1. Cover Letter
Saraj Hameed
Pul-e-Alam city, Logar Afghanistan
+93700007050+ &93788194070
And +93 744426815
September 15, 2015
Vacancy No:
To The HR Department of
Organization:
Subject: Applying for the position of
Respected Sir,
I am writing to express my interest in the ……………… position that was recently announced and I have
endorsed my CV for your consideration.
I am a BSc graduate with 9 years of working experience in the field of education and teacher training
programs, projects management, in-kind grants development and management with GIRoA, international
organizations, including USAID, United Nations and IRC.
My long experiences in the field of Humanitarian Assistance Program, particularly with International Relief and
Development (IRD/ACAPII) Afghan Civilian Assistant Program II, are relevant to the requirement of the position
with your esteemed program and organization. My experiences have paved the way for me to gain
considerable experience in project development, management and dealing with the entities. In addition, I enjoy
the experience of working with DAI-LGCD project and received one week training on community development
activities and grants, liaison with GIRoA, DDAs, CDCs, local elders and operation in organization as my
supervisor had considered me potential for undertaking work closely with the target communities.
I have also managed a team of ten business entrepreneurs during my employment as Regional Program
Manager with USAID/AFSA, Afghanistan Farm Service Alliance project. And now I am working as a Field
Support and M&E Assistant with IOM-CCI, Community Cohesion Initiative Project and I developed over 200
primary ideas for developing of community development grants and projects.
Other highlights of my skills that I have acquired during my experience with different organizations are as
follow:
In consultation with the Regional Director, prepare a work plan for proceeding with field activity
development. Meet with and report to the Regional Director on a periodic basis, to discuss progress
made towards completion of the work plan, and constraints encountered.
Assist program manager for implementation of regularly activities and ensures staff operational
activities to run program efficiently.
Meet directly with ACAPII beneficiaries and find out regarding their needs and developed through a
grants application.
sarajhameed@hotmail.com
2. Work directly with ACAP II beneficiaries to assess and investigate incidents, refer beneficiaries to
appropriate assistance, and manage the process for direct assistance.
As described, “………………….” position sounds like a good match, and I would really appreciate the chance
for a personal interview. Thank you in advance for your time.
Yours sincerely,
Saraj Hameed Sidiqi
3. Curriculam Vita
Profile I have nine years work experience especially at program development, grants, operations and
M&E with a strong record of creativity and success under the most challenging conditions. I had
routinely worked with high-performing cross-functional teams, large and small interdisciplinary
organizations and managed multiple projects and small grant activities. I was an employee of
stabilization for the US government’s (USAID) counterinsurgency program in Afghanistan. In this
role, i monitored more than 200 small and medium projects simultaneously in one of the most
dangerous and inhospitable regions. A known thought leader and sought-after trainer in stability
operations and civilian support processes.
Education KABUL UNIVERSITY, Afghanistan. BSc in Agriculture , 2003 to 2006
Relevant Courses:
— Project Management for farm management
— Monitoring and Evaluation of Agricultural and Community Development Projects
— Electronic Presentations for Business Professionals
— Grants management and development
— Communication Skills for Extension Agents
— Operation for office managers
— Entrepreneurship Development for field based trainers
— Statistic and household development
Key Skills Office
Skills:
Project Management
Grants Management
Monitoring & Evaluation
Reporting
Operation
Coordination
Project development
Computer
Skills:
MS Word
MS Excel
MS PowerPoint
MS Outlook
MS Access
Windows
Experience: IOM-CCI/USAID Project: Field Support and M&E Assistant, 2014 to 2015
As The Field Support and M&E Assistant my core responsibilities were direct reporting to the M&E Unite.
Under the supervision of M&E head I was responsible to ensure the effective implementation of CCI grant
activities at the regional offices, coordination with field team, stakeholders, and other implementers for getting
timely feedback from progress of projects in the target provinces, including developing grants applications,
generate new ideas for community development projects, and triangulating data with other stakeholders,
implementing partners other stakeholders to ensure accuracy. I had the primary responsibility for providing
accurate and reliable measurements of the project’s performance indicators. Highlights:
— Serve as liaison support to track all relevant supporting documents from Regional Program Officers
(RPOs) and Provincial Coordinators (PCs) to Associate Program Officers (APOs), the Grants Unit, and
provide support to the Program Office in particular with the collection of necessary data/documents.
— The incumbent will work within the M&E Field Team to support the proper implementation of the M&E
system. The Field M&E Assistant will engage with beneficiaries and implementing partners to collect data
for reporting, monitor and evaluate project progress, and identify lessons learned.
— Obtain all data from primary sources as stipulated in the M&E plan.
— Participate in activity selection, project implementation, and evaluation preparation.
— Provide regular field reports according to the M&E plan in standard CCI format.
— Conduct regular site visits to monitor project implementation and meet, interview and discuss issues with
main stakeholders involved in project implementation (communities, POC members, etc.).
— Engage with Project Oversight Committees to receive feedback on ongoing projects to assist in improving
project implementation.
— Attend and observe all program related events (openings, workshops, community events etc.) to gauge
Saraj Hameed
Pul-e-Alam city, Logar Afghanistan.
Mobile: +93 700007050 & +93 788194070
sarajhameed@hotmail.com
4. community and government perceptions/engagement.
— Undertake routine quality control of project activities.
— Coordinate with M&E Officer and the Senior Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Assistant to finalize all
inputs for the database including M&E plans for each activity and Final Evaluation Reports (FERs).
— In coordination with M&E Officer and the Senior Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Assistant, work to
address the questions and concerns voice by OTI’s.
— Maintain secure hard copy files for every ongoing activity in the field, to immediately send scanned copies
of all relevant documents and hard copy files when safe it at Grants Unit.
— Assist Field Team members in preparing necessary grant documentation, including but not limited to, Site
Visit Notes, before, during and after Photos, systematic reporting, and needed Grant Amendments.
— Assist in the compilation of data from the field for preparation of weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual
reports.
— Review all grantee deliverables and invoices to ensure compliance against contract/agreement and grant
budget prior to sharing with headquarters for payment processing.
— Manage the office supplies, maintaining a Log Book of materials and use.
— Contact RPOs and PCs on a daily basis to collect necessary information and relay results to APOs in a
clear and detailed way.
— Follow up on all requests from the RPOs and APOs to ensure timely receipt of needed documents/data.
— Coordinate closely with the Grants Unit to monitor missing documents, and follow up on status of pending
documents.
— Coordinate closely with Logistics Unit and Admin/Finance Unit to clarify status of documents on behalf of
the Field Teams.
— Make informal translation of documents, information, and data from and for the field team into English and
Dari as necessary and as requested.
— In coordination with RPOs, PCs and APOs track success stories, delays, and implementation progress
updates for all ongoing activities.
— Track photos incoming from the PCs and gather all necessary details to ensure photos are appropriately
labeled before sending to Grants Unit.
— Actively identifies opportunities for and promotes organizational change.
— Provides fair, accurate, timely, and constructive staff evaluations.
— Uses staff evaluations appropriately in recruitment and other relevant HR procedures.
— Organizes and documents work to allow for planned and unplanned handovers.
IRD-ACAPII/USAID Project: Activity Manager, 2012 to 2014
As The Activity Manager my core responsibilities were direct reporting to the Regional Director. Under the
supervision of Regional Director I was responsible to ensure the effective implementation of ACAPII project
grant activities at the regional offices, coordination with field team, stakeholders, and other implementers for
getting timely feedback from progress of projects in the target provinces across central region, including
developing grants applications, generate new business for affected communities whom suffered losses during
ISAF joint military operation around the region and facilitate development projects, and triangulating data with
other stakeholders, implementing partners other stakeholders to ensure accuracy. I had the primary
responsibility for providing accurate and reliable verification for the incidents to performance indicators.
Highlights:
— Work directly with ACAP II beneficiaries to assess and investigate incidents, refer beneficiaries to
appropriate assistance, and manage the process for direct assistance.
— Meet directly with ACAPII beneficiaries and find out regarding their needs and developed through a grants
application.
— Coordinate with local GIRoA officials to find out about events which occur through joint military operation
and response to the need of innocent Afghan civilian in the region.
— Investigates incidents according to ACAPII strategy, and provides detailed incident reports to USAID
actors.
— Undertakes beneficiary registration and documentation, in coordination with local GIRoA official and timely
response to the affected innocent people.
— Maintains local relationships with stakeholders and local counterparts, including government and
community officials.
— Ensuring that progress reports and requests for continuing review and approval are submitted to the
ACAPII in accordance with the policies, procedures, and actions of the ACAPII.
— Maintain relationships with key stakeholders and counterparts, and potential public or private referral
programs operating in the area.
5. — Respond efficiently and effectively to assess beneficiaries/families, and implement assistance packages.
— Undertake internal coordination and act as a liaison with MoLSAMD, M&E staff and Incident Record
Coordinator.
— Ensure timely and efficient delivery of assistance to beneficiaries through grants, contracts, procurement,
and logistics.
— Manage community mobilizer staff at the district level to ensure prompt and effective delivery of
assistance, and communicate daily to ensure coordination and successful implementation of program
activities.
— Regional travel to provincial capitals and local districts in the region, including to kinetic areas.
— Verify identities of beneficiary’s registries and documentation, in coordination with other ACAP II staff for
smooth implementation of program.
— Provide permanent assistance on the use of the standardized reporting templates.
CNFA-AFSA/USAID Project Regional Program Manager, 2011 to 2012
As The Regional Program Manager my core responsibilities were to Identify, promote, and coordinate the
partnership of investment by business entrepreneurs in seven farm service centers which are established in the
targeted Afghanistan provinces. Identify and pursue beneficial linkages to the farm store development. Assist in
developing and implementing all activities related to the farm store development, aimed at long term self-
sustaining viability. Assist with coordination and development of FSC value-added activities, such as extension
training, addressing FSC issues which are collected from customers, new business development, output
marketing, and marketing & advertising. Establish linkages between agricultural input suppliers and the farm
stores. Coordinate with other Regional Programs Managers to develop an effective approach to meeting
project objectives. Provide data, weekly, weekly and quarterly report to program manager. In essence, serve
as the liaison between the AFSA project office and the FSCs, to insure that FSCs are effective and that
they take necessary efforts to remain sustainable. Highlights:
• In consultation with the Senior Programs Manager, prepare a work plan for proceeding with FSC
development. Meet with and report to the Senior Program Manager on a periodic basis, to discuss
progress made towards completion of the work plan, and constraints encountered.
• Assist with the development, and the FSCs involvement, in the FSC Association of Afghanistan .
• Assist in identifying Afghan business entrepreneurs interested in investing in the Afghan agricultural
distribution sector.
• Participate in the development of a business plan for each Farm Service Centers, including
modification when necessary.
• Instruct FSC employees on collecting and maintaining a database of information which supports
reporting on the approved USAID performance indicators, and other internal indicators. Report such
information to the AFSA project office.
• Collect and report FSC matching contributions to the AFSA project office in Kabul, in support of the
project’s reporting to CNFA HQ in Washington DC.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of a database of agri-business regulations, statistics and
relevant reports for use by CNFA/AFSA staff and other interested parties, coordinating with Senior
Program Manager.
• Assist with monitoring the AFSA project implementation, identifying constraints and compliance with
rules and regulations. Perform site visits, normally reporting to the FSC daily, and the AFSA project
office monthly. Monitor the quality control system in farm stores, including warehousing, inventory
management, inventory expiration dates, proper marketing and advertising, branding and marking,
employee training and relations, and other facets of the farm store business and assist with market
studies.
• Participate in training and capacity building related to farm store business management.
Understanding the facets of the farm store business, to make myself more effective and
knowledgeable, acting as a good resource for the FSCs and its customers.
• Provide business and technical advice, and support to the Afghan agricultural business community
which supports AFSA initiatives.
• Periodically provide pictures of FSC development, and success stories related to FSC activities in
provincial levels.
• Obtain supporting quotations related to grant purchases.
• Communicate with local government Ministries, AVA clinics, PRTs, ADT, USDA, local USAID
representatives, NGOs, GOs, CSOs. In essence, become intimately involved in the promotion and
visibility of the FSC and its products and services. Report such communication to the AFSA project
manager.
• Supervise and monitor service delivery provided by FSCs to the farmers and customers.
• Participate in the recruitment and capacity building of new Regional Programs Managers, as the AFSA
project expands into new provinces.
6. IRC-Humanitarian Assistant Program: Data Management Officer, Mar 2011 to May 2011
For this role my core responsibilities were manage the HP Food Security team in the target province and
overseeing community engagement and cash-for-work activities being carried out. Assist with the hygiene
baseline survey for the WASH project. Analyzing the baseline and End line survey of the WASH project data
and Develop knowledge, attitude, practice (KAP)-based hygiene tools and data collection system. Highlights:
• Select and train the required project CHVs from within the target communities, both male and female.
• Refer hygiene promotion message to the CHVs (community Hygiene Volunteers) and the project
related community people.
• Gain the support of community for the HP Food Security Program and assist community to develop
and implement a Community Work Plan.
• Assist community in the selection of beneficiaries, and maintain strong contact with target community.
• Liaise with Community elders, Shuras, CDCs, religious people and beneficiaries to inform them about
activities and gain their support and involvement in the IRC-HP Food Security Program.
• Develop a positive relationship with communities through regular meeting with elders, mullahs, local
shuras and CDCs to promote IRC acceptance in the target community,
• Work with community elders and Shuras during project implementation, explain IRC program
activities, humanitarian services and link clearly with Islamic idea and point of view.
• Provide information to communities about IRC history and mission.
• Develop create communication system and method with community for the mutual understanding.
• Develop appropriate mobilization materials in keeping with IRC principles and IRC mission, in
cooperation with IRC senior staff and program adviser to present IRC in the best and better way for
the community.
• Conduct community-driven M&E activities, social audits, and other evaluation activities as required.
• Travel to the field in target province to report progress to the HP Food Security Community Outreach
Manager.
DAI-LGCD/USAID Project District Stabilization Officer 2010 to 2011
For this role my core responsibilities were to participate in Greater community participation in the
selection and implementation of Small-scale development activities. Improve provincial and district
government capacities to deliver services that address citizens’ needs and develop grants for
immediate employment generation through cash for work. Significant improvements in rural
infrastructure (small roads’ pedestrian bridges, irrigation systems, and small-scale power sources)
and expand economic opportunities through training opportunities. Increase access to public
services by linking communities to GIRoA officials. Highlights:
• Greater community participation in the selection and implementation of Small-scale
development activities.
• Improve provincial and district government capacities to deliver services that address
citizens’ needs.
• Immediate employment generation through cash for work.
• Significant improvements in rural infrastructure (small roads’ pedestrian bridges, irrigation
systems, and small-scale power sources).
• Expand economic opportunities through training opportunities.
• Increase access to public services by linking communities to GIRoA officials.
• Work with government and community to ensure that accurate information is provided to
USAID and PRT actors.
• Support the Provincial Stabilization Director and Provincial Stabilization Manager by
providing on the ground information, advice, recommendations and feedback from
proposed communities and government actors at the district level so as to ensure the
‘Afghan Voice’ is recognized in strategic planning.
• Take the lead in assessing community needs, request and priorities so as to inform the
creation of sub project portfolios or community small grant clusters and development of
grants application.
• Take the lead in the identification of new interventions for upcoming portfolios within the
districts and of components.
• Work with PSDs and PSMs to provide technical information relevant to the development of
concepts, proposals, and budgets and subproject implementation.
• Conduct site visits and needs assessments at the community level to develop sub projects
in line with LGCD and community objectives.
• Collect technical information pertaining to beneficiary numbers and impact, proposed
locations for infrastructure interventions and community and government dynamics and
7. support for development.
• Collect documentation to support development interventions at the district level including
community letters of support, Shura agreements, branding consent forms, security
assurances, and government concurrence letters.
• Work directly with community and government actors during all phases of roll out and
implementation including introducing IPs to community and government leaders.
MAIL-Department of Agriculture General Extension Manager 2007 to 2009
For this role my core responsibilities were to facilitate community motivation/mobilization and
coordination with stockholders, NGOs and farmers. Getting of information about National Programs
of Ministry of Agriculture Irrigation and Livestock. Arrange community meeting for the project
implementation and helping for creating informational system for National Program of the Ministry.
Reflection of Complete Needs of farmers to the Extension Department and provide technical
support of farmers. Highlights:
• Controlling of Professional Staffs in the fields for implementation of their Plans in the target
districts.
• Collection of Correct statistical informal about Agriculture resources and activities and
transfer it to the extension department.
• Keeping of friendly relationship with farmer and Local people for the implementation of
Extension Plans and given of the reports to the relative authorities.
• Being aware of the farmers from the new technology and the decision of the ministry and
leading of the farmers about the daily activities.
• Selection of the suitable Land for Demonstration Plots and inspections of plots during
practical activities.
• Helping and guidance of the farmer especially at the time of irrigation and harvesting.
• Assist Community to identify orchard's training needs.
• Identification of project beneficiaries with closes Coordination with formers and conducts
survey and collects information regarding farmer and their Horticulture activities.
• Conduct technical training Courses at the village level to increase farmers awareness
regarding improved agriculture production and marketing.
• Develop positive relationships with agriculture provincial deferent offices, NGOs, PRT, ADT
and USDA.
• Establishment of community learning Centers and facilitate it is equipment for farmers.
• Provide timely, monthly, quarterly and annual project progress report.
• Provide regular support to Horticulture and extension workers in order to enable them in
identification of project beneficiaries.
• Providing and developing working plan for extension officer and getting feedback at the
end of each week.
• Data collection and Joint Follow up project monitoring system with Agriculture department.
• Perform regular follow up from working plan of related staff.
• Performing of regular supervision from project progress and providing technical
consultancy for Horticulturist and extension workers.
• Providing training for related staff in order to facilitate smooth running of project planned
activities.
• Develop training manual on agricultural protection technology.
• Produce and improve of Horticulture products through introducing of new Horticulture
practices in green house technology.
Coordination of Afghan Relive/World Bank Teacher Trainer 2009 to 2010
As a teacher trainer my core responsibilities were to works closely with the school teachers to
advance the goals of the capacity building programs across the region. It is designed to promote
the capacity of school teachers and following their regular activities in the school level. Provide
weekly and monthly report from status of the activity and implement the program objectives in the
target region. Highlights:
Field Activities:
• Assist in mapping school clusters;
• Assist in choosing training sites;
• Include MoE personnel to the greatest extent possible in their activities for the purpose of
capacity building.
Teaching and Training:
• Assist with high school teaching and follow teachers’ daily activity in school levels.
• Provide Accelerated Learning (AL) for Grade 12 equivalency to local teachers.
• Provide INSET 1 training to local teachers to enhance their ability in their teaching
methods.
• Provide INSET 2 training to local teacher, including training in STEP Teacher’s Guides.
8. • Provide other in-school training activities and facilitate methodic learning process to the
teachers.
• Provide in-school training activities.
• Assist in teacher credentialing activities during teaching process in school levels.
• Assist MoE in making improvements to the DT3 system.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation of DT3 activities.
• Collect monitoring data from the field.
• Monitor regular activities of teachers in the school and provide feedback from achievement
and Write M&E reports for improvement of program in the target province.
Logar Province - Civil Society Organization Member of Civil Society 2013 to 2015
As a civil society member my core responsibilities were to works closely with the Steering
Committee to advance the goals of the Open Government Partnership. It is designed to maintain
institutional memory, manage civil society external communications ensure the continuity of
organizational relationships with partners, and support the broader membership and implementation
at regional level. The Civil Society Engagement team is part of the Support Unit. It is a nimble,
regional team that aims to broaden and deepen civil society engagement in OGP, both at the
national and regional level.
. Highlights:
• Make sure that civil society activists in Open Government Partnership members are well-
informed to participate in the national decision making process by providing information,
sharing experiences, making connections and advising on strategy;
• Build and cultivate a dynamic community of civil society partners in the region, and ensure
that this community is interacting with peers in other regions;
• Lead on outreach to civil society in non-member eligible and near-eligible provinces to
inform them about civil society activities/or support them in achieving membership;
• Proactively share key national and regional Open Government Partnership developments
and insights with the OGP Steering Committee;
• Contribute to the Support Unit’s national activities to support the development and sharing
of open government tools, resources and experiences across region;
• Contribute to or lead on OGP (civil society) events in the region, as well as participate in
civil society outreach and learning activities at third-party events;
• Maintain good working relations with key regional coalitions/networks, as well as
international actors in the region (e.g. funders, multi-laterals) to coordinate on OGP civil
society support efforts.
Trainings
Received: — 2011(One day) Job placement training-DAI/LGCD
— 2011(five days) Safe Use and Application of Pesticides training-CNFA/AFSA
— 2011(three days) Greenhouse Technologies and Development training-CNFA/AFSA
— 2011(two days) CFW and Food Security program operation training-IRC
— 2009(five days) Cold Storage training-Logar PRT
— 2009(eight days) Soil Science testing training at-Logar PRT
— 2008(three months) Extension and Communication Methods training at-DAI/LGCD
— 2008(One month) General Management and Project Cycle Management-GRM
— 2008(Nineteen days) Afghan IT Business Network Training-Paivaston/USAID
— 2006(Five months) Capacity Building training-IARCSC
— 2005(Three months) Management training-Kabul
References:
I will provide references if requested
Note: All Original documents will be attached only If/when required