Established on February 8, 2006, the Afghan Youth Services Organization (AYSO) is a multi-donor, multi-sectoral, non-political, and non-profit organization committed to empowering Afghan communities.

With operations spanning all 34 provinces of Afghanistan, including underserved and conflict-affected areas, AYSO works collaboratively with international agencies, government bodies, and local stakeholders to deliver inclusive, innovative, and sustainable solutions.

Guided by core values of independence, accountability, and professionalism, AYSO addresses critical challenges in health, nutrition, Food Security and Agriculture (FSAC), Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Education, Protection, Youth Support, Gender, Infrastructure, Vocational Training, Social and Behavior Change (SBC) / Community Engagement and Participation, and emergency response.

Background: The Afghanistan Women's Fund for Resilient Enterprises - AWFRE, supported by UN Women and implemented in partnership with Afghan Youth Services Organization - AYSO, purposes to strengthen women-led micro and small enterprises through entrepreneurship development, financial literacy, mentorship, business networking, market linkages, and improved access to financial services.

The project seeks to enhance the economic resilience of women entrepreneurs through the establishment of Sherkat Enterprise Clusters, capacity building initiatives, business advisory services, and engagement with financial institutions, private sector actors, and relevant stakeholders. The Enterprise Development Officer will play a key role in implementing enterprise development interventions and ensuring effective delivery of project activities at the provincial level. The Enterprise Development Officer will support the implementation of enterprise development and women's economic empowerment activities under the AWFRE Project. The incumbent will work directly with women entrepreneurs, women-led enterprise groups, financial institutions, community stakeholders, market actors, AYSO field teams, and UN Women representatives to strengthen women-owned businesses and improve their access to business development services, financial products, and market opportunities. The position will contribute to achieving project outcomes related to entrepreneurship promotion, financial inclusion, enterprise growth, income generation, and sustainable livelihoods for women entrepreneurs in Eastern Afghanistan.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

-          Identify, register, and support women entrepreneurs and project beneficiaries in target areas.

-          Facilitate the formation and strengthening of women-led Sherkat Enterprise Clusters and promote peer learning and business collaboration.

-          Organize and deliver entrepreneurship, business management, and financial literacy training.

-          Provide business mentoring, coaching, and advisory support, including business planning and enterprise growth strategies.

-          Facilitate access to financial services by supporting loan readiness and linking beneficiaries with financial institutions and service providers.

-          Promote market access and private sector engagement through networking, business linkages, and value chain development initiatives.

-          Coordinate project activities with AYSO, UN Women, government authorities, community stakeholders, and private sector partners.

-          Collect, maintain, and report project data, beneficiary records, success stories, and project achievements.

-          Ensure compliance with safeguarding, gender equality, PSEA, and organizational policies and standards.

-          Perform other relevant duties assigned by the Project Manager to support project objectives.

Priority Consideration:
Qualified candidates from the respective province where the position is based will be given priority consideration during the recruitment process.    

Education:

-          14th Pass or Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Development Studies, Commerce, Management, Social Sciences, or a related field.

-          Master's Degree will be an advantage.

Experience:

-          Minimum 2-3 years of relevant experience in enterprise development, entrepreneurship promotion, livelihoods, MSME development, business advisory services, or women's economic empowerment programs.

-          Experience working with women entrepreneurs, community groups, cooperatives, or enterprise development initiatives.

-          Experience in training, mentoring, and capacity building.

-          Experience with NGOs, INGOs, UN agencies, or donor-funded projects is preferred.

-          Experience coordinating with financial institutions and private sector stakeholders is an asset.

Skills and Competencies:

-          Strong knowledge of entrepreneurship, MSME development, financial literacy, and market systems.

-          Excellent communication, facilitation, mentoring, and stakeholder engagement skills.

-          Good business planning, reporting, and data management abilities.

-          Strong organizational, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

-          Commitment to gender equality and women's economic empowerment.

Languages

-          Fluency in Pashto and/or Dari is required.

-          Working knowledge of English is preferred

Please submit CV to hr@ayso.org.af  
Applications after the closing date (12:00 AM) will not be accepted.
Please Indicate the position title and vacancy Number in the Subject Line otherwise your application will not be considered.
Please note that there is no telephonic inquiry and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and called for an Interview.
AYSO zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. AYSO also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct.