Women Activities & Social Service Association (WASSA) was established in 2002 in Afghanistan as a non-governmental organization, committed to seeking ways for women's empowerment in Afghanistan. WASSA aims to promote women's equal participation in socio-economic sectors of the country. WASSA works directly with communities to bring change in the social attitude of the community regarding women.

An envision “Equal participation of women & men in all sectors of the country.

• Equal Opportunities: WASSA is dedicated to offering equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified candidates, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, ethnicity, age, or disability.
• Safeguarding and Conduct: WASSA will contact previous employers to inquire about any history of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment during the candidate's employment, including incidents under investigation at the time the candidate left. Job offers are conditional on satisfactory reference checks. By applying, candidates confirm they understand and accept these procedures.
• Final Selection: The selected candidate must pass a background check and reference check. They will also be required to sign WASSA's Code of Conduct, PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse), Safeguarding, and other relevant policies before receiving a final job offer/contract 

Job Description:

Position Summary

The Sericulture Specialist will lead and oversee the implementation of Silk Rearing, Cocoon Production, Weaving, Processing, and Production Center Program in Herat (Zindajan). This role involves managing all aspects of the silk value chain activities, including sericulture, cocoon production, silk processing, weaving, product development, cooperative establishment, and Business Development and Marketing. The specialist will provide technical expertise, capacity-building support, and operational guidance to beneficiaries and cooperatives, ensuring high-quality silk production and market-ready products. The position reports directly to the Regional Project Manager and works closely with project staff, and relevant stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of all sericulture and silk production activities under the project.
• Provide technical guidance and hands-on training in silkworm rearing, cocoon production, silk extraction, reeling, spinning, dyeing, weaving, and finishing processes.
• Supervise and mentor project staff and 25 selected beneficiaries involved in advanced silk processing and weaving.
• Coordinate the distribution and effective use of startup kits and production equipment for beneficiaries.
• Support cooperative formation and capacity-building, financial sustainability, and facility management.
• Establish cooperatives and develop operational, structural, and financial guidelines for each silk production unit.
• Design and implement a sustainable exit strategy for the silk center to ensure continuity after donor support and successful handover to the community.
• Ensure quality standards, safe working conditions, and adherence to production protocols at the center.
• Facilitate market linkages, product development, and branding in collaboration with the Market Access Program team.
• Conduct needs assessments for equipment, raw materials, and operational improvements; prepare BoQs and technical specifications for procurement.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of beneficiaries, providing regular technical reports, training records, and recommendations for improvement.
• Organize and supervise demonstrations, workshops, and training sessions for community engagement and skill transfer.
• Collaborate with project staff to prepare weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports.
• Ensure compliance with WASSA’s policies, safeguarding standards, and project operational guidelines.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Regional Project Manager.

• Master’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Textile Engineering, Sericulture, or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in sericulture, silk production, or textile programs.
• At least 4 years of experience working with national or international NGOs or private sector silk production in Afghanistan.
• 2 years of experience in business development and value chain enhancement.
• Strong technical knowledge of silk production processes, cocoon rearing, weaving, dyeing, and quality control.
• Experience in capacity building, cooperative development, and entrepreneurship support.
• Knowledge of market linkage development, product branding, and sustainable livelihoods programs.
• Strong organizational, planning, and reporting skills; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills in Dari and/or Pashto; proficiency in English is mandatory.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and other relevant reporting tools.

• Interested, qualified candidates should submit their information/request through the link (https://airtable.com/appDgAAFY9txVYsxC/shrkTbXnGy3LgGPpg)
• Academic certificates or references do not need to be submitted at this time. These will be requested if an interview is called for.
• Only short-listed candidates will be invited for the written test and interview upon project approva