Koh e Baba Consultancy Services (KCS) is an Afghan registered consultancy provider of consulting, Agriculture development, engineering, and technical services within Afghanistan. Our reputation rests on the technical expertise and dedication of our employees—our team working together across disciplines and time zones to provide smart, sustainable solutions for challenging projects. We are proud to be home to leading technical experts in water, agriculture, environment, infrastructure, facilities, resource management, energy, and international development. KCS combines the resources of a global, multinational company with over 30+years of international development experience, we offer competitive compensation and benefits and are searching for innovative people to join our teams. 

1. Project Background:

The Afghanistan Value Chains Program (AVCP) will work both in crops and livestock value chains with various anchor firms to improve value chains to increase productivity in key livestock value chains, improve the commercial viability of agribusiness, and strengthen public-private agriculture service delivery. AVCP will focus on maximizing the strength and productivity of crops and livestock value chains, particularly on food security and support to women in agriculture.  Moreover, AVCP will adopt the Market system development approach to create a resilient market in Afghanistan via economic interventions is an integral part of Afghanistan’s emergency response programming. AVCP’s MSD approach will continue to spur economic growth, increasing food security and identifying channels for women to continue and increase participation in Afghanistan’s economy. AVCP is a market-driven, private sector-focused program that aims to sustainably strengthen livestock and crop

2. Objective:

The Dairy Value Chain Lead will facilitate and enhance the operations within the dairy sector under the Afghanistan Value Chains Program (AVCP), employing a market-based approach to strengthen both agricultural and livestock value chains. The lead will aim to improve market access, increase productivity, and foster sustainable development through technical expertise and strategic collaborations.

3. Duties and Responsibilities:

Training and Capacity Building:

• Receive specialized training from Short-Term Technical Assistance (STTA) experts on value chain analysis methodologies and tools.
• Lead the implementation of training programs for field staff and stakeholders within the dairy value chain, focusing on market-based strategies and effective data collection using focus groups and semi-structured interviews.
• Develop and disseminate tailored curricula addressing the technical needs in dairy, poultry, small ruminants, and beekeeping sectors, emphasizing practical and innovative training approaches for anchor firms and other stakeholders.

Value Chain Analysis:

• Conduct comprehensive value chain analyses to identify bottlenecks, challenges, and opportunities in the dairy sector.
• Collaborate with AVCP field staff to gather and analyze data, utilizing insights to design interventions that enhance the value chain efficiency.
• Offer actionable recommendations for improvements in input supply and marketing strategies, highlighting areas for STTA engagement.

Stakeholder Engagement and Support:

• Facilitate the establishment of robust relationships with anchor firms, input suppliers, and other relevant entities within the value chain.
• Provide strategic leadership in organizing and delivering training sessions focused on enhancing the engagement between anchor firms and suppliers to boost the quality and quantity of dairy inputs.
• Serve as a primary liaison with key stakeholders such as commodity associations, veterinary associations, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL)/Directorate of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (DAIL), other governmental bodies, and donor organizations.

Gender Inclusion and Productivity Enhancement:

• Implement initiatives specifically designed to increase the participation and productivity of women-owned enterprises and youth within the dairy value chain.
• Support regional field staff by providing essential technical guidance and resources to enhance operational efficiency at the local level.

Reporting and Evaluation:

• Contribute to the preparation of detailed reports documenting the progress and outcomes of value chain interventions.
• Participate actively in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities to ensure the effectiveness of the implemented strategies and to foster continuous improvement.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Be readily available to address inquiries and provide support during the data collection phases.
• Undertake other duties as directed by the Value Chains Director to support broader AVCP objectives.

4. Required Qualifications:

Education:

• A bachelor’s degree in animal science, or a related field.
• A Master's degree in these fields is highly preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of seven years of experience in agricultural development or market-based development with a significant focus on dairy or livestock value chains.
•  Proven experience in conducting value chain analyses and implementing development projects in agriculture and livestock, particularly in challenging environments.
•  Demonstrated success in developing and leading capacity building and training programs within the agricultural and livestock sector.

Technical Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of market-based strategies and value chain development in livestock, especially dairy.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques.
• Ability to develop and adapt curricula and training materials for a variety of audiences, beneficiaries, and sectors.

Project Management:

• Experience in planning, executing, and evaluating projects, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and crises.
•  Proven leadership and management skills in supervising cross-functional teams and coordinating with multiple stakeholders.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present reports and proposals.
• Strong facilitation skills to engage effectively with diverse groups including senior government officials, donors, farmers, and private sector stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Experience working with agricultural and livestock associations, input suppliers, government agencies, and donor organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders in challenging settings.

Gender and Social Inclusion:

• Demonstrated understanding and experience in integrating gender and social inclusion in development initiatives.

Language:

• Proficiency in English and local languages are required. Knowledge of professional reporting and technical language in English is highly preferable.

5. Desirable Qualifications

Local Experience:

• Prior experience working in Afghanistan or similar contexts with a clear understanding of local agricultural and livestock dynamics and challenges.

Adaptability:

• Ability to work effectively in high-pressure situations, adapting to rapidly changing environments.

Technological Proficiency:

• Familiarity with agricultural technologies and digital tools for planning, tracking, data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Applicants meeting the above criteria are requested to submit their CV along with a cover letter to jobs@kohebaba.net no later than May 11, 2024. Please write your total years of work experience and your current residential area in your cover letter/CV. 

Please quote the Job Title as the Subject of the e-mail when applying

No supporting documents (e.g. diplomas, recommendation letters, identification card(s), etc.) are required at this stage.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.

Your CV should have at list three references from the former employer to enable us to contact you for further information, please provide the bellow information for your references.    

Name, Designation, Organization, Contact Information – Address; Phone; Email; etc.