Created in 1993, Acted is an international non-governmental organization pursuing a dual mandate of emergency response and development interventions in 40 of some of the world’s most vulnerable countries affected by conflicts, disasters, or socio-economic hardship. With a team of 7,000 national staff and 400 international staff, Acted implements 500 projects a year to support more than 20 million beneficiaries, notably in hard-to-reach areas.

Acted goes to the last mile through programs and approaches that look beyond the immediate emergency towards opportunities for longer-term livelihood reconstruction and sustainable development. Guided by the motto “Think Local, Act Global” and its 3Zero –Zero Exclusion, Zero Carbon, and Zero Poverty – strategy, Acted puts local territories at the center and provides tailored support to local needs.

Acted Afghanistan:

Acted is working in 20 provinces in Afghanistan around the country. These provinces are affected by natural and man-made disasters. Acted provides relief and emergency assistance to vulnerable populations affected by displacements, conflicts, or natural disasters, in the fields of agriculture, shelter, wash, and food security.

Job Purpose:

The Design Center Manager will oversee the establishment and operational management of the Design Center in Kabul. This role is responsible for ensuring the Center meets its objectives of enhancing market support services for artisan stakeholders, facilitating exportation processes, and providing sustainable knowledge and logistical support to MSMEs/CBDs. The Design Center Manager will lead a team of staff, coordinate with private sector partners, and ensure the Center operates efficiently and sustainably.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Center Management

• Lead the establishment and operational setup of the Design Center.
• Develop and implement business and operating plans to achieve the Center’s objectives.
• Manage and supervise Design Center staff.
• Oversee and implement activities that support MSMEs in producing international standard handicraft products (incl. design and quality services, logistics and export services, marketing and sales services and general support).
• Ensure the Design Center’s services align with international quality standards.

2. Financial Management and Compliance

• Manage the Center’s budget, including fee structures for international clients and the transition to a membership model.
• Ensure accurate financial forecasting and reporting in collaboration with the Senior Project Manager and the Finance team.
• Ensure compliance with Acted’s policies, donor requirements, and relevant regulations.        

3. Reporting and Information Management.

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting on all Design Center activities.
• Develop and maintain databases of artisans, products, and training participants, product quality, sales, and export processes.
• Monitor and evaluate the center performance in liaison with Acted’s MEAL department.

4. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Management

• Maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including international salesmen, producers, and government authorities.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration with other organizations to enhance the Center’s impact.
• Coordinate with private sector partners to facilitate market access and exportation processes.

5. Marketing and Outreach

• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications plan to raise awareness about the Design Center’s services.
• Promote Afghan products to international markets, enhancing the visibility and competitiveness of MSMEs.
• Oversee the creation of marketing materials and manage the Center’s online presence.

6. Logistics and Operations

• Ensure the Design Center is adequately equipped and maintained.
• Oversee logistics related to production, sampling, packing, storing, and shipping.
• Coordinate with BYDHs and BDCs for collaboration in terms of production and shipping.

• • Bachelor's degree in development, Business, Marketing, or a related field is preferred.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in private sector, running a business, marketing in link with artisan and craft sector in Afghanistan
  • Experience in team and budget management
  • Excellent knowledge of English and Dari
  • Strong leadership and organizational skills.
  • Excellent communication, networking and interpersonal abilities.
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
  • Financial management and budgeting skills.
  • Knowledge of the Afghan market and artisan sectors.
  • Proactive, problem-solver abilities

Those who fulfill the above-mentioned criteria should send their updated CVs to the below submission email: 

Kindly mention the Vacancy number, and position title in the subject line or your application may not be considered (KBL_007/Design Center Manager).

Please do not send heavy size documents (i.e., Tazkira, Education documents, work certificates)

Only shortlisted candidates will be called for the next stage of recruitment.

No CV will be considered after the closing date.
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Acted is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. All applications are free for all candidates, and no one should require any payment or compensation during the recruitment process.