Afghanistan: Feasibility Researcher

May 23, 2016 | Action Contre La Faim
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In a bid to reduce under-five morbidity and mortality, and address what stands as the number one priority of a large share of the Afghan population; ACF has been working since 15 years towards improving access to safe water in rural communities of the country. Amongst the different solutions tested within this years, Bio-Sand-Filter rapidly emerged as a highly effective and sustainable option to improve household access to clean water.

To assess the impact of BSF on household access to safe water, ACF conducted in April 2015 a study on a sample of former beneficiaries who had received BSF from ACF between 2011 and 2014, in Ghor, Samangan and Kabul provinces. The outcome was very positive and confirmed the effectiveness of BSFs in improving access to safe water and reducing the prevalence of diarrheal diseases amongst children under-five. Building on these achievements, ACF has continued to promote and distribute BSFs, which have consistently yielded positive results in terms of improving access to safe water.

Acknowledging the scope of needs and limitation of humanitarian or development funding, ACF Afghanistan has been seeking to shift from free/in-kind distribution of BSFs to marketing of this household water treatment device. The rationale is to use a market approach to scale up access to BSFs as a means to durably increase safe water coverage. Where markets are functional, alternatives to in-kind/free distribution should be explored to reduce dependence on external support, which, considering current trends of funding in Afghanistan, is doomed to reduce in the coming years.

Length of contract: 3 months starting mid-June

Objective of the Study is to determine:

  • Whether there is sufficient demand for the product
o Are people ready to invest in a household water treatment technique and in a BSF specifically? If yes, how much are they ready to pay?o Considering the market price of one BSF and household incomes, what is the proportion of the local population who will be able to afford/demand a BSF?o If low incomes appear a major barrier to reaching sufficient demand, how can this latter be supported (e.g. subsidies) at least in the short term?o Are people well informed about the advantages of using a BSF? If not, what campaign can be put in place to sensitize them and support the demand?o If non-existent or low, how can the demand for BSF be created, supported, and sustained in the target area?
  • Whether the product can be provided on a profitable and sustainable basis
o What is the upfront cost to bear for the producer, and who can afford it between small to medium shopkeepers, and entrepreneurs?o What is the expected return on investment in the short and mid-terms? What would be the minimum return expected by suppliers to start producing BSF?o Are the producers enough to respond to the demand? If not, how to improve or to increase the production?o Can BSF be produced at village level by small shopkeepers or do they have to be produced in central markets by big suppliers/entrepreneurs? Are the shops evenly distributed in the territory? If not, how can we increase the number of distribution points?o Can the production of BSF be started by individuals or cooperatives as an income generating activity (with potential external support)?o Who and how can quality of products be verified?
  • What business plan would be most appropriate to market the product
o Which actors must be involved in marketing the product?o What would be the best business strategy to durably market the product? Which system can put in place to monitor quality, distribution and cost of BSF?

The applicant:

  • You hold a degree in Business Administration or Financial Management and you have a relevant experience in feasibility and/or market studies.
  • Recognized for advanced analytical and report writing skills
  • You are able to work in a volatile environment and under strict security rules
  • Fluent English compulsory.

Status:

Intern – Allowance €554 / months

Food and hygiene expenses, transportation costs, collective accommodation and medical insurance