USAID’s Economic Recovery and Development Activity (ERDA) is designed to expand sustainable, socially equitable and climate resilient economic opportunities in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province by strengthening the agriculture sector and promoting micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSME). JE Austin supports AiD, the local implementer of the Activity, by providing technical expertise focused on enhancing micro and small businesses. This includes improving MSME competitiveness through value chain development in key sectors, supporting private sector franchises in these sectors, developing MSME clusters, strengthening market linkages, establishing linkages between skilled youth and potential employers, and promoting skills-based enterprises. Additionally, JE Austin's full-time and part-time personnel ensures the integration of cross-cutting areas such as gender equality, youth empowerment, private sector engagement, journey to self-reliance/sustainability, climate change adaptation, and digital technology and innovation through partnerships.

Leveraging its core expertise and lessons learned from similar projects in Pakistan and the region, JE Austin offers strategic advice on designing and directing ERDA interventions to ensure high-quality project delivery. Furthermore, JE Austin supports the project's communication strategy by developing and disseminating best practices and success stories at both national and international levels.

Duration: 2022-2027