The Role

The Programme Development Intern role sits within the Department of Programme Development, Impact and Learning, under the direct supervision of the Programme Development Specialist. The role is responsible for supporting the development of concept notes and proposals for donors (statutory and non-statutory), scoping for new funding opportunities, reporting to existing donors, documenting impact, and building and maintaining relationships with partners and donors in Kabul.

Work Base

This position is based in Afghanaid’s Head Office in Kabul, Afghanistan. Travel to provincial offices in Afghanistan will be undertaken as requested by the Director of PDIL.

Duties and Responsibilities

The position covers the following key areas of responsibility:

• Support the development of funding proposals, including: developing timelines and checklists; coordinating technical input from across the organisation; writing proposal narratives, budgets, and logical frameworks; and meeting internal and external deadlines in the process.

• Interpret and apply donor requirements to ensure proposals are in alignment.

• Support the development of project designs that are responsive to beneficiary needs, drawing on data analysis skills.

• Develop sufficient understanding of Afghanaid’s technical expertise to contribute to project design across all of the organisation’s thematic areas (Basic Services, Strengthening Livelihoods, Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Adaptation, and Humanitarian Response).

• Support the PDIL team by taking part in external fora and events to promote the organisation, strengthen external relations and identify opportunities for funding and partnerships.

• Identify funding opportunities through desk research and networking, and share ideas and information about opportunities with Director of PDIL.

• Contribute effectively to PDIL funding opportunity brainstorms, departmental meetings and other internal meetings, as required.

• Contribute to a strategic approach to organisational funding through participation in the annual PDIL strategic retreat.

• Participate in organisational learning initiatives between the M&E unit and PDIL.

• Coordinate with Project Managers and the Finance Department to ensure donor reports are prepared and submitted in a timely manner for small-sized grants.

• Coordinate with the Grants Management Unit within PDIL to facilitate the smooth handover of successful project proposals.

• Carefully and critically review draft project reports, ensure compliance and contractual obligations are met and pre-emptively raise concerns when quality or deadlines are not met.

Note: This job description is not exhaustive; it is subject to change in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education

• A Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, International Relations, or other relevant programme of study

Experience

• 0 to 1 years of work experience in a relevant sector. This is an entry level role. Applicants with more than 1 year of relevant experience in the humanitarian or development sector should apply for the Programme Development Officer role which has the same closing date.

• Experience of synthesising data and input from various sources into clear and cohesive narrative documents

Knowledge and Skills

• Native English proficiency and demonstrated ability to write high quality, polished documents and reports for diverse audiences that are consistent with a set brand and style

• Familiarity with use of a databases, Google Workspace and Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word)

• Ability to work independently and as a team member, including in a coordinating capacity ensuring that project and finance teams submit high-quality contributions to donor reports in a timely manner

• Ability to practice discretion with sensitive materials and information

• Strong organisational skills, able to plan effectively, set priorities, and meet tight deadlines under pressure

• Initiative and drive to achieve results, working quickly and accurately with attention to detail

• An outgoing and engaging personality with a strong sense of humour and an ability to build trust and manage relationships with a variety of stakeholders

• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work in diverse multi-cultural environment

• Ability and willingness to travel for work

Desirable

• Experience working with, or knowledge of key donors for development and humanitarian programming, especially in the Afghan context

• Experience with using AI in a professional or academic context

• Understanding of and experience with logical frameworks and/or theories of change

• Experience in contract management and contract change management

• Experience in humanitarian project design or management, and/or budget development or management

• Training and experience in M&E

• Experience living, studying, or working overseas in a conflict-affected country

• Understanding of the cultural, security and operating environment in Afghanistan (or in a similar context)

• Understanding of Dari and/or Pashto

How to apply

Please email a cover letter (no more than two A4 pages) and CV to jobs@afghanaid.org.uk by 17 January 2026, including the reference (PDI 2026) and your name in the subject line. The precision and style with which you present yourself in your cover letter and CV will be given significant weight in shortlisting candidates. Applications with no proper subject (as indicated above), or submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to every application. If you have not heard from us within 3 weeks of the deadline, then you have not been successful for shortlisting