Market Research Officer

Purpose of the Role

The Market Research Officer will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting accurate market information to support Zaviyar Trading Company's business development, product selection, sales planning, and distribution strategies.

The successful candidate will conduct field research across Kabul's markets, visit shops, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and suppliers, identify customer demand, analyze competitors, and assess market opportunities for products offered through Zaviyar Trading Company.

The position requires a professional with strong knowledge of Kabul's local markets, practical field-research experience, analytical skills, and the ability to convert market information into useful business recommendations.

 Key Responsibilities & Duties

A. Market Research and Field Surveys

·         Conduct regular market research and field surveys across Kabul city.

·         Visit retail shops, supermarkets, wholesalers, distributors, and commercial markets.

·         Collect information about popular products, brands, prices, and customer demand.

·         Identify fast-moving and slow-moving products in different market segments.

·         Conduct structured interviews with shopkeepers, wholesalers, and distributors.

·         Collect reliable information about purchasing frequency, quantities, and supplier preferences.

·         Maintain organized records of all field research activities.

B. Product and Market Analysis

·         Identify high-demand product categories and potential business opportunities.

·         Analyze customer preferences and purchasing behavior.

·         Research products suitable for introduction into the Kabul market.

·         Identify products with strong sales potential and competitive advantages.

·         Study market prices, product packaging, quality, and availability.

·         Provide recommendations regarding suitable products for Zaviyar's distribution portfolio.

C. Competitor Research

·         Identify major competitors operating in relevant product categories.

·         Collect information about competitor brands, prices, promotions, and distribution channels.

·         Analyze the availability and market positioning of competing products.

·         Identify market gaps and opportunities for new products.

·         Monitor changes in competitor activities and market trends.

D. Customer and Distribution Network Research

·         Identify potential wholesalers, retailers, distributors, and institutional customers.

·         Develop and maintain a database of shops and business customers in Kabul.

·         Collect customer contact information and business profiles with appropriate consent.

·         Identify potential distribution partners in different market areas.

·         Assess customer purchasing capacity and product requirements.

·         Support the Sales Department in identifying new customer opportunities.

E. Market Mapping and Geographic Coverage

·         Conduct market mapping across Kabul's 22 municipal districts (Nahiyas) and relevant commercial areas.

·         Identify major shopping streets, wholesale markets, retail clusters, and business zones.

·         Maintain records of surveyed shops and their locations.

·         Track market coverage and identify areas requiring further research.

·         Prepare district-wise and area-wise market information.

F. Data Collection and Digital Reporting

·         Use company-approved mobile applications and digital tools to collect survey information.

·         Ensure accurate entry of customer, product, price, and market data.

·         Maintain digital databases and organized research records.

·         Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly market research reports.

·         Use Microsoft Excel and other relevant tools to organize and analyze data.

·         Verify information and distinguish between estimated figures and confirmed market data.

G. Reporting and Strategic Recommendations

·         Prepare market research reports for the CEO and management.

·         Present findings about customer demand, competitor activities, and product opportunities.

·         Recommend suitable products for market introduction.

·         Identify areas with strong commercial potential.

·         Provide practical recommendations to improve sales and distribution coverage.

·         Coordinate with the Sales Manager to convert research findings into sales strategies.

Work Environment & Conditions

A. Work Location

The Market Research Officer will be based at Zaviyar Trading Company's head office in Kabul and will conduct regular field visits throughout Kabul's markets.

B. Working Hours

Saturday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, subject to company policy and applicable labor requirements.

C. Field Visits

Frequent field visits across Kabul's 22 Nahiyas and major commercial markets will be required.

D. Reporting & Coordination

·         Reports To: CEO / Designated Manager.

·         Department: Market Research & Business Development.

·         Coordinates With: Sales, Procurement, Logistics, and Customer Relations teams.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The Market Research Officer's performance will be evaluated based on:

·         Number of shops and businesses surveyed.

·         Coverage of Kabul's assigned Nahiyas and commercial markets.

·         Accuracy and reliability of collected market data.

·         Quality and completeness of market research reports.

·         Number of potential customers and distributors identified.

·         Identification of new product and market opportunities.

·         Quality of competitor and pricing analysis.

·         Timely submission of daily, weekly, and monthly reports.

·         Effective use of digital data collection systems.

·         Practical value of recommendations provided to management.

Required Qualifications

A. Academic Qualifications – Mandatory

·         A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, Statistics, Market Research, or a related field is required.

·         Candidates must provide valid educational documents and certificates.

·         Additional academic qualifications in market research, business analysis, or marketing will be an advantage.

B. Professional Certifications

Relevant professional certifications are an advantage, including:

·         Market Research and Analysis.

·         Business Research and Development.

·         Data Collection and Survey Management.

·         Marketing and Consumer Behavior.

·         Business Data Analysis.

·         Statistical Analysis.

C. Language Proficiency

·         Excellent command of Pashto and Dari.

·         Working knowledge of English for reporting and business communication.

·         Ability to communicate professionally with shopkeepers, wholesalers, distributors, and business representatives.

 Professional Experience

A. Minimum Experience Required

·         At least 4 years of relevant professional experience in market research, market analysis, field surveys, or business research.

·         Practical experience conducting market research in Kabul's local markets is required.

·         Demonstrated experience collecting and analyzing market data.

·         Experience preparing professional market research reports.

B. Relevant Sector Background

Experience in one or more of the following sectors is preferred:

·         FMCG and consumer goods.

·         Trading and distribution.

·         Wholesale and retail markets.

·         Food and beverage products.

·         Market development and business research.

·         Sales and marketing research.

C. Field Research Experience

·         Proven ability to conduct shop-to-shop market surveys.

·         Experience interviewing shopkeepers, retailers, wholesalers, and distributors.

·         Familiarity with Kabul's major wholesale and retail markets.

·         Ability to identify market trends, customer preferences, and competitor activities.

·         Experience preparing customer and market databases.

7. Core Skills & Competencies

A. Market Knowledge

Strong understanding of Kabul's retail and wholesale markets, commercial areas, customer behavior, and product demand.

B. Research and Analytical Skills

Ability to collect, organize, interpret, and analyze market information accurately.

C. Communication and Interviewing

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to conduct professional interviews with different types of business customers.

D. Data Management

·         Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.

·         Ability to prepare reports, tables, and market analysis summaries.

·         Familiarity with digital survey tools and mobile applications.

·         Ability to maintain accurate databases.

E. Reporting and Presentation

Ability to present research findings clearly and provide practical recommendations to management.

F. Fieldwork and Time Management

Ability to independently organize field visits, meet research deadlines, and cover assigned market areas.

Application Instructions

Interested and qualified candidates must submit:

1.     Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).

2.     Cover Letter explaining their suitability for the Market Research Officer position.

3.     Copy of valid Afghan National ID (Tazkira).

4.     Copy of Bachelor's degree certificate and academic transcript.

5.     Relevant professional certifications, if available.

6.     Work experience certificates from previous employers.

7.     Examples of previous market research reports or survey work, if available.

Submission Details

·         Email: info@zaviyartrading.com

·         Office Address: Mandawi Road, Jabal Noor Market, 6th Floor, Office No. F27, Kabul, Afghanistan

·         Vacancy Number: Zaviyar-MRO-07-2026

·         Please mention the vacancy number and position title in the email subject line.