec 2025]. Please include the Position Title and Project Reference (01003470) in the subject line (e.g., Application for Project Manager - Ref 01003470).
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Access Point Consulting and Auditing Services Company is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and diverse community members.
Access Point Consulting & Auditing is a leading Afghan-owned consulting firm established in 2010, providing a wide range of professional services to support organizational growth, compliance, and impact. With deep local expertise and international insights, the firm specializes in:
Strategic & Organizational Consulting: including policy development, capacity building, business process improvement, and digital transformation.
The firm serves a diverse client base across the public and private sectors, NGOs, and international development agencies, with a strong track record of completed projects in areas such as SME development, climate resilience, financial inclusion, and institutional strengthening.
Headquartered in Kabul, Access Point is led by experienced Afghan professionals with advanced qualifications and extensive industry backgrounds, emphasizing integrity, innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in all engagements.