The Aga Khan Foundation, Afghanistan (AKF (Afg)) is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of international, private, non-denominational development agencies working to improve living conditions and opportunities for people in some of the poorest parts of the developing world. The Network’s organizations have individual mandates that range from the fields of health and education to architecture, rural development and promotion of private-sector enterprise and institutions that seek to empower communities and individuals, usually in disadvantaged circumstances, to improve living conditions and opportunities.

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a non-denominational international development agency established in 1967 by His Highness the Aga Khan. Its mission is to develop and promote creative solutions to problems that impede social development, primarily in Asia and East Africa. Created as a private, non-profit foundation under Swiss law, it has branches and independent affiliates in 19 countries.
AKF seeks to provide sustainable solutions to long-term problems of poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and ill health. In Afghanistan, AKF works with rural communities in mountainous, remote or resource poor areas to improve quality of life in the areas of natural resource management, market development, governance, education, and health.

POSITION OBJECTIVE
Accelerate Prosperity (AP) was launched by Aga Khan Development Network as a joint initiative of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development’s Industrial Promotion Services (AKFED IPS) in 2016. It was established in Pakistan and Tajikistan in 2016 and subsequently in Kyrgyzstan in 2018 and finally in Afghanistan in 2021. Whilst AP Afghanistan is not a separate legal entity, a legal review and consultation is currently underway to determine a best-fit structure for establishment.

AP facilitates entrepreneurship, employment and socio-economic development through a structured business acceleration program, comprising training, advanced technical support, entrepreneur-led mentorship and tailored start-up and growth financing. Through a competitive process, AP works with start-ups and small and growing businesses (SGBs), in growth industries such as agribusiness, commercial services, digital content, and hospitality. AP leverages the creative power and commercial instincts of the private sector, including AKFED IPS, to address the needs and challenges of budding entrepreneurs, startups and existing SGBs.

The Risk Manager responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of risk policies and procedures at AP. He/ She also analyzes various financial data to estimate the degree of risk and level of associated risk involved in extending credit or establishing a business relationship with firms or individuals.

His/ Her strategic contributions will significantly influence the establishment and maintenance of robust risk management practices within the organization. Beyond the quantitative analysis, this role involves staying abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging risks, enabling to proactively adapt risk strategies.

Furthermore, as a key liaison between various departments, the Risk Manager will collaborate closely with stakeholders to ensure a holistic understanding of risk factors. The Risk Manager insights will not only inform decision-making processes but also contribute to the continual improvement and refinement of risk management frameworks.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Pre-investment Risk Assessment
•    Evaluate potential investment opportunities from financial and non-financial risk perspective.
•    Visit businesses before investment deployment to access business and operational risk.
•    Evaluate credit risk of business and its sponsors.
Post-Investment Risk Assessment:
•    Timely Visits to portfolio business to collect financial and non-financial data for risk assessment.
•    Update risk profile of portfolio businesses on quarterly basis.
•    Report any potential portfolio risk and devise strategy to mitigate such risks.
Investment Portfolio Management
•    Assess portfolio businesses default risk based on quantitative and qualitative analysis.
•    Get Quarterly update from portfolio businesses of their financials records to access risks.
•    Conduct stress and scenario testing and analysis of portfolio.
•    Develop risk matrix for every portfolio business.
•    Share recovery experiences and lessons learnt with Manager Investments & TA for improvement.
Providing Training and Advisory
•    Assist Manager Investments in Updating Training and Advisory content and delivery methodologies.
•    Conduct training and advisory for startups on business risk management and financial management.
Organization Risk Mitigation Strategy
•    Developing and maintaining AP’s capital adequacy models. 
•    Developing and maintaining investment expected credit loss models that are compliant to IFRS.
•    Maintaining loan rating scorecards and advising on the use and application of such scorecards.
•    Assessing, scoring, and rating proposed and outstanding loan guarantees.
•    Monitoring and reporting compliance to risk controls.
•    Assisting in advisory to investment team relating to appropriate credit risk control / mitigation.
•    Assisting in drafting loan review and scoring notes.
•    Generating risk reports to the AP Management and BoD.
•    Carries out the responsibilities of the role in a way which reflects AKF(Afg)’s commitment to protecting children in accordance with the Child Safeguarding Policy.

OCCASIONAL SIGNIFICANT DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Any other task: as may be required and/or given by the AP TA Lead and or Country Director.

JOB SPECIFICATION
To excel in this role, a high level of proficiency and extensive experience in risk management, particularly in banks and investment funds, is imperative.
Professional Experience
•     A minimum of five (5) years of hands-on experience in risk management, ideally within the banking sector, a development organization, or projects funded by foreign government donors.
Educational Background
•    A minimum bachelor's degree in finance, banking, or related fields is required, providing a solid academic foundation for navigating complex financial landscapes.
Proactive Work Ethic
•    The successful candidate will demonstrate a proactive work ethic, showcasing initiative and a results-oriented approach to tasks and challenges inherent in the financial domain.
Language Proficiency
•    Proficiency in English and the national language is essential, with additional language skills deemed necessary within the specific country context. Effective communication across these languages is crucial for navigating diverse and dynamic environments.

DECISION-MAKING & AUTHORITY
•    Accountable for all marketing and communications activities in the Accelerate Prosperity Afghanistan.

APPLICATION
Interested applicants should submit their CV along with a cover letter to Jobs.afghanistan@akdn.org no later than 21st September 2024.

Important Notes:
•    Please quote the Vacancy Number as the Subject of the e-mail when applying.
•    No supporting documents (e.g., diplomas, recommendation letters, identification card(s) etc.) are required at this stage.
•    Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for further assessment.
•    Salary scale: Grade C based on NTA Salary scale.

Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to equal opportunity and safeguarding of children, beneficiaries, partners, community members and employees in accordance with AKF(Afg)’s safeguarding policy.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Your details and information shared on this advertisement shall remain confidential.

The Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan (AKF- Afg) promotes a transparent and equitable recruitment process. We reiterate that all services related to job applications, including processing, seminars, and training programs, are provided free of charge. 

Our official job announcements are posted on the ACBAR website (acbar.org/jobs). Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications through our designated email address: jobs.afghanistan@akdn.org. Please note that each job vacancy is assigned a unique identification number for your reference. After you submit your application, you will immediately receive an automatic confirmation acknowledging its receipt.

Aga Khan Foundation - Afghanistan (AKF- Afg) recruitment and selection process reflect our commitment to equal opportunity and protecting children and at-risk adults, beneficiaries, partners, community members and employees from safeguarding violations. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with children and at-risk adults are recruited to work for us. In the process of recruitment, selection and appointment AKF (Afg) implement a range of procedures and vetting checks including criminal records disclosures to ensure everyone associated with AKF (Afg) is kept free from harm and abuse is prevented.
 
Protection from Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) is the responsibility of everyone, and all selected individuals will be required to comply with AKF (Afg)s Safeguarding Policy at all times. 

By sharing your cover letter and resume with AKF (Afg) in response to this job application, applicants consent AKF (Afg) to keep this information on file for Recruitment and Human Resources Management purposes.

We request all job seekers to be attentive and report any instances of individuals or entities claiming to charge fees on behalf of AKF Afghanistan to AKFA.HR@akdn.org. Our commitment to ethical practices ensures that your career aspirations are supported without any financial burden during recruitment.