Roots of Peace is a humanitarian organization whose mission is to rid the world of landmines and other remnants of war by transforming toxic minefields into thriving farmland and communities, through a focus on sustainable, organic farming practices. Roots of Peace is implementing UNDP-funded Afghanistan Community Resilience Program (ACRP).

Position Summary:

The Agribusiness Assistant will support the implementation of agribusiness activities under ACRP, with a focus on market development, value chains, grants, and trade promotion. The position will provide both technical and administrative support to agribusiness initiatives, including MSME development, trade exhibitions, value addition, and grant-related activities. The Agribusiness Assistant will ensure that all assigned tasks are implemented in compliance with UNDP, ACRP, and Roots of Peace policies and procedures.

Specific Tasks:

1. Support organizational planning processes and contribute to the design and implementation of agribusiness-related activities.
2. Assist in implementing agribusiness strategies aligned with ACRP objectives and market-led approaches.
3. Support the nomination and selection of exporters and agribusinesses from Kandahar and Helmand provinces for participation in domestic and international trade exhibitions.
4. Assist in developing transparent criteria for Afghan exhibitor participation, including cost-sharing arrangements for premium booth placements where applicable.
5. Support the organization of pre-departure orientation workshops for exhibitors, providing technical, logistical, and administrative guidance.
6. Assist ACRP staff in supporting Afghan exhibitors before, during, and after trade events to ensure effective participation and follow-up.
7. Support the identification and selection of value addition, processing, and storage facilities for rehabilitation under the project.
8. Assist in developing linkages between farmers, processors, traders, and project-supported facilities to ensure effective utilization.
9. Support market research and analysis to identify opportunities, constraints, and trends in agricultural value chains.
10. Assist in identifying value addition opportunities and support the implementation of value chain development initiatives in coordination with stakeholders.
11. Support the identification and screening of MSMEs and agribusinesses for ACRP grant assistance.
12. Assist in the preparation, review, and documentation of grant applications, business plans, and supporting materials.
13. Support grant implementation monitoring, including verification of activities, basic compliance checks, and documentation of results.
14. Assist in coordinating with finance, procurement, and M&E teams to ensure proper tracking of grant-supported activities.
15. Support grantees in understanding reporting requirements and basic financial and operational record-keeping.
16. Assist in mentoring and supporting agribusiness field staff as required.
17. Support the preparation and submission of field visit reports, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, and other required documentation.
18. Willingness to travel to project sites as needed.
19. Provide operational and administrative support as requested by the Program Management Team.

Education:

1. Bachelor’s degree in economics, business administration, agricultural marketing, agriculture, or a related field. A master’s degree in a relevant discipline will be considered an advantage.

Work Experience:

1. Minimum of three years of experience working with donor-funded programs, preferably those supporting private sector development or agribusiness.
2. Experience in business selection for trade exhibitions, grants, or MSME support initiatives.
3. Good understanding of Afghan fruit varieties, production seasons, and commercially viable crops

Skills:

1. Strong business acumen: ability to understand challenges faced by Afghan exporters and devise private-sector result-oriented solutions.
2. Ability to manage a large and complex workload, with limited supervision, and effectively delegate responsibilities to colleagues.
3. Motivation, flexibility, and capacity to work under pressure and short deadlines, and strong sense of personal initiative.
4. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including presentation skills in local and English languages.
5. Attention to detail; ability to review contractual documentation and prepare well-formatted and professionally looking documents.
6. Familiarity with international trade regulations and customs procedures
7. Fluency in English, and Pashto and/or Dari. Strong English writing capacity.

Important Note: Applicants should copy and paste the relevant Vacancy Announcement Number, Position Title, and Province Name (mentioned below) into the email subject line when submitting their application. Please do not add any other information in the subject line of your email except the Position title, Vacancy Number, and province name. Applications received without a VA Number will not be considered. 

1. Agribusiness Assistant (AFN-1383) 

"Roots of Peace does not want to disrupt government functionings and therefore cannot hire government staff.