[Hiring] Value Chain & MSME Advisor @United Nations Office for Project Services

Role Description

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to private sector development in a challenging environment, working with a diverse team and international partners to achieve significant impact.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Private Sector Development, or related field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; OR
• Bachelor's degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Private Sector Development, or related field with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience.

Requirements

• Minimum 7 years of progressive professional experience in value chain and MSME development.
• Broad-based technical expertise, with a track record in at least two sectors of relevance (e.g. agribusiness, light manufacturing, health sectors).
• Fluent in English.

Benefits

• Home-based retainer position with missions to Kabul, Afghanistan.
• Open to both national and international applicants.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Technical Advisory:
  • Serve as the principal technical expert on value chain support and MSME development for the PSRP project.
  • Provide expert advice and guidance to the Senior Programme Manager (SPM) and project team on relevant areas of the project.
  • Provide technical support and quality assurance reviews of value chain mapping exercises, diagnostic reports, and sourcing studies developed by implementing partners.
• Implementation Support:
  • Work with implementing partners to formulate the detailed eligibility, evaluation, and selection grids for Value Chain Groups (VCGs).
  • Design and audit the pro-rata matching fund structures for VCG projects.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of robust technical verification and on-site monitoring protocols.
  • Design and implement startup acceleration support programs, including a performance-based matching grant mechanism.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination:
  • Liaise and advise PSRP’s implementing partners on technical matters related to value chain support and MSME development.
  • Coordinate with technical stakeholders in the World Bank and IFC on technical matters.
  • Ensure the PSRP is adequately represented in wider discussions and working groups.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with other project implementing agencies to ensure complementarity and cross-component learning.
• Technical Review:
  • Review and provide technical input on terms of reference (ToRs), tender documents, and proposals for procurement of specialized technical services.
  • Review and provide technical input on evaluations and other technical documents related to contract management of PSRP grantees.
• Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building:
  • Contribute to knowledge sharing and capacity building initiatives within UNOPS and with project partners.
  • Develop and deliver training programs and workshops on private sector development topics.
  • Document and disseminate lessons learned and best practices from the project.
  • Conduct field visits to project and partner sites to assess effectiveness of interventions.
  • Support the development of monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track project outcomes and impact.
  • Contribute to the preparation of project reports, briefs, and presentations.
  • Support the identification and assessment of potential private sector partners for project implementation.
  • Ensure gender and social inclusion considerations are integrated into all aspects of project design and implementation.

Skills

• Capacity Building
• Economic Development
• Investment Advisory
• Market Access
• Market Analysis
• Public-private Partnerships

Competencies

• Develops and implements sustainable business strategies.
• Treats all individuals with respect and encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Acts as a positive role model contributing to team spirit.
• Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners.
• Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action to accomplish goals.
• Open to change and flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical decisions.
• Expresses ideas clearly and actively listens.

Experience Requirements

• Experience in private sector and MSME development in fragile and conflict-affected contexts is desired.
• Experience working on projects financed by the World Bank or similar international finance institutions is desired.
• Direct experience in designing, administering, or monitoring matching grant schemes is desired.
• Prior experience working with business incubators or accelerator programs is desired.
• Understanding of the economic, political, and social context of Afghanistan is desired.

Additional Information

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will not request candidates to make payments during the recruitment process.
• Applications must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and harassment.