About WASSA:
Women Activities & Social Service Association (WASSA) established in 2002 in Afghanistan, as a non-governmental organization, committed to seeking ways for women empowerment in Afghanistan. WASSA aims to promote women’s equal participation in the socio-economic sectors of the country. WASSA works directly with communities in order to bring change in the social attitude of the community regarding women.
To learn more about WASSA, plaese open their profile in our website
Job Specifications:
The Entrepreneurship Focal Point will play a crucial role in the implementation of the SME Development Project in Herat, Farah, Ghor, and Badghis provinces. The project aims to foster entrepreneurship and support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in these regions. The Entrepreneurship Focal Point will be responsible for coordinating the implementation of entrepreneurship development activities, including supporting medium and small enterprises, selecting beneficiaries, conducting skills assessments, providing training and mentorship, and facilitating the allocation of resources. The role requires strong organizational and coordination skills, knowledge of entrepreneurship principles, and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Accountabilities:
- Coordinate and oversee the implementation of entrepreneurship development activities within the SME Development Project.
- Conduct market assessments to identify potential opportunities and gaps in the targeted provinces, ensuring a balance between market demand and supply.
- Collaborate with partner organizations, community Shuras, and Business Support Centers (BSC) to identify and select potential beneficiaries for the project.
- Establish a beneficiary selection committee consisting of representatives from UNHCR, WASSA, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a fair and transparent selection process.
- Conduct location mapping and skills assessments in selected areas to identify individuals with entrepreneurial potential and suitable business ideas.
- Raise public awareness about the project in selected locations to ensure widespread knowledge and participation.
- Facilitate the registration of eligible individuals through the KOBO system and collect necessary data for beneficiary selection.
- Support the development of business proposals by eligible candidates, ensuring alignment with project objectives and requirements.
- Collaborate with UNHCR and partners to shortlist candidates based on the evaluation of proposals and conduct face-to-face interviews using scoring cards.
- Finalize the selection process and collect required documents, such as identification cards (Tazkira) and guarantee letters from beneficiaries and community Shuras.
- Facilitate the signing of agreements with selected beneficiaries, outlining their roles, responsibilities, and obligations.
- Plan and coordinate the distribution of cash and resources to beneficiaries according to the project’s guidelines and procedures.
- Provide comprehensive business development training and mentorship to selected entrepreneurs, covering topics such as business planning, financial management, marketing, and operations.
- Facilitate access to necessary resources, tools, equipment, and supplies for the establishment and operation of medium and small enterprises.
- Monitor and evaluate the progress of entrepreneurs, providing guidance and support to overcome challenges and ensure the sustainability of their businesses.
- Foster an environment of collaboration and knowledge sharing among entrepreneurs, facilitating networking opportunities and peer learning.
- Ensure the inclusion of individuals from vulnerable backgrounds, such as people with disabilities and those from big-sized households, in the entrepreneurship development activities.
- Prepare regular progress reports, including narrative reports and statistical analysis, to communicate the achievements, challenges, and impact of the entrepreneurship development activities.
- Stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in entrepreneurship development, incorporating them into the project’s activities and approaches.
- Collaborate with the project team and partners to ensure the effective implementation of the entrepreneurship development component.
- Ensure compliance with project requirements, guidelines, and reporting deadlines.
- Participate in project meetings, workshops, and trainings as required.
- Contribute to the overall project planning, implementation, and coordination as needed.
Job Prerequisites:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Economics, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
- Proven experience in entrepreneurship development, business planning, and mentorship, preferably in the context of SME development projects.
- Strong understanding of market demand and supply dynamics, particularly in the targeted provinces.
- Knowledge of business development principles, including business planning, financial management, marketing, and operations.
- Experience in conducting skills assessments and providing training and mentorship to entrepreneurs.
- Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved regions.
- Ability to coordinate and collaborate with partner organizations, community Shuras, and Business Support Centers.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency in data analysis and reporting software.
- Fluency in English and local languages is required.
- Ability to travel to project locations as needed.
Guidelines for Submission:
- Interested qualified candidates should submit their completed WASSA Standard Job application form along with an updated CV full CV with a cover letter explaining their motivation in applying for the job and highlighting their relevant skills and experience.
- To apply online please send your CV along with a cover letter mentioning the vacancy number W-HRT-127 in the subject line before the VA closing date.
- Academic certificates or references do not need to be submitted at this time. These will be requested if called for an interview.
- Only short-listed candidates will be invited for written tests and interviews upon project approval.