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. 

As a highly qualified Program-Oriented Expert, He/ She will lead the design of technical assistance interventions for portfolio businesses, encompassing comprehensive incubation and acceleration processes. This role involves providing pre- and post-investment technical assistance and spearheading the creation of AP's online courses and distance learning materials for Incubation and Acceleration Programs.

The TA analyst position is an exciting and dynamic role that involves running the accelerator and guiding AP portfolio of startups toward becoming industry leaders. His/ Her focus will be on cultivating AP's network of trusted Small and Growing Business (SGB) ecosystem partners, implementing the accelerator playbook, and ensuring the optimal experience for founders. This includes fostering meaningful local and international partnerships with corporate actors, business mentors, government bodies, NGOs, donors, and other VC/accelerators.
In the capacity as TA analyst, he/she will play a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations of AP programs operations. This involves mentoring startups, organizing insightful talks by external mentors, facilitating meetings with investors, managing administrative and logistical duties, budget management and planning, recruiting additional mentors, partners, and investors, as well as contributing to the hiring, training, and management of department staff.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
     Program Implementation
•    Ensure the seamless execution of AP’s incubation and acceleration cycles, collaborating closely with the investment and marketing teams. Manage diverse cycles, covering verticals such as Green Solutions, Tech-enabled solutions, adventure tourism, women-only ventures, and various sector-agnostic programs.
    Technical Assistance Design
•    Lead the design of technical assistance interventions for portfolio businesses, encompassing the entire incubation and acceleration process along with pre- and post-investment support.
•    Drive the design and creation of AP’s online courses and distance learning materials tailored for Incubation and Acceleration Programs.
    Reporting and Data Management
•    Take responsibility for program reporting on a quarterly, bi-annual, and annual basis, covering internal management reports, governance requirements, and donor reporting.
    Startup Growth Support
•    Provide assistance to startups in their growth and business development needs through mentorship programs, industry linkages, stakeholder engagement, and in-house events. Ensure timely reporting in alignment with program requirements.
    Entrepreneurial Resource Programs
•    Develop programs leveraging entrepreneurial resources to support the development of innovative and impactful entrepreneurship.
    Post-Investment Technical Assistance
•    Identify, design, and execute post-investment technical assistance for AP’s portfolio businesses. This involves executive education, exposure visits, mentorship programs, and facilitating supply chain and market linkages.
    Investment Platform/ Roadshow
•    Lead the organization of investment platform/roadshow events to connect startups with global investment opportunities.
    Training and Advisory
•    Collaborate with the TA Lead and other team members in delivering pre-financing financing-readiness technical assistance to select entrepreneurs, working closely with AP investment analysts, trainers, mentors, and investors.
•    Deliver post-financing technical assistance to select entrepreneurs, in liaison with AP investment analysts, trainers, mentors/advisors, and investors.
•    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 TA Manager, TA Lead or AP Country Director.

JOB SPECIFICATION
The ideal candidate will possess a business background and startup experience which will enable him to interact effectively with the Senior manager level of partner organizations, as well as Founders of startups and business associations. He/she should have demonstrated experience to think analytically about AP’s services, challenges, and needs, while conveying meaningful value to others. He/she must also bring a positive attitude, leadership, initiative, and ownership to the organization.
    Professional Experience
•    Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in programing and marketing in the startups, financing, and know-how of country entrepreneurship landscape and well networked in the startup community.
    Educational Background
•    Bachelors/ Masters in a subject relevant to business, entrepreneurship and innovation, marketing, and mass communications 
    Language Proficiency
•    Demonstrate fluency in English, the national language, and any other language deemed necessary within the specific country context. Effective communication across these languages is essential for navigating diverse and dynamic environments.

    Proactive Work Ethic
•    Possess a proactive work ethic, demonstrating initiative and a results-oriented approach to tasks and challenges inherent in the financial domain.

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 29th 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 D 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.

Qualified candidates, including females from Badakhshan are highly encouraged to apply for this position.

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.