Sayas Group is a structure of companies that do business in several countries from Middle East to Southeast and Central Asia. Sayas Group is a leading business group in Afghanistan. The individual companies operate in different sectors from railway design, construction and management to investment, consulting, technical services, logistics, software development, mining mapping and exploration, and last, but not the least, fuel inspection and testing. In addition, the Group has successfully delivered large-scale infrastructure projects, including the construction and installation of modern scanners at the country’s border points, aimed at strengthening customs operations, trade facilitation, and security.

We leverage our knowledge and creativity to best meet the needs of each client. Our expertise and strong network of strategic partners are the very heart of our success. Our management team, our knowledge of the context, local and global procurement networks, and design experts have enabled us to define the optimal solutions and planning that ensure a flawless project delivery.

We are committed to running our business successfully and efficiently, providing long-term benefits to our employees and stakeholders, and enriching the lives of those whom we serve by fulfilling our responsibilities to the best of our ability. We expect excellence from all processes, whether related to policy formation and program development or project implementation and customer services.

As we continue to grow and expand our reach, we remain grounded in the core values of integrity, innovation, and impact. We believe in building sustainable partnerships and investing in human capital to create lasting change. Our forward-looking approach enables us to anticipate market trends, embrace new technologies, and adapt to emerging challenges, all while staying true to our commitment to deliver quality and value in every endeavor we undertake.

Job Summary

The Program Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic planning, management, implementation, monitoring, and successful delivery of all organizational programs, projects, and operational activities. The incumbent provides executive oversight to ensure that all programs are implemented in accordance with organizational objectives, contractual obligations, quality standards, approved budgets, timelines, and regulatory requirements.

The Program Manager will lead and coordinate multiple departments, projects, and field operations simultaneously, ensuring effective collaboration among technical, operational, financial, procurement, logistics, administration, and human resources functions. The position requires strong leadership in organizational development, program management, business growth, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and operational excellence.

The role serves as the primary focal point between the organization, clients, government authorities, regulatory bodies, donors, partners, contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders, ensuring effective communication, strategic partnerships, and successful program delivery. The Program Manager will represent the organization in high-level meetings, negotiations, business development initiatives, and external engagements while safeguarding the organization's reputation and interests.

The incumbent will oversee organizational performance, monitor program progress, evaluate outcomes, identify risks and opportunities, and implement strategic improvements to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability, and overall organizational impact. The position is also responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, contractual commitments, organizational policies, and Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) standards.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the planning, implementation, monitoring, and successful delivery of all programs, projects, and operational activities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, contractual obligations, quality standards, approved budgets, and timelines.

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to program managers, project managers, department heads, and field teams to ensure effective execution of organizational priorities and objectives.

• Develop and implement organizational strategic plans, annual operational plans, business plans, and performance frameworks to support sustainable growth and operational excellence.

• Oversee multiple programs, projects, and field operations across various provinces and locations, ensuring effective coordination, resource allocation, and performance management.

• Conduct regular visits to project and operational sites to assess performance, monitor progress, address challenges, and ensure compliance with organizational standards and contractual requirements.

• Establish and maintain effective coordination and communication with government authorities, regulatory agencies, clients, donors, development partners, contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders.

• Represent the organization in meetings, negotiations, conferences, stakeholder engagements, and strategic discussions with external parties.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, contractual obligations, organizational policies, and industry standards.

• Provide executive oversight of financial planning, budget development, resource allocation, expenditure monitoring, and cost-control measures across all programs and projects.

• Review and approve major project plans, budgets, schedules, contracts, procurement activities, and resource requirements.

• Lead organizational risk management processes by identifying, assessing, mitigating, and monitoring operational, financial, legal, contractual, security, and reputational risks.

• Oversee contract management activities, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements and effective management of claims, variations, disputes, and negotiations.

• Ensure the establishment and maintenance of comprehensive program and project documentation, records management systems, and reporting mechanisms.

• Supervise and coordinate the efforts of internal departments, including Operations, Engineering, Finance, Procurement, Logistics, Human Resources, Administration, Security, and Compliance functions.

• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among departments to achieve organizational objectives and maximize operational efficiency.

• Review and evaluate program and project progress reports, financial reports, risk assessments, and performance analyses submitted by subordinate managers.

• Lead regular management meetings to review organizational performance, address operational challenges, and determine strategic actions.

• Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, integrity, innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

• Identify and pursue business development opportunities, strategic partnerships, and new projects to support organizational growth and sustainability.

• Ensure compliance with Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) standards across all organizational activities and project locations.

• Lead crisis management, contingency planning, and emergency response efforts when required.

• Oversee organizational capacity-building initiatives, staff development programs, succession planning, and leadership development activities.

• Monitor contractor, consultant, supplier, and partner performance, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and organizational expectations.

• Ensure proper closeout of programs and projects, including final reporting, documentation, lessons learned, audits, evaluations, and stakeholder handovers.

• Provide regular strategic, operational, and financial reports to the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, or designated senior leadership.

• Perform any other duties assigned by executive management in support of organizational objectives.

Reporting Line:

The Program Manager reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serves as a member of the executive leadership team.

Performance Indicators:

• Achievement of organizational strategic objectives and annual targets.

• Successful delivery of programs and projects within approved scope, budget, schedule, and quality standards.

• Effective management of organizational resources and operational efficiency.

• Compliance with contractual, legal, regulatory, and HSSE requirements.

• Successful stakeholder engagement and partnership management.

• Timely and accurate reporting to executive leadership and governing bodies.

• Growth in organizational portfolio, revenue, and business opportunities.

• Effective risk management and issue resolution.

• High levels of staff performance, engagement, and retention.

• Positive client, donor, partner, and stakeholder feedback.

Core Competencies

• Strong strategic planning and organizational leadership capabilities.

• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills.

• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management abilities.

• Strong financial management, budgeting, and resource allocation skills.

• Advanced negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.

• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams across multiple locations.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and performance management skills.

• Ability to manage complex programs, competing priorities, and high-pressure environments.

• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, risk management, and organizational development principles.

• Master's Degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Engineering, Public Administration, Management, Development Studies, or a related field from a recognized university.

• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience, including at least 5 years in a senior management or executive leadership role.

• Proven experience in managing large-scale programs, projects, operations, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, organizational leadership, business development, and stakeholder management.

• Strong knowledge of project management, contract administration, procurement processes, financial management, and operational oversight.

• Proven experience in budget management, financial reporting, resource mobilization, and organizational growth initiatives.

• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, risk management, and organizational performance management.

• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and organizational management systems.

• Professional certifications in Project Management, Program Management, Leadership, or related disciplines are highly desirable.

• Fluency in English and local languages (Dari and/or Pashto).

• Willingness to travel frequently to project and operational sites across Afghanistan and internationally when required.

Interested and qualified candidates are requested to complete the Sayas Group of Companies SGC online form by clicking the link below and submit a copy of their updated CV (educational and work certificates are not required at this stage) no later than the closing date.

Please note that Sayas Group of Companies SGC does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Sayas Group of Companies SGC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion at all levels. The organization maintains a strict non-discrimination policy in its hiring and selection procedures. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration, and candidates from all ethnic, racial, and economic backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please be advised that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process.

Form Link: https://forms.gle/FopomVQfpUjFc9pQ7

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a written assessment and/or interview. All correspondence and interview invitations will be communicated exclusively via email; telephone inquiries will not be entertained. Applicants who do not receive a response within two (2) weeks after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.