Lead Technical Advisor - Private Sector Development, Kabul, Afghanistan

General Information

Position Title: Lead Technical Advisor - Private SectorDevelopment

Job Category: Project

Duty Station(s): Kabul

Seniority Level: Senior Level

ICS Level: ICS 11

Contract Type: ICA - IICA - Regular

Contract Level: IICA 3

Posting Start Date: 01-Jul-2026

Posting End Date: 22-Jul-2026

Duration: Ongoing ICA - 'Open-ended, subject toorganizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactoryperformance

Job Highlight

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to private sectordevelopment in a challenging environment, working with a diverseteam and international partners to achieve significant impact.

About the Region

The Asia Pacific Regional Office, based in Bangkok, Thailand,provides strategic leadership and oversight for UNOPS operationsacross 17 countries, ensuring high performance, operationalexcellence, and alignment with organizational goals. Operationscurrently span Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India,Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, thePhilippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands.Across these countries, we work closely with key stakeholders tostrengthen partnerships and maximize impact through five mainoperating units: Afghanistan (AFCO), Myanmar (MMCO), South AsiaMulti-Country Office (SAMCO), East Asia and Pacific Multi-CountryOffice (EAPMCO), and the Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC).Through these entities, we provide agile, client-focused servicedelivery across diverse sectors - including infrastructure, health,procurement, and project management - supporting the implementationof sustainable development solutions across the region.

About the Project Office

Since 1995, UNOPS has maintained an active presence inAfghanistan, delivering efficient, agile services in support ofboth humanitarian response and development efforts. Prior to August2021, the Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) implemented projectsacross a broad range of sectors, including infrastructure,procurement, capacity building, and environmental protection. Inresponse to evolving humanitarian needs, AFCO has shifted its focusto supporting life-saving initiatives and basic human needs.Current priorities include managing large-scale cash-for-workprogrammes, procuring emergency supplies, and providinginter-agency coordination, communication, and accountabilitysupport.

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Job Specific Context

UNOPS is the Principal Implementing Agency (PIA) for the PrivateSector Resilience Project (PSRP), financed by the World Bank (IDAand ARTF), a project designed to strengthen the resilience and jobcreation potential of Afghan micro, small and medium enterprises(MSMEs), with a particular focus on women, youth, andreturnees.

Role Purpose

The Lead Technical Advisor for the Private Sector DevelopmentProject provides technical leadership and expert advice to theSenior Programme Manager and project team, ensuring the effectiveimplementation of the PSRP project and alignment with goodpractices in private sector development. The Lead Technical Advisorplays a key role in stakeholder engagement, decision-making, andknowledge sharing to maximise the project's impact on AfghanMSMEs.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Technical Leadership and Advisory

• Serve as the principal technical expert on private sectordevelopment for the PSRP project.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to the Senior ProgrammeManager (SPM) and project team on all technical aspects of theproject, especially job creation, private capital mobilisation, andinitiatives supporting the livelihoods of women and returnees.
• Contribute to the development of innovative financingmechanisms to promote private sector investment inAfghanistan.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends, research, and best practicesin private sector development, especially job creation, privatecapital mobilisation, and initiatives supporting the livelihoods ofwomen and returnees. and advise the project team accordingly.

2. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

• Liaise and advise PSRP's implementing partners on technicalmatters related to private sector development.
• Under the guidance of the SPM, liaise closely with technicalstakeholders in the World Bank and IFC (particularly the Task TeamLeads or their delegated technical representatives) on technicalmatters.
• Coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders, including privatesector representatives, international organizations, and otherdonor agencies as relevant.
• Ensure the PSRP is adequately represented and contributes towider discussions and working groups on private sector development;engage in technical meetings and workshops with stakeholders andthe donor.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholdersto ensure effective collaboration and project success.

3. Decision-Making and Technical Review

• Assume UNOPS' position on decision-making bodies for theproject, such as the start-up selection committee.
• Review and provide technical input on terms of reference(ToRs), tender documents, and proposals for the procurement ofspecialized technical services.
• Review and provide technical input on terms of reference,evaluations and other technical documents related to the contractmanagement of PSRP grantees.
• Review and provide technical inputs on deliverables fromsuppliers of specialised technical services contracted under theproject, including but not limited to feasibility studies, sandboxpilot project designs, investment climate studies, financialstudies.
• Ensure that all technical aspects of the project are alignedwith good practices and donor requirements.

4. Project Implementation Support

• Provide technical support and guidance throughout the projectimplementation phase
• Monitor project progress and identify any technical challengesor risks.
• Develop and implement solutions to address technical challengesand ensure project success.
• Support capacity building of implementing partners and otherstakeholders in technical aspects of private sector engagement anddevelopment.

5. Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building

• Contribute to knowledge sharing and capacity buildinginitiatives within UNOPS and with project partners.
• Develop and deliver training programs and workshops on privatesector development topics.
• Document and disseminate lessons learned and best practicesfrom the project, facilitate knowledge exchange and learning eventsamong project stakeholders.
• Conduct field visits to project and partner sites to assess theeffectiveness of interventions and provide on-site technicalassistance.
• Support the development of monitoring and evaluation frameworksto track project outcomes and impact.
• Contribute to the preparation of project reports, briefs, andpresentations for internal and external audiences.
• Support the identification and assessment of potential privatesector partners for project implementation.
• Provide technical input into the design of new private sectordevelopment projects and initiatives.
• Ensure gender and social inclusion considerations, and theadoption of sustainable and environmentally responsible practices,are integrated into all aspects of project design andimplementation.

Skills

Capacity Building, Concept Development, Economic Development,Market Analysis, Policy Analysis, Project Implementation,Public-private Partnerships, Stakeholder Engagement, StrategicPlanning

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinkslong term and externally in order to positively shape theorganisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implicationsof future decisions and activities on other parts of theorganisation.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively todifferences and encourages others to do the same. Upholdsorganisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards oftrustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit.Collaborates and supports the development of others. For peoplemanagers only: Acts as positive leadership role model,motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizingappropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on allpartners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds andmaintains strong external relationships and is a competent partnerfor others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for selfand/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total taskaccomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Seesopportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understandsthat responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on ourbeneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment.Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances orrequirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior.Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursuescontinuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmaticdecisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculatedrisks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner.Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needsof others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge.Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinionand finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

• Master's degree in Economics, Business Administration, Finance,or related field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience;

  
  

  OR

• Bachelor's degree in Economics, Business Administration,Finance, International Studies, or related field with a minimum of9 years of relevant experience.

Desired

• Relevant certifications in private sector development orinvestment promotion

Experience Requirements

Required

• Minimum 7 years of experience in private sector development,investment promotion, policy advisory, or economic policy.
• Experience in private sector engagement and development infragile and conflict-affected contexts.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership buildingwith representatives from the private sector, government, and donorcommunities.
• Experience in conducting high-quality market research andpolicy analysis related to private sector development, includingthe preparation of reports and policy recommendations.
• Experience working in any of the following areas:
  • Value chain mapping and development
  • Early-stage business acceleration
  • Start-up and SME financing
  • Islamic finance and insurance solutions (Takaful), incl. in FCVcontexts
  • Capacity building for the private sector and NGOs in FCVcontexts

Desired

• Relevant certifications in private sector development orinvestment promotion
• Experience in designing and implementing successful privatesector development initiatives.
• Experience in public-private partnerships
• Understanding of the economic, political, and social context ofAfghanistan, with specific knowledge of the challenges andopportunities for private sector development.
• Experience in developing and delivering trainingprogrammes.
• Experience in Afghanistan or other conflict-affectedcountries.

Language Requirements

Language: English

• Proficiency Level: Fluent
• Requirement: Required

Additional Information

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process requestcandidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnightCopenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.Applications received after the closing date will not beconsidered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited toproceed to the next stage of the selection process, which mayinclude various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employmentopportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range ofnationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities,sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain andstrengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive workingenvironment where all personnel are treated with respect and haveequal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills,qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement.We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process andwelcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenousand racialized communities, individuals of diverse genderidentities and sexual orientations, and persons withdisabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at theirbest during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted andrequire support or reasonable accommodation to complete anyassessment, please inform our human resources team upon receivingyour invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse(SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct,including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. Touphold these standards, background checks are conducted for allfinal candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history ofsuch conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS,candidates acknowledge and consent to these verificationprocesses.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint acandidate at a lower level than the advertised level of thepost.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatorycourses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time,before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatorycourses may be required during your contract. Please note that youwill not receive any compensation for taking courses andrefreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please clickhere.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their dutiesin accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies andInstructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks.In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of theSustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UNcore values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on allpotential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on theresults of such checks.