Country Manager – Afghanistan

About AsaraAsara Global LLC (also known as Asara) is an Afghan-owned firm led and managed by a team of Afghan professionals and international experts  committed to delivering innovative solutions and services in Afghanistan and other developing countries. Since its inception in 2017, Asara Global has provided professional and procurement services across various industries, serving over 60 clients from Afghanistan, the United  States, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, the Netherlands, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates. Asara operates two active subsidiaries in Afghanistan: Asara Logistics Services and Asara Consultancy Services. These entities support our commercial ventures, including Choob.af—the leading furniture e-commerce platform in Afghanistan—and The Hub, a leading co-working space in the country. Position SummaryAsara Global is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Country Manager to lead and oversee all business development,  organizational operations, ventures, and strategic initiatives in Afghanistan. This role is responsible for driving business growth, managing and developing ventures, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring operational excellence across Asara Global’s business portfolio—including Asara Logistic Services, Asara Consultancy Services, Choob.af, The Hub co-working space, and future initiatives.The Country Manager will serve as the senior-most representative of Asara Global in Afghanistan, accountable for business development, project acquisition, financial performance, brand positioning, stakeholder engagement, and overall organizational success in the country.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Country ManagementProvide overall leadership, vision, and strategy for Asara Global’s portfolio in Afghanistan.Lead country operations, organizational planning, compliance, HR management, and business performance.Represent and expand Asara Global network with clients, government entities, regulatory bodies, private-sector partners, donors, and community stakeholders.Business Development & GrowthIdentify, assess, and launch new business opportunities aligned with Asara Global’s mission and growth strategy.Lead project-based business development for Asara Logistic Services and Asara Consultancy Services, including proposal development, client acquisition, project scoping, and contract negotiations.Drive revenue growth across all ventures including Choob.af, The Hub, and other initiatives.Conduct market research, competitor analysis, and client needs assessment to inform strategic decisions.Develop and execute business expansion plans, partnership strategies, and investor engagement initiatives.Venture Oversight (Choob.af, The Hub, Asara Logistic & Consultancy Services)Provide strategic and operational oversight to all Asara Global ventures in the country.Ensure each venture meets sales targets, operational KPIs, client satisfaction, and profitability goals.Support ventures team with leadership, problem-solving, and performance management.Operations, Finance & ComplianceOversee budgeting, financial planning, cash flow management, and financial reporting.Ensure compliance with Afghan laws, tax regulations, and internal policies.Manage procurement, vendor relations, and risk management processes.Team Leadership & Organizational DevelopmentRecruit, mentor, and manage high-performing teams across multiple ventures.Build a culture of accountability, learning, growth and innovation.Establish staff development plans and performance management systems.Stakeholder Engagement & PartnershipsDevelop and maintain strong relationships with private sector clients, government agencies, donors, vendors, investors, and local business networks.Identify partnership and collaboration opportunities to accelerate growth, secure projects, and scale Asara Global’s impact.Represent the company at external events, conferences, and business forums.Client & Stakeholder Relationship ManagementNurture high-value clients or projects, ensuring repeat business and loyalty.Engage potential investors, donors, or impact funds to support ventures and scale operations.Product & Service InnovationDrive ideation, testing, and rollout of new offerings under Asara Global ventures.Use feedback and data to improve services and strengthen brand loyalty.Leverage digital tools, e-commerce, or logistics optimization to enhance revenue and operational efficiency.Monitoring & Performance MetricsSet and track revenue growth, sales targets, conversion rates, project acquisition success, and client retention.Develop systems to track prospective projects, opportunities, and bids for all ventures.Assess profitability of ventures, projects, and business development efforts to guide future decisions.Risk Assessment & Opportunity EvaluationEvaluate local risks affecting business development and plan mitigation strategies.Assess project and partnership opportunities for revenue potential, cost, and sustainability.Know when to scale, pivot, or divest underperforming initiatives.QualificationsRequiredMaster’s degree in  Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, Management, Marketing, Economics, or related field.7–12+ years of leadership experience in business development, business operation, or general private sector development management roles—preferably in Afghanistan’s private sector.Proven experience managing teams and multi-unit operations.Strong understanding of Afghan business environment, regulatory landscape, and market dynamics.Demonstrated success in revenue growth, project acquisition, partnership development, and scaling ventures.Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.PreferredExperience with national, regional or international donors, NGOs and companies.Experience launching or scaling tech-enabled platforms, e-commerce, coworking spaces, logistics, or consultancy services.Familiarity with donor-funded initiatives or development-sector partnerships.Core CompetenciesStrategic thinking, self-starter and entrepreneurial mindsetProject-based business development and client acquisitionStrong leadership and people managementFinancial acumen and operational oversightProblem solving and decision makingAdaptability and resilienceStrong ethics and integrityReporting StructureReports to: CEO, Asara GlobalSupervises: Venture Managers (Choob.af, The Hub, Asara Logistic Services, Asara Consultancy Services), Operations Teams, Finance, Admin, and Support Staff