Lead Technical Advisor - Private Sector Development
2026-07-22        Kabul       Full Time        178
Job Location: Kabul
Nationality: International
Category: Other
Employment Type: Full Time
Salary:
Vacancy Number: VA No. 3424
No. Of Jobs: 1
City: Kabul
Organization: UNOPS
Years of Experience: Minimum 7 years of experience in private sector development, investment promotion, policy advisory, or economic policy.
Contract Duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance
Gender: Male/Female
Education: Master's degree in Economics, Business Administration, Finance, or related field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience;
Close date: 2026-07-22

About UNOPS:

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.

Working with us

We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.

Diversity

With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.

Job Descriptions:

Afghanistan

With more than 20 years of experience in the country, UNOPS Afghanistan focuses on providing maximum support to the people of Afghanistan through the delivery of projects and services that improve the lives of people in need. The UNOPS Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) serves as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the implementation agency. At present, UNOPS AFCO activities cover a range of sectors including humanitarian, basic human needs, cash for work, infrastructure, development, procurement and HR services.

The functional objective of UNOPS AFCO is to contribute to improving the lives of girls, boys, men and women living in Afghanistan. The aim of UNOPS AFCO is to provide efficient and cost-effective implementation services on behalf of all our partners to support the humanitarian response and development of the country. UNOPS AFCO’s mission is to exceed the expectations of all stakeholders in the delivery of AFCO services, at all times, in all places, in all circumstances, in order to improve the lives of Afghans in need.

Job Requirements:
Role Purpose 

The Lead Technical Advisor for the Private Sector Development Project provides technical leadership and expert advice to the Senior Programme Manager and project team, ensuring the effective implementation of the PSRP project and alignment with good practices in private sector development. The Lead Technical Advisor plays a key role in stakeholder engagement, decision-making, and knowledge sharing to maximise the project's impact on Afghan MSMEs.

Functions / Key Results Expected 

1. Technical Leadership and Advisory

  • Serve as the principal technical expert on private sector development for the PSRP project.
  • Provide expert advice and guidance to the Senior Programme Manager (SPM) and project team on all technical aspects of the project, especially job creation, private capital mobilisation, and initiatives supporting the livelihoods of women and returnees.
  • Contribute to the development of innovative financing mechanisms to promote private sector investment in Afghanistan.
  • Stay abreast of the latest trends, research, and best practices in private sector development, especially job creation, private capital mobilisation, and initiatives supporting the livelihoods of women and returnees. and advise the project team accordingly.

2. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

  • Liaise and advise PSRP’s implementing partners on technical matters related to private sector development.
  • Under the guidance of the SPM, liaise closely with technical stakeholders in the World Bank and IFC (particularly the Task Team Leads or their delegated technical representatives) on technical matters. 
  • Coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders, including private sector representatives, international organizations, and other donor agencies as relevant.
  • Ensure the PSRP is adequately represented and contributes to wider discussions and working groups on private sector development; engage in technical meetings and workshops with stakeholders and the donor.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration and project success.

3. Decision-Making and Technical Review

  • Assume UNOPS' position on decision-making bodies for the project, such as the start-up selection committee.
  • Review and provide technical input on terms of reference (ToRs), tender documents, and proposals for the procurement of specialized technical services.
  • Review and provide technical input on terms of reference, evaluations and other technical documents related to the contract management of PSRP grantees.
  • Review and provide technical inputs on deliverables from suppliers of specialised technical services contracted under the project, including but not limited to feasibility studies, sandbox pilot project designs, investment climate studies, financial studies.
  • Ensure that all technical aspects of the project are aligned with good practices and donor requirements.

4. Project Implementation Support

  • Provide technical support and guidance throughout the project implementation phase
  • Monitor project progress and identify any technical challenges or risks.
  • Develop and implement solutions to address technical challenges and ensure project success.
  • Support capacity building of implementing partners and other stakeholders in technical aspects of private sector engagement and development.

5. Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building

  • Contribute to knowledge sharing and capacity building initiatives within UNOPS and with project partners.
  • Develop and deliver training programs and workshops on private sector development topics.
  • Document and disseminate lessons learned and best practices from the project, facilitate knowledge exchange and learning events among project stakeholders.
  • Conduct field visits to project and partner sites to assess the effectiveness of interventions and provide on-site technical assistance.
  • Support the development of monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track project outcomes and impact.
  • Contribute to the preparation of project reports, briefs, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
  • Support the identification and assessment of potential private sector partners for project implementation.
  • Provide technical input into the design of new private sector development projects and initiatives.
  • Ensure gender and social inclusion considerations, and the adoption of sustainable and environmentally responsible practices, are integrated into all aspects of project design and implementation.

 

Skills 
Capacity Building, Concept Development, Economic Development, Market Analysis, Policy Analysis, Project Implementation, Public-private Partnerships, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Planning
Strategic Perspective
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
Respect
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Collaboration
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Partnerships
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Excellence
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Adaptability
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Decision-making
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Communication
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Education Requirements 

Required

  • Master's degree in Economics, Business Administration, Finance, or related field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; 
    OR

  • Bachelor's degree in Economics, Business Administration, Finance, International Studies, or related field with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience.

 

Desired

  • Relevant certifications in private sector development or investment promotion

 

Experience Requirements 

Required

  • Minimum 7 years of experience in private sector development, investment promotion, policy advisory, or economic policy.

  • Experience in private sector engagement and development in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.

  • Experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership building with representatives from the private sector, government, and donor communities.

  • Experience in conducting high-quality market research and policy analysis related to private sector development, including the preparation of reports and policy recommendations.

  • Experience working in any of the following areas:

    • Value chain mapping and development 

    • Early-stage business acceleration

    • Start-up and SME financing

    • Islamic finance and insurance solutions (Takaful), incl. in FCV contexts

    • Capacity building for the private sector and NGOs in FCV contexts

 

Desired

  • Relevant certifications in private sector development or investment promotion

  • Experience in designing and implementing successful private sector development initiatives.

  • Experience in public-private partnerships

  • Understanding of the economic, political, and social context of Afghanistan, with specific knowledge of the challenges and opportunities for private sector development.

  • Experience in developing and delivering training programmes.

  • Experience in Afghanistan or other conflict-affected countries.

 

Language Requirements 
Language Proficiency Level Requirement
English Fluent Required
 
 

 

 
Submission Guidelines:

Please click on the below link for actual vacancy announcement to see the complete details and submission guideline as this is only an attempt for attracting female applicants for gender parity in organization. Please make sure you fill your profile/application properly with all relevant details in order to be considered for the next stage of recruitment/selection.

https://careers.unops.org/careersmarketplace/JobDetail/3424 

Submission Email:

https://careers.unops.org/careersmarketplace/JobDetail/3424

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