Afghanistan: Deputy Country Director for Programs

Feb 17, 2026 (Deadline: 2026-04-30) | Première Urgence Internationale
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Première Urgence Internationale (PUI) works in 10 areas of intervention and distinguishes itself by the implementation of an integrated approach in its response. This method aims to identify and understand the needs of all those affected by a crisis. PUI's teams come together to bring a rapid global response to the basic needs of populations affected by humanitarian crises to help them regain independence and dignity.

Focus on our activities in Afghanistan

The Afghanistan Mission has existed since 1979. 20 expatriates and 900 local employees are currently working on the mission. PUI is developing its integrated approach in Health, Nutrition, MHPSS and WaSH. In addition, PUI works on a fixed-site intervention via primary health centers or first aid centers, in support of certain hospitals, or via the deployment of mobile clinics in the most remote areas. Today, the mission consists of 4 main projects implemented in 7 provinces (East : Laghman, Nuristan, Kunar, Nangarhar / Southeast : Paktia, Ghazni / Central: Kabul), some of which are linked.

What about the Deputy Country Director for Programs?

As Deputy Head of Mission for Programs (DHoMP) you will be responsible for the implementation of the programs across the different bases, ensuring the steering and the development of a pertinent, appropriate and technically sound program strategy. For this purpose, you will be responsible for :

  • Programs: You will be in charge of program implementation, ensuring that programs progress in accordance with PUI charter and complying with internal technical guidelines and contractual procedures. You will be responsible for the follow up of programs achievement at mission level. You will be in charge of challenging Bases on quality need for improvement.
  • Development/Strategy: You will lead the needs and gaps analysis, and suggest new operations according to the needs identified in direct coordination with the Field and Technical Coordinators. You will lead the donor mapping to develop the fundraising strategy.
  • Human resources: You will manage directly the Technical Coordination Team, and ensure that the Field Coordinators and Deputy Field Coordinators are properly supported by them.
  • Representation: By delegation from the Head of Mission, you will ensure and coordinate PUI’s representation at national level among partners, donors and authorities. You will participate in technical forums (Working groups).
  • Coordination: You will ensure the effective interaction between the Technical Coordination Team and the bases. You will also ensure that the technical coordination department is properly liaising with the support coordinators.
  • Logistics, administrative and financial monitoring: You will be involved in direct collaboration with the Technical Coordinators in the global oversight of links between the technical coordination department and logistics, HR and administrative departments. You will guarantee that the implementation of all activities is done while respecting all internal and external logistics and administrative frames.

The challenges that await you

The role faces several significant challenges linked to both the scale of the portfolio and the operating context in Afghanistan. One key challenge is ensuring strategic coherence, technical quality, and integration across a large multisector portfolio spanning Primary Health Care, Nutrition, MHPSS, and WASH in nine provinces, while maintaining consistent standards across diverse field locations. Another major challenge is operating under a highly constrained and volatile context, including access limitations, evolving regulations, and security considerations, which require continuous adaptation of program strategies and implementation modalities.

The role also faces the challenge of managing complex donor compliance requirements across multiple donors, notably ECHO, SIDA, CDCs, and AHF, while ensuring timely, accurate, and high-quality reporting. Strengthening and retaining program teams in a demanding environment while ensuring adequate capacity, coordination, and staff well-being is an additional challenge. Finally, positioning the mission for sustainable growth through high-quality proposal development and effective donor engagement, while balancing operational demands, remains a critical ongoing challenge.

What you will need to succeed

  • Training: You hold a Master’s degree in a field related to Project Management, international development and/or social sciences. Training in Public Health / Protection / Livelihood and/or Shelter will be valued.
  • Experience: Strengthened by minimum 4 years managing multi-sectorial humanitarian projects (among which at least 2 years in coordination position) and strong experience in project management, you also have experience in assessing needs and developing proposals, in external representation and in team management. You already worked with Première Urgence Internationale? It would be a definite asset!
  • Skills: You master project management and team management, you demonstrate strong knowledge in donor requirements and expectations, particularly ECHO, BHA, WFP, UNHCR, CDCS, AFD and BPRM, you also have excellent writing skills (especially for proposals and reporting).
  • Qualities: You have strong leadership skills and ability to make decisions, a sense of analysis (discernment, pragmatism) and synthesis. You are a good negotiator and communicator, both in writing and orally. You demonstrate organization skills, rigor, flexibility, and capacity to remain calm and level-headed.
  • Languages: English has no secrets for you! All the better, it is mandatory for this position. If you speak Arabic and/or French, it would be a definite asset.

PUI will offer you

  • Status: Cadre with a Fixed-Term Contract
  • Monthly Gross Income : 2 970,00 – 3 330,00 EUR depending on your experience in International Solidarity + 50€ per semester of seniority with PUI
  • Insurance including medical coverage and complementary healthcare, 24/24 assistance and repatriation
  • Housing in collective accomodation
  • Daily Living Expenses (« Per Diem »)
  • Break Policy : 5 working days every 8 weeks + break allowance
  • Paid Leaves Policy : 5 weeks of paid leaves per year + return ticket every 6 months

How to Apply:

If you wish to apply, follow this link: Site de carrière and fill in the form on our career site.