Consultant for Study on Informal Afghan Businesses

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is focused on supporting Afghan refugees and youth entrepreneurs in Pakistan. It aims to explore informal businesses owned by these groups, assessing their categorization, scale, revenue, and employment generation. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including UNHCR and local authorities, to provide insights and recommendations for policy interventions that promote sustainability and growth of informal businesses. The organization operates in multiple regions within Pakistan, particularly in cities like Quetta, Peshawar, and Karachi, and is dedicated to enhancing the livelihoods of vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive study on informal Afghan businesses in Pakistan. This involves identifying and categorizing the types of businesses owned by Afghan refugees and youth entrepreneurs, assessing their scale, revenue, and employment generation. The consultant will analyze the challenges these businesses face, including regulatory, financial, social, and operational barriers. The ultimate goal is to provide actionable policy recommendations and support mechanisms that can enhance the sustainability and growth of these informal enterprises. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection methods to ensure a thorough understanding of the informal business landscape.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a desk review of existing literature and policy documents related to informal businesses and refugee entrepreneurship in Pakistan.
• Design and implement a methodology for data collection, including structured surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions.
• Analyze data to identify patterns, trends, and key challenges faced by Afghan refugee entrepreneurs.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including UNHCR and SMEDA, to facilitate the identification of participants and ensure effective coordination.
• Prepare a detailed report that incorporates feedback and includes policy recommendations based on the findings of the study.
• Present key findings and recommendations to stakeholders through forums and presentations.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of the study, ensuring adherence to timelines and quality standards.
• Engage with regulatory and operational stakeholders to understand the legal and operational challenges faced by informal businesses.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to design and conduct both qualitative and quantitative research.
• Proficiency in data collection methods, including interviews, surveys, and focus groups.
• Awareness of the legal and policy frameworks governing refugees and informal businesses in Pakistan.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for drafting clear, evidence-based reports and presenting findings.
• Understanding of micro, small, and informal business operations, entrepreneurship, market systems, and livelihood strategies in displacement contexts.
• Knowledge of the latest developments in the livelihoods sector, including UN processes on the SDGs and the Global Compact on Refugees.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree is required for this position, preferably in a field related to social sciences, economics, business administration, or a related discipline. Additional certifications in research methodologies or relevant fields may be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of work experience in research, particularly in areas related to informal businesses, entrepreneurship, or refugee livelihoods. Experience working with vulnerable populations and understanding the challenges they face in business operations is essential. Candidates with less experience will not be considered for this position.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Urdu is required for this position. Knowledge of local languages spoken by Afghan refugees may be considered an asset, enhancing communication and data collection efforts.

Additional Notes:
This position is not remote and is based in Islamabad, Pakistan. The consultant will be expected to work closely with local stakeholders and may need to travel to other cities such as Quetta, Peshawar, and Karachi as part of the study. The contract duration is expected to be 12 weeks, starting from the date of signing the agreement. Compensation will be linked to the satisfactory completion of deliverables, with a structured payment schedule based on the completion of specific phases of the study.