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 Financial Specialist. This specialist will serve as an independent evaluator, bringing expertise in financial analysis, loan readiness assessment, and financial viability of MSMEs to the committee’s deliberations.

Objective of the Assignment

The Financial Specialist will serve as an independent expert evaluator on the AREA Project Selection Committee. The primary objective is to assess and score the financial health, creditworthiness, and loan readiness of MSME proposals against predefined selection criteria to identify the 200 most viable and financially sustainable enterprises for program support.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

The Specialist will be responsible for:

• Financial Review and Analysis:
  • Evaluate the financial information provided by MSMEs, including revenue projections, cash flow statements, and existing financial obligations.
  • Assess the financial viability and sustainability of each MSME proposal.
  • Analyze the readiness and capacity of MSMEs to manage and repay subsidized loans.
• Loan Readiness Assessment:
  • Review MSMEs’ plans for utilizing loans and co-investment, ensuring alignment with business growth objectives.
  • Identify potential financial risks and advise on mitigation factors within the selection criteria.
• Committee Participation:
  • Actively participate in 20 days of Selection Committee sessions.
  • Provide expert financial insights during committee discussions and scoring deliberations.
  • Collaborate with other committee members to ensure a holistic evaluation of each MSME.
• Scoring and Documentation:
  • Score each MSME proposal based on financial criteria within the evaluation matrix.
  • Document clear justifications for financial scoring and recommendations.
  • Contribute to the preparation of the final selection report with a focus on financial due diligence findings.
• Compliance and Ethics:
  • Adhere to UNDP’s principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
  • Sign and abide by a confidentiality agreement regarding all MSME financial data and committee deliberations.
  • Declare any conflicts of interest prior to the evaluation process.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education:
  • Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. Professional certifications (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CFA) are highly desirable.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in financial analysis, credit assessment, SME finance, microfinance, or investment advisory.
  • Demonstrated experience in evaluating business financials, loan applications, and financial sustainability.
  • Experience working with MSMEs in Afghanistan or similar contexts, with an understanding of local economic and financial challenges.
  • Familiarity with gender-sensitive financial analysis is an advantage.
• Skills and Competencies:
  • Strong analytical and numerical skills with attention to detail.
  • Ability to interpret financial statements and assess credit risk.
  • Excellent judgment and impartiality.
  • Fluency in English (reporting) and Dari/Pashto (evaluation and communication).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Preferred:
  • Previous experience serving on selection or evaluation committees for UNDP, UN agencies, banks, or microfinance institutions.
  • Knowledge of renewable energy financing or green loans is a plus.

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 financial evaluation of approximately 20 MSME proposals.

Reporting Lines

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

Deliverables

• Completed financial scoring sheets for all assigned MSME proposals.
• Written assessment of each MSME’s financial viability and loan readiness.
• Contribution to the final selection committee report with a financial due diligence summary.
• 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 “Financial Specialist (Independent Evaluator – Selection Committee Member) and Vacancy Number APER-HR-466” in the subject line of the email.

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