Business Development Officer

Hand in Hand Afghanistan Organization (HIHAO) is a not-for-profit organization based in Afghanistan. It started operations in 2007. HIHAO is part of the international Hand in Hand (HiH) network of independent organizations, working together towards a shared vision to alleviate poverty through job creation. The overall Hand in Hand mission is to promote the economic and social empowerment of women, by supporting the creation of sustainable enterprises, improved livelihoods, and jobs.

HIHAO has implemented projects funded by DFID, European Union, CAFOD, WFP, GIZ, USAID, World Bank, DANIDA, Sida, Hilti foundation, UNOCHA, UNFAO, IRC, UN Women and Hand in Hand International through its main office in Mazar-e-Sharif, Balkh province of Afghanistan.

To create sustainable and resilient livelihoods for women and men in Balkh province through climate-resilient saffron production and women-led enterprise development.

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Business Development Officer is overall responsible for managing day-to-day business developing activities of the assigned project in the targeted districts and communities in Balkh province.

The Business Development Officer will perform the duties with transparency and integrity, and in adherence to the policies provided by the HIHAO as follows:

Key Responsibilities

• Conducting market research to identify new business opportunities, demand driven products in local and national markets.
• Reporting to supervisor on business updates, new opportunities, and progress.
• Collaboration with VEFs in identify and select of most vulnerable and women-headed households.
• Guidance and assisting VEFs to mobilize women into Self Help Groups.
• Supervision during training of beneficiaries in financial literacy, including saving, loaning, budgeting, and enterprise financing.
• Facilitate the creation of internal Self-Help Group saving and loaning schemes.
• Provide mentorship and monitoring to ensure proper functioning of saving and lending activities.
• Support beneficiaries through VEFs and directly in using loans for enterprise creation or expansion.
• Participating and regular follow up in periodic SHG meetings to review savings, loans, and repayment status.
• Provide ongoing mentoring on enterprise management, production, and market linkage.
• Analyze marketing opportunities for market access, buyer engagement and market demand.
• Provide technical mentoring and quality control support to enterprises.
• Collaboration with VEFs to make business plans for each beneficiary.
• Contribute to enterprises and community development training materials.
• Follow-up and supervision of VEFs activities in targeted districts of Balkh province.
• Perform any task assigned by supervisor and management.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Economics, Marketing, or any other relevant field. MBA will be desirable choice.

• 3+ years of proven experience in SMEs and micro enterprises development, community capacity building and market linkage activities.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office packages (word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

• Fluency in Dari and Pashto languages are necessary and English is plus.

Core Competencies:

• Ability to manage multiple, simultaneous tasks.
• Ability to communicate professionally, effectively, and consistently with team members, clients, and partners.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong teamwork ethics, managerial and collaborative skills.

Interested applicants are requested to submit their applications comprised of a one-page cover letter explaining their interest and suitability for the position along with an updated CV to the attention of following address: jobs@handinhand.org.af  please note that applications received after the closing date (March 29, 2026) will not be considered.

Kindly mention vacancy number and position title in your email's subject line, otherwise you won't be shortlisted. All shortlisted candidates will be directly contacted through their emails for test/Interview.

Female applicants are encouraged to apply for this position.