AWEC is a non-political, non-profit, woman-headed national organization established in 1991 by a group of educated Afghan women in exile, who rallied together to address the lack of facilities for Afghan refugees in Islamabad and eventually Peshawar, in Pakistan. AWEC has always been involved in advocacy and awareness-raising for women and children’s rights while providing services to those who frequently fall through safety nets. In recent years, one of AWEC’s core activities has been to support women through mobilizing Afghans, from local communities to political elites, towards the goal of reducing and eventually eliminating violence against women.

Our vision in AWEC is “an inclusive and just society with sensitized and responsive public and private sector, where all women and children have access to opportunities to improve their quality of life in order to realize their full potential”.

AWEC has zero tolerance approach to the AWEC Code of Conduct including safeguarding, SH, and Fraud violations being committed by its staff, consultants, contractors, volunteers, interns, suppliers, vendors, sub-grantees/partners, implementing partners or any other associate.

1. Background:

The Business Development Mentor supports the growth of SMEs and MSMEs by identifying business opportunities, enhancing client outreach, and implementing strategic marketing and sales plans. Working with livelihood and market specialists, the Mentor conducts market research, manages business data, and tracks industry trends. The role focuses on building customer relationships and empowering beneficiaries especially women and vulnerable groups through tailored guidance in business planning, financial literacy, digital marketing, and market linkages. Close coordination with the Business Development Trainer ensures support activities meet beneficiaries’ needs and promote sustainable livelihoods.

2. Objectives:

• Identify new business opportunities and potential clients for SMEs and MSMEs.
• Develop and implement marketing and sales strategies to stimulate business growth.
• Collect and manage business data in coordination with livelihood/market specialists.
• Conduct market research and monitor industry trends to inform business strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with customers and partners.
• Provide training, coaching, and advisory support in preparing and maintaining business documentation.
• Conduct regular site visits to SMEs and centers to monitor progress and provide tailored mentorship.

3. Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver on-the-job business mentoring to beneficiaries, with a strong focus on product development, branding, and market positioning.
• Provide strategic guidance on market access, sales channels, and customer engagement methods.
• Support individuals and business groups in improving and tailoring their products and services based on market demands.
• Deliver technical trainings on essential business skills, including proposal writing, budget development, business planning, report writing, and loan application processes.
• Guide beneficiaries on soft and operational skills such as negotiation, time management, communication, financial literacy and management, bookkeeping, legal processes for business registration, documentation, and tax compliance.
• Conduct both virtual and in-person training sessions on marketing strategies and establishing business linkages.
• Collaborate with vocational trainers to align product development with current consumer trends and local market needs.
• Provide technical advice on building professional networks, connecting with grant and funding opportunities, understanding how to participate in exhibitions, and effective business communication strategies.
• Collect, assess, and analyze feedback from both market actors and beneficiaries to enhance business support mechanisms.
• Assist beneficiaries in setting up and managing social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), and deliver training on content creation, digital marketing, and platform maintenance.
• Facilitate and strengthen market linkages through initiatives like bulk purchasing, subcontracting arrangements, and group marketing efforts.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on training outcomes, business development activities, market assessments, and key lessons learned.

Performing any other duties assigned that align with the project's objectives.

4. Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven experience in business development, sales, and marketing, with a track record of supporting the growth of SMEs and MSMEs.
• Strong data management and market research skills.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication abilities.
• Familiarity with grant application processes and due diligence requirements.
• Coaching and advisory experience in business documentation and planning.
• Understanding of financial planning and business strategies.
• Excellent reporting and analytical skills.
• At least 3-5 years of work experience in business development with SMEs, Marketing, and job placement with a sustained interest in business promotion and SME development. 

5. Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Marketing, Finance, or a related field.

6. Reporting:

• The Business Development Mentor will report directly to the Project Manager.

7. Evaluation:

• Performance will be measured based on successful identification of business opportunities, business growth results, quality of market research and mentoring, and contribution to the project's overall objectives.

Interested candidates are requested to send their applications along with their CVs to the attention of following link: https://forms.gle/K7i2J174tJCp7z4q7

After submission your information. All eligible shortlisted candidates will be directly contacted for test/Interview.

“Being committed to diversity & equal employment opportunity we highly encourage females & people living with disabilities to apply, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to ethnicity, language, religious sect.”