Market Linkage Officer

The Market Linkage Officer will ensure that increased production is translated into improved product quality and realistic market opportunities, through post-harvest support, farmer group organization, buyer linkage and sustainability mechanisms.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Market analysis

• Map saffron traders, processors, saffron businesses, producer associations and other buyers in Herat, and collect information on prices, quality standards and buyer requirements.

Post-harvest management

• Deliver and support training on harvesting time, flower collection and handling, stigma separation, drying, grading, moisture management, storage and packaging, including FFS sessions on post-harvest and market orientation.

• Monitor post-harvest practices and product quality.

Farmer groups and buyer linkage

• Organize farmers into practical farmer groups or marketing clusters to improve aggregation, quality and negotiating capacity.

• Facilitate buyer meetings and market linkages, and share market information (prices, quality expectations and sales timing) with each group.

• Document buyer-contact records, farmer sales records and market-linkage reports.

Sustainability

• Facilitate the voluntary savings and reinvestment mechanism in farmer groups and coach groups on record keeping and collective decision-making.

• Contribute to the exit strategy for continued market access.

• Perform any other relevant duties assigned by the supervisor within the scope of the project.

Education (mandatory)

• Bachelor's degree in agribusiness, agricultural economics, value chain development, marketing, business development or a related field.

Experience (mandatory)

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in post-harvest handling, aggregation, grading, packaging, storage, buyer linkage or market systems.

• Good facilitation and reporting skills.

Languages

• Fluency in Dari; Pashto is an advantage.

• Good written and spoken English.

Desirable

• Experience with high-value crops, preferably saffron.

• Experience with farmer groups, cooperatives or savings groups.

COMPETENCIES

• Cultural, gender, religious, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

• Good communication skills, including the ability to write concise and analytical reports in English.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Flexibility and responsiveness to changes and unexpected demands.

• Ability to work with people from different backgrounds to deliver quality results within short timeframes.

• Client-oriented and open to feedback.

• Commitment to humanitarian principles, Do No Harm, Leave No One Behind and accountability to affected populations.

SAFEGUARDING AND CODE OF CONDUCT

• ADWSO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH), fraud, corruption and any form of child abuse.

• The selected candidate will be required to sign and comply with ADWSO's Code of Conduct and PSEA, safeguarding and anti-fraud policies, and to complete mandatory PSEA orientation.

• All staff in contact with communities must complete orientation on gender-sensitive facilitation, peaceful masculinities, social cohesion and Do No Harm before engaging with beneficiaries.

• Selection is subject to satisfactory reference checks, verification of qualifications and screening in line with UNDP anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements.

• Apply only through the online application form: https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/single/ngAc0x85

• Each application form is for one position only. To apply for more than one position, submit a separate form for each position.

• Complete every section accurately, and upload your updated CV and your highest degree/certificate. Experience letters are recommended.

• Applications by email, hard copy or any other channel will not be accepted.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to sign their CV in UNDP's format and provide copies of their identification documents.

• ADWSO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

• Qualified female candidates and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Closing date:21 October 2026, 11:59 PM (Kabul time). Late applications will not be considered.

https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/single/ngAc0x85