Position Summary
The Agri MSME Specialist will lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of agricultural micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) activities under the PREVALE II project. The role focuses on strengthening rural agribusinesses, supporting value-added enterprises, and improving access to localized services, inputs, and markets. The specialist will ensure that agricultural MSMEs contribute to food security, income generation, and climate-resilient livelihoods.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Agricultural MSME Development
- Identify viable agri-MSME opportunities based on PRA findings and value chain assessments.
- Support establishment and growth of enterprises in horticulture, livestock, poultry, saffron, food processing, and other high-value crops.
- Provide training on business planning, financial literacy, marketing, and enterprise management.
- Facilitate access to inputs, equipment, and technical support for MSME beneficiaries.
- Promote women-led and youth-led agribusinesses through targeted outreach and capacity building.
2. Value Chain Strengthening
- Conduct agricultural value chain assessments with focus on localized services and inputs.
- Map stakeholders and service providers (seed suppliers, veterinary services, feed/fodder providers, processors).
- Analyze gaps in input supply, extension services, and market linkages.
- Facilitate connections between producers, processors, and buyers to strengthen local market systems.
- Support quality standards, branding, and certification for agricultural products.
3. Training & Capacity Building
- Provide training and input support for backyard poultry, sheep, and goats.
- Develop training materials and manuals for farmers, MSMEs, and service providers.
- Organize workshops, mentoring sessions, and exposure visits for MSME beneficiaries.
- Build capacity of local facilitators and extension agents to sustain MSME support.
4. Service & Input Development
- Strengthen localized veterinary and extension services through mobile clinics and community-based providers.
- Support establishment of fodder banks and forage crop production (alfalfa, clover).
- Facilitate linkages between farmers and input suppliers (seeds, feed, vaccines, packaging materials).
- Promote community-based livestock and crop management systems.
5. Monitoring, Reporting & Compliance
- Track MSME progress, challenges, and outcomes using project M&E tools.
- Document success stories, lessons learned, and recommendations for scale-up.
- Ensure compliance with donor guidelines, safeguarding standards, and gender inclusion principles.
- Contribute to quarterly and annual reports on MSME activities.
Work Conditions
- Based in Kabul with frequent travel to project sites.
- Standard working hours with flexibility during training, workshops, or field missions.
Values and Ethics
The Agri MSME Specialist must demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and respect in all aspects of their work. They must comply with the organization’s code of conduct, safeguarding policies, and support an inclusive, respectful, and compliant work environment
