Livelihood & Value Chain Specialist

Position Summary:

The Livelihood and Value Chain Specialist will provide technical support for the design and implementation of livelihood development, value-chain strengthening, business development and market-linkage activities. The Specialist will conduct market and value-chain assessments, identify viable income-generating opportunities, support the selection of suitable livelihood interventions, and build the business and market-access capacities of women, farmers, producer groups and small businesses.

The position will also support beneficiaries and local enterprises to improve production, value addition, packaging, branding, pricing and marketing, while facilitating connections with buyers, traders and other market actors. Particular attention will be given to the meaningful and culturally appropriate participation of women and vulnerable groups.

Tasks/ Responsibilities:

• Conduct livelihood, market and value-chain assessments to identify viable income-generating opportunities and market needs in the project target areas.
• Analyze selected value chains, including livestock, high-value crops and other relevant livelihood sectors, and recommend practical interventions to improve production, value addition and market access.
• Identify potential buyers, traders, suppliers, private-sector actors and other market stakeholders, and facilitate linkages between them and project beneficiaries.
• Support the design and implementation of alternative livelihood packages based on market demand, beneficiary needs and local economic opportunities.
• Provide technical guidance to women entrepreneurs, farmers, producer groups and MSMEs on business development, entrepreneurship and sustainable income generation.
• Design and deliver practical training on business management, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, cost calculation, pricing, marketing strategies and business planning.
• Support beneficiaries and enterprises to improve product quality, processing, packaging, labeling, branding and presentation in line with market requirements.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen market access for local products, including almonds, raisins, walnuts, apricots, apples, sesame and other relevant products.
• Support the assessment of MSMEs and women-led businesses to identify gaps in production, packaging, marketing and business operations, and recommend appropriate support.
• Facilitate market linkages and business connections between women entrepreneurs, producer groups, MSMEs, traders, buyers and relevant private-sector actors.
• Provide ongoing coaching and advisory support to beneficiaries on product differentiation, market positioning, sales strategies and business development.
• Promote the participation and economic empowerment of women and vulnerable groups through inclusive, culturally appropriate approaches.
• Coordinate with community mobilizers and field teams to support beneficiary identification, engagement, training and follow-up.
• Monitor the progress and results of livelihood and value-chain activities, identify implementation challenges and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain records of assessments, training sessions, advisory support, market linkages and other project activities, ensuring appropriate supporting documentation.
• Contribute to project progress reports, success stories, case studies and other required documentation.
• Perform other relevant duties assigned by the Project Manager.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Community Development, International Development, Sociology or other related studies.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in private sector engagement, market linkages, Value chain development in Afghanistan.
• Ability to provide training on business and market access capacity building
• Proven experience in market analysis, value chain selection, and designing interventions that improve production, value addition, packaging, and market access
• Experience in delivering business development services, including training on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, pricing, and marketing strategies
• Experience working with women and vulnerable groups in restrictive contexts, ensuring inclusive participation, culturally appropriate approaches, and linkage to sustainable income opportunities
• Fluency in Pashto and Dari is essential.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.

All candidates are kindly requested to carefully and accurately fill in their relevant information using the link provided in the submission email.
Additionally, please make sure to attach and send your updated CV along with your submission.
Completing all required fields and submitting your CV will help ensure your application is processed successfully.

Thank you for your cooperation.