Quality Standards and Export Readiness Expert

The implementing partner is delivering a hands-on Training of Trainers (ToT), funded by a UN Agency, to prepare master trainers in four value chains: edible oils (Mazar-e-Sharif), grapes and raisins (Herat), dried fruits and nuts (Kandahar) and dairy (Kabul). Each cohort completes a practical programme on quality, post-harvest handling, hygiene, packaging and export readiness, and learns to link quality gaps that need investment to appropriate financing pathways.

Purpose of the position

The expert provides the cross-cutting quality, food-safety and export-readiness content for all four value chains, delivers the standards and export-awareness sessions, and leads the technical content of the Quality-to-Finance module, which teaches trainers to tell a practice gap from an investment need.

Key responsibilities

• Develop common training content for all four value chains on quality grading and defect reduction, post-harvest handling, storage and moisture control, hygiene and food safety (GMP/GHP, HACCP principles), packaging, labelling and traceability
• Prepare and deliver awareness sessions on SPS/TBT measures, buyer requirements, Global G.A.P. concepts and export documentation for regional and international markets.
• Develop the technical content of the Quality-to-Finance module: a practice-versus-investment diagnostic guide, case exercises and guidance for preparing simple Investment Need Statements. The role involves no credit appraisal, loan processing or contact with financial institutions.
• Review technical specifications of training toolkit instruments (moisture meters, scales, refractometers, lactometers, thermometers, pH meters) and witness their quality testing and calibration.
• Contribute to pre/post tests and trainer readiness assessments, review training materials and Dari/Pashto job aids for technical accuracy, and analyse learning results
• Travel to the regional training hubs to lead or co-deliver sessions and assess trainees' practice teaching.
• Provide remote coaching to trained master trainers on quality and export-readiness questions.
• Write the quality and export-readiness sections of the four value chain reports and the final synthesis report.

• Education: Master's degree in food science and technology, food safety and quality management, post-harvest technology, agricultural sciences or a related field.
• Experience: At least 7 years in food quality, food safety or export readiness with agri-food producers, processors or MSMEs, including in Afghanistan.
• Practical knowledge of GMP/GHP, HACCP principles, SPS/TBT measures and export documentation requirements.
• Hands-on experience in at least two of the following value chains: edible oils, grapes and raisins, dried fruits and nuts, dairy.
• At least three training or ToT assignments for adult learners, including low-literacy participants.
• Experience with UN agencies or other donor-funded value chain or MSME programmes is an advantage. HACCP/ISO 22000 or GlobalG.A.P. certification is desirable.
• Languages: Fluent Dari and Pashto; good written and spoken English.
• Willingness to travel to Mazar-e-Sharif, Herat and Kandahar.

Established in 2012, ACE is a leading Afghan consulting and development services organization with nationwide operations and regional offices across Afghanistan. ACE specializes in private sector development, business development services (BDS), value chain development, livelihoods, workforce development, capacity building, economic inclusion, research, and institutional strengthening, supporting governments, development partners, and private sector actors in achieving sustainable development outcomes.

The advertised position is with the Afghanistan Center for Excellence (ACE) and will contribute to ACE’s portfolio of consulting and development assignments.