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 Virtual Accelerate will spearhead the establishment and oversight of the Virtual Accelerate (VA) platform catering to startups and Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs), serving as a virtual nexus for knowledge exchange throughout Afghanistan within the AP framework. The analyst will champion the propagation of the 'Startup Ideology' through VA, AP, entailing the development and execution of startup-focused programs across Afghanistan, ideally synchronized with provincial offerings. Furthermore, while VA will undergo its pilot phase within AP, it is envisaged to extend its services to other incubators, accelerators, and investment funds across Afghanistan and beyond, operating on subscription and/or other fee-based models.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Design and Execute Training and Advisory Model in Virtual Accelerate Platform
•    Develop and lead the input of blended learning content and other business training and advisory resources within Virtual Accelerate.
•    Design and develop training and advisory material for entrepreneurs at regional level considering the level of expertise of the applicants and consultations from subject matter experts and successful entrepreneurs.
•    Manage the development and registration of a quality network of mentors, institutional investors, AP business coaches, trainers, subject matter experts within Virtual Accelerate so that entrepreneurs can connect with them.
•    Develop pipeline of potential entrepreneurs’ applications, conduct interviews, and connect selected entrepreneurs with technical assistance team.
•    Lead briefing and user testing of VA with AP team in Afghanistan, ensure close coordination with VA development partner (Codify Lab).
•    Pilot and execute VA in Afghanistan and address any challenges, issues or gaps. Manage the feedback loop on VA from the AP team and filter changes in features and/or functions.
•    Ensure transition of the whole AP programs and investment deal flow within VAP.

Marketing and Communications of Technical Assistance Services in Virtual Accelerate
•    Lead marketing and sales efforts of VA to the ecosystem i.e. other incubators, accelerators and investment funds, in close coordination with Regional Virtual Acceleration Manager (RVAM).
•    Perform marketing of technical assistance for VA in Afghanistan through different channels including social media and traditional methods.
•    Connect and partner with potential pipeline institutions to promote VA.

Pre- and Post-Investment Training and Advisory
•    Conduct pre-investment training and advisory programs for start-ups at early stage and small and growing businesses business modelling, development of information memorandum (IM) and financial modelling (FM), marketing and sales strategies, and pitch deck presentation via Virtual Accelerate.
•    Follow up the progress of entrepreneurs’ journey in Virtual Accelerate, provide technical assistance in completing the training and advisory sessions, so they could connect with investment team for financing.

Monitoring
•    Undertake the regular monitoring of investees, ensuring compliance with financing agreement, required institutional and regulatory guidelines, implementation of mutually agreed steps in Due Diligence report, policies and procedures of Accelerate Prosperity as well as agreed covenants and reporting requirements up to financing effectiveness.

Training and Mentorship
•    Extend post investment training and advisory to the investees as per the recommendations made in the Due Diligence reports on the regular basis to ensure the investment is effective.
•    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 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 knowhow 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.
•    Software Familiarity: Web-based applications and processes.
•    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.

APPLICATION
Interested applicants should submit their CV along with a cover letter to bamyan.hr@akdn.org later than 20th October 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.

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: bamyan.hr@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.