STONE VALUE CHAIN MANAGER/SENIOR VALUE CHAIN MANAGER

Job Summary:

PURPOSE

The Stone Value Chain Manager/Senior Value Chain Manager will assist with the development and growth of the Afghan stone industry to include marble, granite, onyx, travertine, etc. Activities may include building capacity in the natural stone industry and developing market linkages between producers, buyers and wholesalers, improving the business environment for the stone sector, and increasing incentives to foreign investors to partner with Afghan firms in the development of the industry.

S/he will be based in Herat, with travel to Kabul & provincial activity locations.

Skills Required:

Provinces to travel:

Skills Description:

• Good knowledge of basic business management tools, able to develop business and financial plans, revenue projections, and train others in these skills.

• Excellent communication skills and written English language skills.

Duties & Responsibilities:

OBJECTIVE AND DUTIES:

• Serve as regional coordinator for the successful implementation of all program activities including ACEBA’s ‘Export Acceleration Fund’ initiatives for investment in skills, management, and equipment to allow participating businesses to add further growth and value to the supply chain. Activities may include improving the quantity of stone extraction and processing, facilitation of internal transport of rough blocks and exports of finished goods, facilitating dialogue between industry representatives and the Ministry of Mines on licensing and incentives for quarrying;

• Work with exporting firms to reverse market failures, strengthen backward and forward linkages, drive growth, and create jobs and skills development for men, women, and youth, while supporting the growth of stone exports;

• Act as primary point of contact between ACEBA and MSMEs, exporters, and BDS providers within value chain and region. Support activity development, implementation, and related due diligence and reporting requirements;

• Work with beneficiary businesses, associations, and grantees, and short term technical advisors to provide specialized support to businesses in the value chain, and on workforce development initiatives;

• Assist applicants in the collaboration phase of grant applications, ensuring business and financial plans are complete, accurate, and realistic. Ensure environmental screening and management plans are completed in coordination with Regional Environmental Engineers;

• Build relationships with businesses, and monitor progress on activity and grant implementation. Carry out weekly check-ins, site visits, and ensure businesses receive good support;

• Manage grant and activity implementation schedules to ensure milestones are completed on time, schedule and coordinate the inputs of STTA advisors, and coordinate with operations and security teams to ensure advance planning and timely execution of activities;

• Coordinate with staff in Kabul HQ in the implementation of value chain activities, reporting, and troubleshooting;

• Additional duties if selected for Grade B:

o Provide mentorship and capacity building to ACEBA staff, helping to enhance their knowledge of market led development principles and improve assistance provided to ACEBA beneficiaries.

o In coordination with Value Chain Lead, contribute to strategic planning for carpet value chain activities at project-wide and regional levels.

Job Location:

Afghanistan, Herat

Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade B:

o Master’s degree in business administration, trade, economics, finance, or value chain relevant field and 5 years work experience, or Bachelor’s with 7 years relevant experience.

o Significant experience delivering technical assistance or marketing support of export ready products;

• Grade C:

o Bachelor’s degree with 5 years relevant experience.

o Degree in in business administration, trade, economics, finance, or value chain relevant field preferred.

o Experience delivering technical assistance or marketing support of export ready products preferred;

• Sound grasp of market led development principles and experience in carpet value chain;

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with team members, manage implementation schedules, and ensure quality and on time delivery;

• Good knowledge of basic business management tools, able to develop business and financial plans, revenue projections, and train others in these skills.

• Excellent communication skills and written English language skills.

REPORTING:

• The position reports to the Regional Export Acceleration Director.

Submission Guideline:

To apply: Please send your CV & Covering letter to below email address and include Stone Value Chain Manager – Herat in the subject line of the application

Note: Applications without specific subject line will not be considered