Position Objective:

Accelerate Prosperity (AP), launched by the Aga Khan Development Network in 2016 as a collaboration between the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development’s Industrial Promotion Services (AKFED IPS), aims to promote entrepreneurship, employment, and socio-economic growth. Initially established in Pakistan and Tajikistan in 2016, AP expanded to Kyrgyzstan in 2018 and Afghanistan in 2021. AP Afghanistan is currently undergoing a legal review to determine the best structure for its establishment.

AP supports startups and Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs) in sectors like agribusiness, commercial services, digital content, and hospitality through its business acceleration program. This program offers training, mentorship, technical support, and customized financing. AP leverages private-sector expertise, including AKFED IPS, to address the challenges faced by emerging entrepreneurs and growing businesses.

The Technical Assistance (TA) Senior Analyst will design and implement technical assistance programs for portfolio businesses, covering the full incubation and acceleration process. The role also involves creating AP's online learning materials, providing mentorship to startups, and cultivating partnerships with key stakeholders such as corporate entities, mentors, government bodies, NGOs, and donors. The TA Senior Analyst will oversee AP programs, organize investor meetings, and contribute to staff training and hiring.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Implementation:

• Ensure the smooth execution of AP’s incubation and acceleration cycles, collaborating with investment and marketing teams. Oversee various cycles, including Green Solutions, Tech-enabled solutions, Adventure Tourism, and women-only ventures.

Technical Assistance Design:

• Lead the design of technical support for portfolio businesses, covering pre- and post-investment support and developing AP's online courses and distance learning tools for Incubation and Acceleration Programs.

Reporting and Data Management:

• Manage program reporting on a quarterly, bi-annual, and annual basis, ensuring compliance with internal, governance, and donor requirements.

Startup Growth Support:

• Provide startups with support through mentorship, industry connections, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with program goals.

Entrepreneurial Resource Programs:

• Develop programs to support entrepreneurship through innovative resources and impactful solutions.

Partnership Building:

• Establish strategic partnerships with mentors, venture capitalists, talent, and other ecosystem players to provide financial and technical support for startups.

Post-Investment Technical Assistance:

• Design and implement post-investment technical assistance, including executive education, exposure visits, and supply chain/market linkages for portfolio businesses.

Investment Platform/Roadshow:

• Lead the organization of events to connect startups with global investors.

Training and Advisory:

• Collaborate with the TA Lead and team members to deliver pre- and post-financing technical support to select entrepreneurs.

Occasional Duties:

• Undertake additional tasks as assigned by the TA Lead or AP Country Director.

Required Core Competencies:

• Business background and startup experience, with the ability to engage with senior managers, founders, and business associations.
• Analytical thinking, leadership, initiative, and a positive attitude.

Job Requirements:

Professional Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in startups, financing, and entrepreneurship, with strong networks in the startup community.

Educational Background:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in business, entrepreneurship, innovation, marketing, or mass communications.

Language Proficiency:

• Fluency in English and national languages, with strong communication skills in diverse environments.

Proactive Work Ethic:

• A proactive, results-oriented approach to tasks and challenges.

Application Process: Interested candidates should send their CV and cover letter to bamyan.hr@akdn.org by October 20, 2024. Please mention the vacancy number in the subject line. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for further assessment. The salary is based on the NTA Grade C scale.

AKF Afghanistan promotes equal opportunity and safeguarding policies for children and at-risk adults. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

For official job postings and free recruitment services, visit the ACBAR website. If you encounter any instances of fraudulent fee charges, please report them to AKF Afghanistan at AKFA.HR@akdn.org.

Submission Email: bamyan.hr@akdn.org