1. Background
The Marketing Officer will support livelihood interventions including carpet weaving centers, sericulture initiatives, MSME development, and MADE51-related activities. The role focuses on strengthening market linkages, increasing product visibility, and ensuring sustainability of beneficiary businesses through effective marketing strategies and planning.
2. Purpose of the Position
The Marketing Officer is responsible for conducting market assessments, developing business and marketing plans, promoting products, supporting branding initiatives, and facilitating access to local and international markets for project-supported enterprises.
3. Key Responsibilities
A. Market Assessment & Research
- Conduct comprehensive market studies and value chain analyses for carpets, silk (sericulture), and MSME products.
- Identify market demand, trends, competitors, and pricing strategies.
- Map potential buyers, wholesalers, exporters, and online platforms.
- Analyze barriers to market access, especially for women-led businesses.
B. Business Plan Development
- Support beneficiaries and project teams in developing feasible business plans.
- Provide inputs on:
- Costing and pricing strategies
- Profitability analysis
- Market positioning
- Ensure alignment of business plans with local and international market demands.
C. Marketing Plan Development
- Develop comprehensive marketing strategies for each livelihood component.
- Design product-specific marketing plans (carpets, silk, handicrafts, MSME products).
- Identify appropriate sales channels (local markets, exhibitions, export markets, online platforms).
D. Branding & Product Development
- Support development of branding strategies for WASSA-UNHCR supported products.
- Ensure products meet quality standards and market preferences.
- Work on:
- Product packaging
- Labeling
- Storytelling (especially for MADE51 products)
- Promote Afghan cultural identity and craftsmanship in branding.
E. Promotion & Advertising
- Design and implement promotion campaigns (online and offline).
- Develop marketing materials such as brochures, catalogs, and social media content.
- Organize and support participation in:
- Exhibitions
- Trade fairs
- B2B meetings
- Utilize digital marketing tools (social media, e-commerce platforms).
F. Market Linkages & Partnerships
- Establish and maintain relationships with:
- Traders and wholesalers
- Export companies
- Retailers and online marketplaces
- Facilitate market access agreements and sales opportunities.
- Coordinate with platforms like MADE51 and other partners.
G. Capacity Building
- Train beneficiaries on:
- Basic marketing concepts
- Customer engagement
- Pricing and negotiation
- Support MSMEs in improving their market readiness.
H. Monitoring & Reporting
- Track sales performance and market trends.
- Monitor effectiveness of marketing strategies.
- Prepare regular reports on:
- Market developments
- Sales outcomes
- Challenges and recommendations
4. Deliverables
- Market assessment reports
- Business plans for supported enterprises
- Marketing and branding strategies
- Promotional materials and campaigns
- Market linkage agreements / MoUs
- Monthly and quarterly progress reports on sales increase and incomes