Private Sector Specialist

BACKGROUND

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to tackle the injustices of poverty, inequality, and climate change on a global scale. Working with our broad network of experts, host governments, and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. UNDP has been working in Afghanistan for more than 50 years on climate change and resilience, gender, governance, health, livelihoods, and rule of law. 

Following the power shift in August 2021, the situation for the country remains largely uncertain and fragile, with approximately seventy percent of the population facing multifaceted vulnerabilities affecting their well-being, human security, and long-term development, while nearly a third of the population is estimated to be acutely food insecure. Women and girls are increasingly stripped of their rights to education, employment, and free participation in public life, which will have irrevocable socioeconomic consequences. Over the recent years, international assistance has played a vital role in averting a socioeconomic collapse by providing lifesaving, resilience-building, and livelihoods-sustaining assistance to millions of people, hundreds of critical healthcare and educational centers, and tens of thousands of small and medium enterprises, often owned and managed by women. Nevertheless, the humanitarian challenge in Afghanistan is one of the biggest in the world, and basic human needs and priorities remain extremely high. In 2024, 95 percent of households experienced at least one shock of an economic or natural disaster nature such as floods, droughts, and others.

To help tackle the pressing challenges for enduring livelihoods and climate resilience, UNDP is designing fit-for-purpose portfolios of programs to create new livelihoods, income opportunities, and basic services and to build resilience against climate-induced natural calamities that continue to haunt millions of households in the country.

Afghanistan remains one of the most gender-unequal countries in the world, with women facing systemic challenges hindering their access to education and employment opportunities in the public sector and restricting their participation in public life. UNDP remains committed to women's empowerment through capacity-building initiatives, livelihoods, and self-employment/employment support, enhancing gender-responsive decision-making at the community level, and supporting local communities to include women, in line with UNSCR 1325 (Women, Peace, and Security).

The Sustainable Livelihood and Resilience portfolio adopts a holistic approach to addressing Afghanistan’s complex challenges, emphasizing human development as an overarching objective. It prioritizes safeguarding lives, enhancing resilience to shocks, and supporting livelihoods. This portfolio bridges macro-level interventions in socio-economic development, trade and financial systems with localized interventions, focusing on resilience-building, access to finance, livelihood creation, social cohesion, and equitable access to essential services. Guided by the country office management, the portfolio adopts solutions adjusted to the unique context in Afghanistan while also ensuring alignment with the SDGs, especially SDG 5 and 10, by integrating gender equality, reducing inequalities, and fostering sustainable development. 

Collaborating with UN agencies, donors, and national stakeholders, the team designs and implements multi-year, conflict-sensitive interventions that enhance livelihoods, access to finance, private sector recovery, economic resilience, and access to basic services and infrastructure. By promoting financial inclusion, essential services infrastructure, and private sector engagement, the portfolio supports Afghan communities’ capacity to withstand economic, social, and environmental shocks. Gender mainstreaming and targeted activities for vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and internally displaced persons, are central to the portfolio’s objectives. Through strategic partnerships and compliance with corporate standards, the portfolio strives to create inclusive and sustainable solutions to meet Afghanistan’s basic human needs.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Private Sector Specialist will work across various activities of the Sustainable Livelihood and Resilient Portfolio. The Specialist will provide overall strategic advice on private sector development, programme implementation, and monitoring of  Micro , Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), access to finance, microfinance, banking and digital payments’ related work of the portfolio while overseeing activities across the country program and regional offices. The PS Specialist will lead the implementation of the UNDP’s MSME and access to finance strategies working closely with partner UN Agencies, Technical Advisors and Experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors, civil society, and the private sector to deliver on results in this critical area. 

S/he will provide technical support and input to other programmatic activities on enterprise development designed and implemented by UNDP. The incumbent will support UNDP participation in Private Sector Group under Doha-III process as required. The PS Specialist will be based in Kabul with regular field visits to other regions.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. This is a recognition of the interconnected nature of development risks and crises that the world is facing, and that calls for the assembling of multidisciplinary teams for an integrated and systemic response. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across issues, units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Key Duties and Accountabilities include:

Ensure the provision of inputs on private sector, access to finance, Islamic Finance and MSME development initiatives:

• Ensure the implementation of the UNDP strategies on MSME and enterprise development in Afghanistan by technical and operational assistance to program activity to foster growth and recovery.
• Facilitate engagement with private sector actors, local financial institutions (including commercial banks, microfinance organization and mobile money operators) seek opportunities for collaboration and function as a liaison between the program and the private sector
• Actively contribute to the development of new project ideas and interventions and develop concept papers, MoUs and proposals for potential funding and collaboration on private sector development
• Actively support the implementation of MSME, access to finance, and digital payments components by serving as a technical support focal point, ensuring coordination across relevant activities and providing inputs to reports and implementation updates.
• Ensure in aligning MSME-related activities with Programme Document (CPD) outcomes and Sustainable Livelihood and Resilience Portfolio objectives within the framework of inclusive markets creation in line with UNDP regional and global strategies
• Recommend new and innovative implementation modalities using existing or new partnerships with private firms for MSME promotion and private sector development

Provide technical guidance and support to  the Afghanistan ‘’Access to Finance Project ‘’:

• Provide technical guidance on access to finance solutions, including Islamic finance products, credit guarantees, and digital payment ecosystems.
• Support the development and operationalization of financial instruments, including innovative financing models tailored to MSMEs and women entrepreneurs.
• Provide advice and technical support to Afghan banks, microfinance institutions (MFIs), and other financial intermediaries to enhance their capacity and service delivery including on the topics of Islamic Finance and Sharia-compliance
• Maintain policy dialogue with the De facto authority’s (DFAs) for the purpose of project implementation, including the Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB, Central Bank), Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and other national institutions. 
• Lead implementation efforts with UNCDF and the Afghan Credit Guarantee Foundation (ACGF) on credit guarantees for the participating national financial institutions. 
• Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues to improve financial inclusion and access to credit, with a focus on underserved groups.
• Prepare high-quality progress reports, technical briefs, and policy notes to share with donors, stakeholders, and senior management.
• Support resource mobilization efforts to scale the impact of the A2F Project.
• Develop and present concept notes, proposals, and partnership strategies to potential donors related to access to finance project activities and results.

Actively contribute to the Private Sector Working Group (PSWG) under the Doha-III process: 

• The Incumbent together with the CO Policy, Innovation and Knowledge Unit will lead UNDP’s engagement with the Private Sector Working Group (PSWG), providing technical expertise on access to finance, livelihoods, entrepreneurship, trade, and private banking. The following functions will be attributable to this work:
• Assist in coordinating UNDP’s technical support to the Private Sector Working Group (PSWG), ensuring UNDP’s priorities and expertise in access to finance, livelihood, entrepreneurship, trade and private banking.
• Provide technical inputs to discussions at PSWG on improving the business regulatory framework and promoting equal access to financial services, especially for women-owned businesses and marginalized groups.
• Contribute to identifying binding constraints and proposing actionable solutions for reducing barriers to domestic and international markets and trade.
• Provide support in drafting and compiling materials related to strategies and recommendations that promote women’s participation in the private sector, including targeted access-to-finance initiatives and capacity-building programs.
• Support the identification and documentation of Islamic finance tools to benefit underserved communities and align with cultural practices.
• Share insights and best practices on private sector development and access to finance, drawing from UNDP’s work on Islamic finance, credit guarantees, digital payments, entrepreneurship support and trade facilitation.
• Facilitate data collection and analysis to inform PSWG actions, including assessments of challenges faced by Afghan businesses and women entrepreneurs.
• Support collaboration with PSWG members by participating in joint meetings,and contribute to development of initiatives aimed at fostering job and livelihood creation, particularly through MSMEs, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programs.
• Assist in identifying critical infrastructure and public service gaps to support private sector development and provide recommendations to PSWG members for action.

Coordination and implementation of activities under the Digital Payment portfolio:

• Support the implementation of digital and mobile payment solutions within the country office and the Access to Finance Project to enhance financial inclusion, particularly for women and marginalized communities.
• Contribute to the development of strategies to integrate digital payment systems within existing financial infrastructures, promoting interoperability and user adoption.
• Engage with national and international stakeholder on development of national payment infrastructure and standards such as Afghanistan Payment System (APS).
• Facilitate partnerships between financial service providers on APS to expand the reach and effectiveness of digital payment solutions.
• Coordinate capacity building and training initiatives for financial institutions and end-users to promote the adoption and effective use of digital and mobile payment platforms.
• Coordinate the development of educational materials and campaigns to raise awareness about the benefits and security of digital payments.

Contribute to knowledge management and support communication efforts related to private sector development activities:

• Contribute to the drafting of research notes and summarizing  technical reports, and concept papers related to access to finance, Islamic finance and private sector and MSMEs development in Afghanistan to inform internal as well as external stakeholders
• Support efforts to identify and document opportunities for knowledge capture and assist in disseminating information on key achievements and progress under the program
• Document challenges, lessons learnt, best practices, case studies, stories and project results achieved during implementation
• Actively contribute to the establish to formal and informal forum comprising individuals from the relevant industries and sectors to ensure information/knowledge sharing and dissemination
• Assist in preparing content such as short articles concept notes, and knowledge pieces for publication on the UNDP website, knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Other Duties:

• The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: 

• Supervise Project Admin/ Finance Associate (NPSA)

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Advanced University degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Finance or Business Administration or related field is required. OR
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above-mentioned fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:

• Minimum of 5 years (with Master’s degree or equivalent) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of increasingly responsible professional experience in economic development and/or private sector development programmes is required. 
• Substantive knowledge and practical experience in private sector development in an emergency context is an asset. 
• Experience of working for the development of the private sector, MSMEs, microfinance and banking preferably in crisis context such as Afghanistan is desired. 
• Demonstrated ability to work with technology partners for innovative implementation measures is an asset
• Track record of successful project management experience preferably with at least 7 years within the UN, World Bank, or international donor community would be an asset. 
• Strong knowledge and experience of economic reform, business climate, Islamic Finance, preferably working in countries undergoing economic reconstruction and social transition in a post-conflict situation is asset.
• Strong background in Humanitarian Development and Peace Nexus is desired.
• Experience and knowledge of UNDP policies and procedures preferred especially about the UNDP private sector development strategy would be an added advantage. 
• Experience in regional economic and political projects is desirable.
• Proven knowledge of Afghanistan and regional programmes will be an asset.
• Proven knowledge and expertise in UNDPs mandate is an advantage
• Good knowledge of humanitarian response and prior experience in challenging and complex humanitarian response is desirable.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and working knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, as well as experienced in the handling of web-based management systems is required. 

Languages:

• Fluency in oral and written English is required. 
• Knowledge of another UN language would be an asset.

COMPETENCIES

Core Competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have a lasting impact
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems.
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences.
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands.
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results.
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate the complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration. 
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of a diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.

People Management Competencies: 

•  UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. 

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies: 

Business Management: Partnerships Management

• Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies 

Business Direction & Strategy: System Thinking 

• Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Business Management: Portfolio Management 

• Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity. 
• Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. 
• Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management. 

Partnership management: Resource mobilization

• Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs (programmes/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities, and establish a plan to meet funding requirement.

2030 Agenda: Engagement and Effectiveness: Private sector resource mobilization

• Ability to identify, develop and manage partnerships that leverage private sector technical expertise and resources.

2030 Agenda:Prosperity: Recovery Solutions and Human Mobility

• Socio-economic impact assessment

Business Direction & Strategy: Business Acumen

• Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome.
• Ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks.
• Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization. 

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

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