Business Developer & Market Linkage Officer

Job Summary Conduct market assessments to identify viable businesses, products, market opportunities, demand, prices, and potential buyers. Develop and maintain strong linkages between project beneficiaries, producers, traders, wholesalers, retailers, private-sector actors, and other relevant market stakeholders. Identify potential local and regional markets for products generated through the project, particularly carpets, silk-related products, handicrafts, and other livelihood products. Support beneficiaries in developing simple and practical business plans and income-generating strategies. Facilitate business-to-business (B2B) linkages, market exposure, exhibitions, trade fairs, and other relevant market opportunities. Provide coaching and mentoring to beneficiaries on business management, pricing, costing, record keeping, customer relations, and basic financial management. Support beneficiaries to improve product quality, packaging, branding, and market presentation in coordination with technical specialists. Conduct regular market monitoring and provide recommendations based on market trends, consumer demand, and price changes. Establish and maintain a database of potential buyers, suppliers, traders, and other market actors. Coordinate closely with the Sericulture and Carpet Weaving Specialists to ensure technical interventions are aligned with market demand. Identify opportunities for value addition and diversification of livelihood products. Prepare regular progress reports, market assessment reports, success stories, and other required documentation. Ensure all activities are implemented in accordance with CHA and UNHCR policies, project objectives, and safeguarding principles. Perform any other duties relevant to the position as assigned by the organization. Job Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Marketing, Commerce, Agribusiness, Entrepreneurship (Master’s degree strongly preferred). Minimum 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in business development, market linkage, livelihoods, value-chain development, private-sector engagement, or related fields. Practical experience working with small businesses, MSMEs, cooperatives, producers, traders, and vulnerable communities. Strong knowledge of local markets and private-sector actors in Herat and the Western Region is highly desirable. Experience in livelihood and market-based programming with NGOs/INGOs or UN-funded projects is an advantage. Strong understanding of market assessment, value chains, business planning, and market linkage approaches. Excellent communication, negotiation, networking, and interpersonal skills. Ability to conduct field assessments and frequent travel to project locations. Strong report-writing and analytical skills. Good computer skills, particularly MS Word and Excel. Fluency in Dari, Pashto; good working knowledge of English is highly desirable.