Economic Recovery Officer (SME)

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an international humanitarian organization founded in Denmark in 195

• It operates globally, assisting refugees and internally displaced persons by providing emergency aid, advocating for their rights, and enhancing their opportunities for a better future. The organization has grown to employ over 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers, working in conflict-affected areas and along displacement routes, as well as in host countries. DRC's mission is to ensure a dignified life for all displaced individuals, guided by values such as humanity, respect, independence, neutrality, participation, honesty, and transparency.

Job Overview:
The Economic Recovery Officer (SME) plays a crucial role in delivering specialized project activities that require specific skill sets, particularly in the implementation of Economic Recovery and Livelihood activities. The officer is responsible for ensuring that project activities align with DRC and donor policies and guidelines. Key objectives include conducting beneficiary assessments, providing business development support to small businesses and enterprises led by both men and women, and contributing to market assessments. The officer will also coordinate internally with various departments and externally with stakeholders such as communities and government entities, reporting directly to the EcRec/Livelihood Team Leader.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Economic Recovery Officer (SME) will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: conducting coordination meetings with relevant stakeholders and community leaders; performing beneficiary assessments and verifications according to SME criteria and SOPs; preparing business development training manuals and materials; delivering timely business development training to selected small business owners; assisting the EcRec team in developing viable business plans for beneficiaries; conducting market assessments for beneficiaries; reviewing and recommending business plans for approval of business grants; following up with SME beneficiaries through regular support and coaching; identifying problems faced by beneficiaries and assisting in revising business plans; facilitating market linkages and information sharing with supported beneficiaries; maintaining records for all SMEs and updating them as necessary; and reporting regularly to the Livelihoods PO/TL on progress and challenges faced by micro-enterprise or cash-for-work beneficiaries. Additional tasks may be assigned by the line manager.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this position, candidates must possess a minimum of 2 years of experience in implementing Livelihoods interventions focused on micro/cash-for-work activities, as well as 2 years of experience working on projects targeting urban and peri-urban vulnerable populations. Candidates should demonstrate experience in providing training and mobilizing communities, and experience in projects involving cash grants for businesses is considered an asset. Proficiency in computer skills, particularly MS Office applications such as Excel and Word, is also required. Ideal candidates will have strong mobilization, sensitization, and facilitation skills, a solid understanding of working with Micro and Small Businesses in fragile contexts, familiarity with local markets and product promotion, and the ability to identify market drivers and viable business opportunities. Additionally, candidates should be capable of organizing and conducting business-oriented trainings and guiding the creation of business plans, including risk assessments.

Educational Background:
Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, agricultural engineering, economics, or related fields. This educational background is essential for understanding the economic principles and practices relevant to the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in implementing Livelihoods interventions, particularly those oriented towards micro and cash-for-work activities. Candidates should also have experience working with vulnerable populations in urban and peri-urban settings, demonstrating their ability to mobilize communities and provide effective training.

Languages:
Fluency in Pashto and Dari is mandatory, while intermediate proficiency in English is also required. These language skills are crucial for effective communication with beneficiaries and stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is open only to internal staff of DRC Afghanistan. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the DRC salary scale. Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and an updated CV, both in the same language and not exceeding four pages.