Field Assistant (Value Chain) – Couple

CRS is an international humanitarian and development agency working to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

CRS has been operating in Afghanistan since 2002 and CRS is currently maintaining staff presence in Kabul, Herat, Ghor and Bamiyan, alongside an expanding scope of partnership implemented programs in Kunar, Samangan, Balkh, with strategic expansion planned further in 2026. CRS Afghanistan focuses on poverty and risk reduction and promoting resilience, human development through implementing livelihoods, education and emergency response.

The Field Assistant (Value Chains) Couple will serve as a frontline facilitator supporting the project’s value chain component, with a focus on strengthening producer group formation, improving post-harvest practices, and supporting market access for potato producers. The role will work directly with communities and producer groups to support implementation of value chain activities, including support to the rehabilitation/establishment of storage and related infrastructure, and to help farmers adopt improved post-harvest handling and market-oriented practices.
Consistent with CRS market-facilitation approaches, the Field Agent will help strengthen linkages between farmers, producer groups, service providers, and buyers/traders, and will contribute field insights and monitoring updates to support learning and adaptive management.

Roles and key Responsibilities

1) Community Mobilization & Producer Group Support

• Facilitate community engagement for value chain activities, including mobilization of farmers and support to producer group formation and functionality
• Support producer groups to establish basic governance practices (e.g., meeting routines, roles, simple record-keeping) as guided by the Senior Project Officer (SME/Livelihoods).

2) Post‑Harvest Practices & Market Access Support

• Support farmers and producer groups to adopt improved post-harvest handling and market access practices as outlined in the project approach
• Support linkages between producers and relevant market actors (e.g., aggregators/traders/buyers and service providers) through coordination meetings and field-based facilitation.

3) Support with Storage/Processing Infrastructure Activities

• Coordinate with the Small Infrastructure Engineer (Value Chain) and project team to support community engagement around storage-related infrastructure (e.g., underground storage, solar-powered storage), including organizing site discussions and supporting community participation where relevant.
• Support basic monitoring of infrastructure progress at community level and promptly report implementation challenges to the technical team.

4) Field Monitoring, Data Collection & Reporting

• Collect routine field monitoring information and contribute to activity reporting (attendance lists, training participation, adoption observations, and key issues raised by communities).
• Share field-level market intelligence (e.g., buyer requirements, basic price/quality observations, constraints affecting sales/storage) with the Senior Project Officer (SME/Livelihoods) to inform adaptive implementation.
• Coordinate with the MEAL Officer as needed to support data collection and verification processes.

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Rural Development, Economics, or a related field (or equivalent relevant experience).
• Minimum 3–4 years of experience in community facilitation and/or livelihoods/market-related programming (experience working with farmer groups or local businesses is an advantage).
• Experience working on potato value chain is highly preferred.
• Strong community engagement skills, including ability to work respectfully within local norms.

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Key Working Relationships:  

Internal: Senior Project Officer (SME/Livelihoods); Program Manager; Small Infrastructure Engineer (Value Chain); MEAL Officer; Operations/Procurement/Finance teams (as needed for documentation and field logistics).

External: Producer groups/farmers; community leaders and community structures; local traders/aggregators/buyers and service providers engaged in the potato value chain; relevant local authorities as required for coordination.

• Provides day-to-day coordination support to producer groups and works closely with technical staff on field implementation.

Required Languages – Fluency in Dari basic working knowledge of English preferred.

Travel- This position will be based in Bamiyan. Up to 90% of travel to field sites in Bamiyan center and Yakawlang districts is anticipated.

Special Note: CRS is looking for a mahram couple (1 male and 1 female) to work with communities based in Bamiyan. The team must be able to travel and work together on daily basis.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Observation, active listening, and analysis skills with the ability to make sound judgment
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and community members
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and coordination skills.

• Attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results. 

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. 
• Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.  

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Protection Acknowledgment: CRS prohibits all forms of abuse and exploitation towards children and vulnerable adults. As a professional candidate, you commit to adhering to the Agency’s policy on protection, rights and dignity of children and vulnerable adults and to safeguard them from abuse and exploitation as defined in CRS’ Safeguarding Policy

Applications comprise a one-page cover letter to explain your interest and suitability for the post and your CV. Please do not attach your education documents and work certificates unless requested.

Dear Applicants!

The process of submitting a CV/Application has been changed to the online system. Therefore, interested candidates are encouraged to apply using the link provided below. Applications sent to any other email address or location will not be considered. Please ensure to rename your application file according to your name entered on the first page of the application forms.

Interested candidates can submit their applications by clicking on this link.

Please note that applications received after the closing date (i.e., April 18^th, 2026), will not be given consideration. Only short-listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for tests and interviews.