Enterprise Development Officer (EDO)

I.  Position Information
Job Title: Enterprise Development Officer (EDO) Vacancy Number: CBARD-58 Department/Project Name: CBARD/Operations Category: Employment Type: Project based		Salary/Grade Level: D Job Location: Nangarhar Closing Date: 28- Oct 2020 Duration and Type of Assignment: 12 Months Years of Experience: 4 years
II. Job Purpose and Organizational Context
Agriculture is the foundational basis of Afghan society. Approximately 80% of the population is engaged in agriculture directly or in secondary or tertiary activities. While some of Afghanistan’s former agricultural infrastructure have been restored, considerably more, remains to be done. Lack of agriculture technology, infrastructure, and difficulty in accessing markets by farmers still remain as challenges in the sector. This is in spite of the enormous potential of agriculture as the sector that can drive economic growth. These challenges and dependence of rural households on low-value crops on scarce arable land and their vulnerability to increasingly severe droughts and floods due to climate change adversely contribute to viability of opium poppy cultivation as an easily marketable and drought-resistant option. Having said this, it also presents an opportunity as farmers, producers, and processors and traders are demanding increased support from the government, realizing the potential of agriculture as a viable economic option if provided with the requisite technologies and infrastructure. The Community Based Agriculture and Rural Development (CBARD) project funded by the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) aims at supporting improved household income reducing dependency on illicit cultivation / production in 163 selected communities in Nangarhar, Farah and Badghis provinces. The project objective is to prove the viability of high-value agricultural-based interventions in improving local economies of Nangarhar, Badghis and Farah as a sustainable alternative to illicit crop cultivation. The project has two outputs; (i) local production of, and market for, high-value crops improved; (ii) community-based agro-business infrastructure are built, developed, and/or strengthened; (iii) potential national and international markets for CBARD products. The project will be implemented by MAIL.  The ED officer will be based in the CBARD Nangarhar office, will report and work under the direct supervision of the Field Coordinator and Senior BDS specialist. He/she will be fully responsible for all Enterprise development and related activities of the project in the field.
III. Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of key functions: The Enterprise Development Officer will carry out the following responsibilities in close cooperation and guidance of Senior Business Development and Services Specialist. Provide on-farm and/or off-farm Enterprise Development and Services (EDS) advisory/training to the beneficiaries on the following subjects: Assist them in Maintaining of books of records, Assist them in product development. Provide Useful tips on their enterprise development Collect APY data from the field as per the format provided by BDS unit, and verify the data provided from the field by District Associates and Lead Farmer. Provide all facilitation and support to beneficiaries to participate in Local, National and or International training, exposure visits and exhibitions. Where required the Enterprise Development Officer will be instructed to participate in the events and provide facilitation and support during the event. Identify/initiate contact with relevant input suppliers, farmer groups, cooperatives, agro-based enterprises, farmer groups and SMEs. Develop backward and forward linkages of beneficiaries with relevant input and output suppliers. Develop promotional material of beneficiaries in line with the current market need; develop standard labelling and packing materials; convince the owner of SME to use available standards to improve the quality of products. Liaise with Communications Team to develop a variety of success story materials and provide up-to-date and persuasive evidence of program results and impacts; Serve as the focal point for enterprise development, and value chain development by remaining well-informed about emerging best practices, current issues and trends in NGR province. The concerned Enterprise Development officer will be required to prepare a plan for each SME highlighting the problems the SME is facing and his interventions to address constraints and their outcome. Develop work plan every month with the consultation of Unit Sr. Specialist and (if needed) with Provincial Managers. Should provide activity log, develop report to the Unit Sr. Specialist as per the CBARD Standards. Make regular field visits to observe and provide technical support and advice to beneficiaries. Any other tasks given by the supervisor.
IV. Core Competencies required
LIST THE MAIN REQUIRED COMPETENCIES SUCH AS LEADERSHIP, SERVICE DELIVERY, MANAGEMENT, ETC.
V. Recruitment Qualifications
Education:	Bachelor degree in Agriculture Economics, Economics, and Business Administration
Experience:	4 Years of experience in rural economic development. Knowledge and understanding of the business needs and challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises Experience working with MAIL, UNDP or other international donors preferred; Demonstrated business and financing skills, business thinking, and communication skills;
Language Requirements:	Excellent knowledge of English and local languages (Pashto and Dari), both spoken and written skill
VII. Submission Information
Candidates who meet the abovementioned qualification can send their CVs with one-page cover letter to the below email address. Please include the Position Title and Vacancy Number in the Subject of your email. MAIL is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. Qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.  Submission Email: jobs.cbard@gmail.com
VIII. Signatures
Incumbent  (if applicable) Name                                          Signature                                         Date
Supervisor                                                     Signature                                         Date
Project Manager Name / Title                                Signature                                        Date