Agri MSME Specialist

Afghanistan National Horticulture Development Organization (ANHDO) is a national non-governmental, non-profit and non-political organization registered with the Ministry of Economy and established in April 2009. The development of ANHDO is part of the European Union (EU) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) long term strategy for the development of horticulture sector in Afghanistan. Since then, ANHDO has developed into an important institution for horticulture development by comparing among other skilled and experienced Afghan professional organizations in the horticulture sector. ANHDO is operating in close coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) based on separate Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Hence, ANHDO is a corner stone of the long-term strategy for the development of the horticulture sector in Afghanistan.

 ANHDO is currently looking for Enumerators for its project "Promoting resilient and equitable recovery of agriculture and livelihoods in Afghan communities (PREVALE), Afghanistan”, which is funded by (FCDO).

ANHDO is currently looking for a Agri MSME Specialist for its project "Promoting resilient and equitable recovery of agriculture and livelihoods in Afghan communities (PREVALE), Afghanistan”, which is funded by (FCDO).

Position Summary

The Agri MSME Specialist will lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of agricultural micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) activities under the PREVALE II project. The role focuses on strengthening rural agribusinesses, supporting value-added enterprises, and improving access to localized services, inputs, and markets. The specialist will ensure that agricultural MSMEs contribute to food security, income generation, and climate-resilient livelihoods.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Agricultural MSME Development

• Identify viable agri-MSME opportunities based on PRA findings and value chain assessments.
• Support establishment and growth of enterprises in horticulture, livestock, poultry, saffron, food processing, and other high-value crops.
• Provide training on business planning, financial literacy, marketing, and enterprise management.
• Facilitate access to inputs, equipment, and technical support for MSME beneficiaries.
• Promote women-led and youth-led agribusinesses through targeted outreach and capacity building.

2. Value Chain Strengthening

• Conduct agricultural value chain assessments with focus on localized services and inputs.
• Map stakeholders and service providers (seed suppliers, veterinary services, feed/fodder providers, processors).
• Analyze gaps in input supply, extension services, and market linkages.
• Facilitate connections between producers, processors, and buyers to strengthen local market systems.
• Support quality standards, branding, and certification for agricultural products.

3. Training & Capacity Building

• Provide training and input support for backyard poultry, sheep, and goats.
• Develop training materials and manuals for farmers, MSMEs, and service providers.
• Organize workshops, mentoring sessions, and exposure visits for MSME beneficiaries.
• Build capacity of local facilitators and extension agents to sustain MSME support.

4. Service & Input Development

• Strengthen localized veterinary and extension services through mobile clinics and community-based providers.
• Support establishment of fodder banks and forage crop production (alfalfa, clover).
• Facilitate linkages between farmers and input suppliers (seeds, feed, vaccines, packaging materials).
• Promote community-based livestock and crop management systems.

5. Monitoring, Reporting & Compliance

• Track MSME progress, challenges, and outcomes using project M&E tools.
• Document success stories, lessons learned, and recommendations for scale-up.
• Ensure compliance with donor guidelines, safeguarding standards, and gender inclusion principles.
• Contribute to quarterly and annual reports on MSME activities.

Work Conditions

• Based in Kabul with frequent travel to project sites.
• Standard working hours with flexibility during training, workshops, or field missions.

Values and Ethics

The Agri MSME Specialist must demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and respect in all aspects of their work. They must comply with the organization’s code of conduct, safeguarding policies, and support an inclusive, respectful, and compliant work environment

• Master degree in Agribusiness, agricultural marketing, agricultural economics or related field.
• Minimum 5–10 years of experience in agricultural MSME development, value chains, or enterprise support.
• Strong knowledge of horticulture, livestock, poultry, and agri-processing systems in Afghanistan.
• Experience in agriculture & livestock value chain analysis and market development for agricultural products.
• Excellent planning, facilitation, training, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and business planning tools.
• Fluency in Dari and/or Pashto; working knowledge of English preferred

Please submit a CV, a cover letter explaining how your qualifications and experience meet the requirements of the position, the contact information of 3 professional references.

Applications must include all requested documents and be sent to the following address: jobs@anhdo.org.af

Please clearly mention the vacancy number and job title in the subject line (Agri MSME Specialist /ANHDO/26/006) Application without subject line will not be considered.

Note: Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.