Enterprise Development and Market Linkages Specialist

About WEE-RDP/MRRD:

The Government of Afghanistan (GoIRA) launched the Women’s Economic Empowerment National Priority Program (WEE-NPP) on March 8th, 2017. The WEE-NPP forms the third pillar of the GoIRA’s Gender Strategy which is encompassed in the broader Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework (ANPDF) – the country’s five-year development plan. The WEE-NPP aims to build poor women’s capacity to strengthen the economy of their households, communities, and the entire nation. It is structured as an umbrella program (rather than a stand-alone project/operation) that would operate through over a dozen line ministries (through ongoing or pipeline projects) and coordinated through a Program Coordination Office (PCO) in the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled (MOLSAMD).

The Mission of the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) is implementing the Women Economic Empowerment Program (WEE-RDP) to ensure the social, economic, and political well-beings of rural society, especially with the poor and vulnerable people, through the provision of basic services, strengthening local governance, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. MRRD accomplishes this mission through donor funded national programs (Citizen Charter, Sustainable Economy Growth and the Boarders Sustainable Development) defined as the MRRD pillars.

Women Economic Empowerment-Rural Development Project (WEE-RDP) is a flagship national initiative of the GoIRA and part of the Sustainable Economy Growth pillar of MRRD, which intends to increase social and economic empowerment of rural poor women in selected communities during a five-year project. It would work in 5000 villages in all 34 provinces across Afghanistan in close collaboration with Citizen Charter (CC) and assuring convergence with other MRRD projects, NHLP project of MAIL, Access to Finance project (TUP) of World Bank, etc.

Summary of Duty:

The Enterprise Development and Market Linkages Specialist (EDMLS) will monitor and manage program activities under the EDML component (Component 3 of the WEERDP).  This will include monitoring the activities of the BDO in the provinces and assessing their performance as they assist EGs. Another key responsibility will be oversight of the collection of data from EGs activities, its evaluation against program goals,
In addition, the EDMLS will advise on training needs for the BDO, as well as any appropriate training for the clients at the provincial level. The EDMLS will coordinate with BD officers, as well as other WEERDP units in charge of Training, M&E, Officer of Research and Technical Services, Procurement and Safeguards. 
Finally, the EDMLS will be expected to take numerous field trips to monitor the activities on the ground, and be able to provide guidance to WEERDP senior management on any adjustments that need to be made to program activities or goals.

Job Description:

DETAILED DUTIES

Assess and develop range of functions for the Enterprise Development and Market Linkages component, including support and coordination of Business Development Officers (BDOs), evaluation of EDML activities (in collaboration with the M&E specialist), reporting structure for EDML activities, and developing clear linkages with other parts of the WEERDP program, Access to Finance  Unit, Training unit, and Office of Research and Technical Services and Safeguards Unit;
Develop work plan and schedule for establishing full functions of the Unit, including developing a staffing plan to match the anticipated growth of the program;
On the basis of the WEERDP survey and provincial situation analyses, establish: a system of EGs information and orientation for the program;
Application forms for WEERDP support in access to finance and business development services; in collaboration with the Regional Managers, prepare in inventory of the organizations and companies in the provinces that can provide appropriate BDS.
With support from the Head of EDML, draft a system of EGs evaluation for selection as partner with the WEERDP;
Complete the BDS service providers inventory at the national level, and prepare ToR for BDS providers;
With the Training Specialist, develop training to inform BDOs of best practices in Enterprise development, and basic management tools.
In collaboration with the M&E Specialist, develop a reporting structure, including reporting forms, to measure achievement of goals and provide feedback to implementers in the field;
Establish tracking system with the assistance of MIS to be able to report on enterprise results;
Develop system of linking the EGs to markets and work with the Access to Finance specialist to link EGs to different entities;
Monitor performance of the BDOs in achieving program goals on assisting EGs in assigned provinces;
Make regularly field assessment with District Coordinators and M&E staff to evaluate EGs activities;
In collaboration with the Training specialist, coordinate training needs of BDOs and clients as requested from the field;
Assess and report on any graduation or clustering activities occurring at the community level;
Coordinate closely with other WEERDP units, including training, M&E, communications, procurement, technical services unit and safeguards unit;
Provide reports and updates as requested on SME activities in assigned provinces as requested by WEERDP management;
Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

Knowledge/Experience

5 years’ experience in business and enterprise development support programs
Experience in managing data intensive programs
Experience in analyzing and evaluating effectiveness of programs.
Good management skills for staff, systems, and planning.
Practical experience in a business, either personally owned, or family business.
Experience living and working in a rural area, with an understanding of unique difficulties faced by Afghanistan’s rural communities.
Experience working in insecure and difficult environments is an advantage.
Must be able to work under pressure, pay attention to details, demonstrated initiative, be assertive yet diplomatic and;
Ability to get along well with communities and colleagues;

Qualifications/Skills

Qualification: University degree in a related field (Business Administration, Rural Development, Economics)
Knowledge of MS Office and internet packages
Excellent communication, team working and problem solving skill.
Strong strategic planning and development skills. 
Demonstrated interpersonal and negotiation skills including diplomacy and tact.

Abilities

Must be willing and able to work outside usual office hours;
Must be self-starter with excellent demonstrated teamwork skills.
Ability to work in a high pressure environment;
Ability to multi-task and work under pressure;
Professionalism in appearance and demeanor;
Willingness to enhance knowledge through training and personal initiative; and,
Willingness and ability to travel in rural areas of Afghanistan.

Reporting relationships:

Reporting to Head of EDML and is accountable to WEERDP Senior Management.

Submission Guideline:

Interested Afghans with the required qualifications and experience should submit their applications electronically through vacancies.hrcsd@mrrd.gov.af
While submitting your applications please mention the Title of the position plus Vacancy Number in the subject of the e-mail; please do NOT submit any other supporting documentation or educational certificates with your application. If you are short listed you will be asked to submit electronic copies of your educational certificates and if you are invited to written test you will be required to present the original certificates. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date of the position. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for written test Note: In the interests of open and fair competition and a merit based selection process applicants are advised that lobbying for a position , whether by the applicant or by any person acting on his or her behalf, shall result in the immediate disqualification of the candidate from further consideration. Applicants are strongly advised to inform potential supporters of this restriction which shall be strictly enforced.

Please don’t forget to type the Vacancy Announcement Number (1344/019/HRCSD/WEE-RDP/MRRD) in Subject while applying online. Application without vacancy number will not be accepted.

The Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is highly committed to increase women’s participation in government sector therefore women are highly encouraged to apply.

Submission Email:

vacancies.hrcsd@mrrd.gov.af