Call for CVs (Conditional on Project Award): Market Linkage Officer

The Afghanistan Development and Welfare Services Organization (ADWSO) is a national, non-governmental, non-profit organization headquartered in Mazar-i-Sharif, with offices in Kabul and Herat. ADWSO works as an implementing partner of UN agencies and international donors, including UNICEF, UNDP, UNODC, WFP and the European Union, delivering programmes in livelihoods and vocational training, child protection, gender-based violence prevention and response, mental health and psychosocial support, education and community development across Afghanistan.

Important: This recruitment is conducted in advance of the proposal submission. Appointment is strictly contingent upon UNDP's award of the grant to ADWSO. CVs of selected candidates will be submitted to UNDP in UNDP's CV format as part of the proposal; by applying, candidates consent to this.

JOB SUMMARY
The Market Linkage Officer will ensure that increased production is translated into improved product quality and realistic market opportunities, through post-harvest support, farmer group organization, buyer linkage and sustainability mechanisms.

Education (mandatory)

Bachelor's degree in agribusiness, agricultural economics, value chain development, marketing, business development or a related field.

Experience (mandatory)

Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in post-harvest handling, aggregation, grading, packaging, storage, buyer linkage or market systems.

Good facilitation and reporting skills.

Languages

Fluency in Dari; Pashto is an advantage.

Good written and spoken English.

Desirable

Experience with high-value crops, preferably saffron.

Experience with farmer groups, cooperatives or savings groups.

COMPETENCIES

Cultural, gender, religious, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Good communication skills, including the ability to write concise and analytical reports in English.

Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Flexibility and responsiveness to changes and unexpected demands.

Ability to work with people from different backgrounds to deliver quality results within short timeframes.

Client-oriented and open to feedback.

Commitment to humanitarian principles, Do No Harm, Leave No One Behind and accountability to affected populations.

SAFEGUARDING AND CODE OF CONDUCT

ADWSO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH), fraud, corruption and any form of child abuse.

The selected candidate will be required to sign and comply with ADWSO's Code of Conduct and PSEA, safeguarding and anti-fraud policies, and to complete mandatory PSEA orientation.

All staff in contact with communities must complete orientation on gender-sensitive facilitation, peaceful masculinities, social cohesion and Do No Harm before engaging with beneficiaries.

Selection is subject to satisfactory reference checks, verification of qualifications and screening in line with UNDP anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements.

Market analysis

Map saffron traders, processors, saffron businesses, producer associations and other buyers in Herat, and collect information on prices, quality standards and buyer requirements.

Post-harvest management

Deliver and support training on harvesting time, flower collection and handling, stigma separation, drying, grading, moisture management, storage and packaging, including FFS sessions on post-harvest and market orientation. Monitor post-harvest practices and product quality.

Farmer groups and buyer linkage

Organize farmers into practical farmer groups or marketing clusters to improve aggregation, quality and negotiating capacity. Facilitate buyer meetings and market linkages, and share market information (prices, quality expectations and sales timing) with each group. Document buyer-contact records, farmer sales records and market-linkage reports.

Sustainability

Facilitate the voluntary savings and reinvestment mechanism in farmer groups and coach groups on record keeping and collective decision-making. Contribute to the exit strategy for continued market access. Perform any other relevant duties assigned by the supervisor within the scope of the project.

Apply only through the online application form: https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/single/ngAc0x85

Each application form is for one position only. To apply for more than one position, submit a separate form for each position.

Complete every section accurately, and upload your updated CV and your highest degree/certificate. Experience letters are recommended.

Applications by email, hard copy or any other channel will not be accepted.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to sign their CV in UNDP's format and provide copies of their identification documents.

ADWSO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Qualified female candidates and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Closing date: 21 October 2026, 11:59 PM (Kabul time). Late applications will not be considered.