Access to Finance Expert

Afghanistan Development and Welfare Services Organization (ADWSO), an Afghan Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) operates in Afghanistan since 2008. ADWSO's priority sector areas are Livelihood Support, Vocational Training, Child Protection, Capacity Building, Rule of Law and Women Empowerment.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Map and analyze financial service providers (MFIs, banks, VSLAs) to design strategies for linking agribusinesses with complementary commercial finance.
• Develop and deliver comprehensive training modules on financial literacy, loan application processes, investment readiness, and business financial management.
• Facilitate direct linkages and negotiations between beneficiary enterprises and formal/informal financial institutions.
• Provide tailored one-on-one coaching to entrepreneurs on improving bookkeeping, preparing financial statements, and developing bankable business plans.
• Advise on the proper utilization, accounting, and verification of grant funds in line with stringent project financial guidelines.
• Develop and maintain a dynamic database of active financial institutions, their products, eligibility criteria, and contact points in all target provinces.
• Organize and lead a series of "Investment Readiness and Financial Linkage Workshops" for groups of beneficiary entrepreneurs across different regions.
• Provide intensive financial management coaching to a minimum of 50 enterprises to strengthen their internal systems and prepare them for loan applications.
• Track, analyze, and report on key performance indicators related to financial inclusion, such as number of loan applications facilitated and total value of loans accessed.
• Conduct periodic reviews of grant-receiving enterprises' financial records and systems, providing corrective guidance to ensure transparency and accountability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. A relevant professional certification (e.g., ACCA, CPA) is an advantage.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in microfinance, SME finance, or financial inclusion, with a strong preference for experience in the agriculture sector in Afghanistan.
• Donor Experience: Demonstrated experience working on financial inclusion components of major international development projects.
• Technical Skills: Proven track record of successfully facilitating financial linkages for SMEs. Knowledge of Islamic finance is beneficial.
• Languages: Fluency in Dari and/or Pashto is essential. Strong English writing skills for report preparation are required.
• Only candidates meeting ALL the above requirements should apply.

Please send your CV and covering letter via email to the following address by the close date.
E-mail: vacancy@adwso.org
Email Subject Must Be: "VA No. ADWSO-FIN-01-26 – Access to Finance Expert"