Skip to content

General Information

Position Title
Lead Technical Advisor - Private Sector Development
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 to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

Job Highlight

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to private sector development in a challenging environment, working with a diverse team 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 operations across 17 countries, ensuring high performance, operational excellence, and alignment with organizational goals. Operations currently span Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands. Across these countries, we work closely with key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and maximize impact through five main operating units: Afghanistan (AFCO), Myanmar (MMCO), South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO), East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), and the Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC). Through these entities, we provide agile, client-focused service delivery across diverse sectors - including infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management - supporting the implementation of sustainable development solutions across the region.

About the Project Office

Since 1995, UNOPS has maintained an active presence in Afghanistan, delivering efficient, agile services in support of both humanitarian response and development efforts. Prior to August 2021, the Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) implemented projects across a broad range of sectors, including infrastructure, procurement, capacity building, and environmental protection. In response to evolving humanitarian needs, AFCO has shifted its focus to supporting life-saving initiatives and basic human needs. Current priorities include managing large-scale cash-for-work programmes, procuring emergency supplies, and providing inter-agency coordination, communication, and accountability support.

Job Specific Context

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

Role Purpose

The Lead Technical Advisor for the Private Sector Development Project provides technical leadership and expert advice to the Senior Programme Manager and project team, ensuring the effective implementation of the PSRP project and alignment with good practices in private sector development. The Lead Technical Advisor plays a key role in stakeholder engagement, decision-making, and knowledge sharing to maximise the project's impact on Afghan MSMEs.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Technical Leadership and Advisory

  • Serve as the principal technical expert on private sector development for the PSRP project.
  • Provide expert advice and guidance to the Senior Programme Manager (SPM) and project team on all technical aspects of the project, especially job creation, private capital mobilisation, and initiatives supporting the livelihoods of women and returnees.
  • Contribute to the development of innovative financing mechanisms to promote private sector investment in Afghanistan.
  • Stay abreast of the latest trends, research, and best practices in private sector development, especially job creation, private capital mobilisation, and initiatives supporting the livelihoods of women and returnees. and advise the project team accordingly.

2. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

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

3. Decision-Making and Technical Review

  • Assume UNOPS' position on decision-making bodies for the project, such as the start-up selection committee.
  • Review and provide technical input on terms of reference (ToRs), tender documents, and proposals for the procurement of specialized technical services.
  • Review and provide technical input on terms of reference, evaluations and other technical documents related to the contract management of PSRP grantees.
  • Review and provide technical inputs on deliverables from suppliers of specialised technical services contracted under the project, including but not limited to feasibility studies, sandbox pilot project designs, investment climate studies, financial studies.
  • Ensure that all technical aspects of the project are aligned with good practices and donor requirements.

4. Project Implementation Support

  • Provide technical support and guidance throughout the project implementation phase
  • Monitor project progress and identify any technical challenges or risks.
  • Develop and implement solutions to address technical challenges and ensure project success.
  • Support capacity building of implementing partners and other stakeholders in technical aspects of private sector engagement and development.

5. Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building

  • Contribute to knowledge sharing and capacity building initiatives within UNOPS and with project partners.
  • Develop and deliver training programs and workshops on private sector development topics.
  • Document and disseminate lessons learned and best practices from the project, facilitate knowledge exchange and learning events among project stakeholders.
  • Conduct field visits to project and partner sites to assess the effectiveness of interventions and provide on-site technical assistance.
  • Support the development of monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track project outcomes and impact.
  • Contribute to the preparation of project reports, briefs, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
  • Support the identification and assessment of potential private sector partners for project implementation.
  • Provide technical input into the design of new private sector development projects and initiatives.
  • Ensure gender and social inclusion considerations, and the adoption of sustainable and environmentally responsible practices, are integrated into all aspects of project design and implementation.


Skills

Capacity Building, Concept Development, Economic Development, Market Analysis, Policy Analysis, Project Implementation, Public-private Partnerships, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Planning
Strategic Perspective
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
Respect
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Collaboration
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Partnerships
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Excellence
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Adaptability
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Decision-making
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Communication
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and 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 of 9 years of relevant experience.


Desired

  • Relevant certifications in private sector development or investment 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 in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.

  • Experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership building with representatives from the private sector, government, and donor communities.

  • Experience in conducting high-quality market research and policy analysis related to private sector development, including the 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 FCV contexts

    • Capacity building for the private sector and NGOs in FCV contexts


Desired

  • Relevant certifications in private sector development or investment promotion

  • Experience in designing and implementing successful private sector development initiatives.

  • Experience in public-private partnerships

  • Understanding of the economic, political, and social context of Afghanistan, with specific knowledge of the challenges and opportunities for private sector development.

  • Experience in developing and delivering training programmes.

  • Experience in Afghanistan or other conflict-affected countries.


Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirement
EnglishFluentRequired

Additional Information

  • UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
  • UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
  • Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments. 
  • UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal 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 and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
  • We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your 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. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
 
Terms and Conditions
 
  • For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 
  • For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here. 
  • For more details about the contract types, please click here.
  • All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. 
  • It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.