UNDP Afghanistan is implementing the Afghanistan Resilience and Enterprise Accelerator (AREA) program under the ABADEI project. The program aims to support 200 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Afghanistan through the provision of solar power systems (via in-kind private sector support) and facilitated access to subsidized loans. A key component of the program is the fair, transparent, and merit-based selection of MSME beneficiaries from a pre-identified pool of 400 enterprises.

To ensure a credible selection process, a Selection Committee will be established, comprising independent experts, including a Business Development Specialist. This specialist will serve as an independent evaluator, bringing expertise in enterprise viability, growth potential, and gender-inclusive business practices to the committee’s deliberations.

Objective of the Assignment

The Business Development Specialist will serve as an independent expert evaluator on the AREA Project Selection Committee. The primary objective is to assess and score MSME proposals against predefined selection criteria to identify the 200 most viable and deserving enterprises for program support, with an additional 50 placed on a waiting list.

 Key Responsibilities and Tasks

The Specialist will be responsible for:

• Review and Evaluation:
  • Thoroughly review and evaluate proposals submitted by 400 MSMEs using the UNDP-approved selection criteria.
  • Assess business viability, sustainability, growth potential, and socio-economic impact.
  • Apply specific attention to criteria promoting gender equality, such as female ownership and leadership.
• Committee Participation:
  • Actively participate in 20 days of Selection Committee sessions.
  • Engage in objective discussions, provide expert insights, and contribute to consensus-building for final shortlisting.
  • Ensure all evaluations are documented with clear rationale for scoring and selection/non-selection.
• Scoring and Documentation:
  • Score each MSME proposal based on the agreed evaluation matrix.
  • Maintain accurate records of evaluations and ensure transparency throughout the process.
  • Support the committee in preparing the final shortlist and a comprehensive selection report for UNDP endorsement.
• Compliance and Ethics:
  • Adhere to UNDP’s principles of fairness, transparency, accountability, and “Do No Harm.”
  • Sign and abide by a confidentiality agreement regarding all MSME data and committee deliberations.
  • Declare any conflicts of interest prior to the evaluation process.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education:
  • Master’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in business development, MSME support, enterprise evaluation, or investment screening.
  • Demonstrated experience in assessing business plans, financial projections, and viability models.
  • Proven experience in applying gender-sensitive criteria in business or grant evaluations.
  • Familiarity with the Afghan MSME sector, particularly in provinces targeted by the project (Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, Balkh, Nangarhar, etc.).
• Skills and Competencies:
  • Strong analytical and evaluation skills.
  • Excellent judgment and impartiality.
  • Fluency in English (reporting) and Dari/Pashto (evaluation and communication).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel).
• Preferred:
  • Previous experience serving on selection committees for UNDP, UN agencies, or international donors.
  • Understanding of renewable energy (solar) applications for small businesses is an advantage.

Duration and Working Schedule

• Total working days: 20 days
• The assignment will be conducted within the project timeline, with sessions held in Kabul or virtually as required.
• Daily sessions will involve the evaluation of approximately 20 MSME proposals.

Reporting Lines

The Business Development Specialist will report directly to the Selection Committee Chair and will work closely with other committee members, including representatives from UNDP, AREP, and the private sector partner. All final decisions and reports are subject to UNDP approval.

Deliverables

• Completed scoring sheets for all assigned MSME proposals.
• Written justifications for shortlisted and non-selected enterprises.
• Participation in the final selection report submitted to UNDP.
• A signed confirmation of adherence to confidentiality and ethical guidelines.

Code of Conduct and Ethics

The Specialist must adhere to UNDP’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), fraud, and corruption. Any breach of ethical conduct will result in immediate termination of the assignment.

Interested candidates should submit:

- Updated CV

- Cover letter

Applications should be sent to: n.darwish@arep.org.af Deadline: January 25, 2026
Please clearly indicate “Business Development Specialist (Independent Evaluator – Selection Committee Member) and Vacancy Number APER-HR-465” in the subject line of the email.

The organization is committed to equal opportunity and encourages qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.