MSMEs Specialist

Youth's Assembly for Afghanistan Rehabilitation (YAAR) is a national, non governmental and non profit organization established in 1994. For more than three decades, YAAR has been providing humanitarian and development assistance to vulnerable communities across Afghanistan.

YAAR has implemented more than 115 multisectoral projects in more than 17 provinces in partnership with UN agencies, international organizations, INGOs, embassies and local institutions.

YAAR works across different sectors including Health, Education, WASH, Food Security, Agriculture and Livelihoods, Emergency Response, Women's Economic Empowerment, Protection and other humanitarian and development interventions.

Job Purpose:

The MSMEs Specialist will provide technical leadership and support for the identification, assessment, development, implementation, monitoring, and sustainability of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) supported under the project.

The position will be responsible for ensuring that enterprise support is market-driven, value-chain oriented, inclusive, transparent, technically sound, and aligned with UNDP requirements and approved project plans. The Specialist will lead beneficiary selection and assessment, development of business development plans (BDPs), enterprise capacity building, technical and financial literacy training, equipment and input support, market linkage, monitoring, reporting, and documentation of results.

The MSMEs Specialist will work closely with the PMU, Regional Project Offices, private-sector actors, local authorities, communities, beneficiaries, suppliers, trainers, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that supported enterprises have realistic opportunities for growth, employment generation, improved productivity, and long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

A. MSME Assessment & Beneficiary Selection

• Develop and update selection criteria per donor requirements and ensure transparent application.
• Conduct rapid assessments of Micro and Small Enterprises; identify priority sectors and opportunities.
• Assess enterprises on viability, market demand, growth potential, employment, sustainability, and vulnerability.
• Prioritize disaster-affected, returnees, IDPs, and vulnerable host communities.
• Verify eligibility (employees, turnover, operational status, previous assistance) and coordinate to avoid duplication.
• Collect baseline data on production, sales, employment, and income.

B. Master Beneficiary Database (MBD)

• Establish and maintain a comprehensive MBD capturing key beneficiary/enterprise data, support provided, baseline/endline info, and monitoring findings.
• Maintain verification documents and ensure data protection, confidentiality, and access control.

C. Business Development Plans (BDPs)

• Facilitate development of individual BDPs focused on production, sales, productivity, employment, quality, market access, value-chain linkages, and sustainability.
• Link support to approved BDPs; review for feasibility and provide ongoing advisory services.

D. Value Chain & Market Development

• Conduct value-chain assessments and identify priority sectors.
• Facilitate market linkages with suppliers, buyers, private sector, and financial institutions.
• Advise on product development, pricing, packaging, branding, and market trends.

E. Equipment, Supplies & Enterprise Support

• Develop technical specifications and BOQs; ensure items are justified by BDPs.
• Support quality control, transparent distribution, and one-day operation/maintenance training.

F. Training & Capacity Building

• Conduct TNAs and deliver/coordinate technical (sector-specific) and entrepreneurship training.
• Use practical, adult-learning methods; conduct pre/post assessments and maintain records.

G. Social Mobilization & Inclusion

• Support community awareness and promote equitable participation of women and vulnerable groups.
• Ensure beneficiaries understand responsibilities and sustainability commitments.

H. Grievance Redress, Safeguarding & PSEA

• Support GRM implementation and ensure beneficiaries know complaint channels (including AWAAZ 410).
• Refer SEA/safeguarding concerns immediately and maintain confidentiality.

I. Monitoring, PDM & Sustainability

• Implement monitoring system and conduct field visits and Post-Distribution Monitoring.
• Track performance against BDPs, employment, and sustainability; secure 24-month operational commitments.

J. Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare timely technical/narrative reports against indicators.
• Maintain complete records and contribute to donor reporting.

K. Success Stories & Visibility

• Document at least three success stories per region (with informed consent) and support communications materials.

L. Endline Assessment & Learning

• Contribute to endline assessments and document lessons learned and recommendations.

Coordination
Coordinate effectively with UNDP PMU, RPOs, government authorities, private sector, chambers, financial institutions, communities, and other partners.

Education:

•    Bachelor's degree in: Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Development Studies, or a related field.
•     Master's degree in a relevant field is an advantage.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in MSME development, private-sector development, livelihoods, entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, business development, or a related area.
• Previous experience with NGOs/INGOs, UN agencies, or donor-funded development/humanitarian projects in Afghanistan is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience working with entrepreneurs, MSMEs, business associations, financial institutions, and private-sector actors.
• Experience in conducting market assessments, value-chain analysis, business training, and business advisory services.

Interested candidates are requested to submit their updated CV and Cover Letter (combined into a single PDF file) via email to recruitment@yaar.af 
Please clearly mention the Position Title and Vacancy Number in the email subject line as: (YAAR-HQ/MSMEs Specialist-138) Otherwise, your application willnot beconsidered.