Advisor – Business Development

Ethiopia is undergoing a major economic shift away from a state-led economic model towards a more liberal, market-based one. This transformation is driven by Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda 2.0 (HGER 2.0) and accompanying macroeconomic reforms initiated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The HGER 2.0 and the supplementary 10-Year Development Plan (2021-2030) aim to promote private sector-led economic growth, achieve macroeconomic stabilization, and initiate structural transformations. This includes the liberalization of key sectors, the promotion of foreign investment and the integration of Ethiopia into the global economy.

The project “Private Sector Development in Ethiopia” (PSD-E), implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Government and co-financed by the European Union (EU), contributes to Ethiopia’s reform efforts of promoting a private sector-led economic transformation. The project specifically aims to strengthen the Ethiopian private sector to become more competitive and resilient. This is accomplished by strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of local, transformative companies with high growth potential and scalable business models, start-ups in the growth phase and other MSMEs – especially those that act as service providers, suppliers or customers of the transformative companies. The project also works with financial institutions (FIs) and the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) to improve the conditions for companies to access finance. Additionally, it also supports Ministry of Revenue (MoR) and Ethiopian Customs Commission (ECC) to improve selected customs and tax procedures. Finally the project also and strengthens the resilience of, particularly women-led MSMEs, in (post-)conflict regions in Ethiopia by enhancing their business performance and creditworthiness.

The relevant intervention area for this job advertisement is to cooperate with FIs and the National Bank of Ethiopia to improve the conditions for companies to access finance. This position contributes to improving access to finance for companies – both debt and equity, particularly (M)SMEs and transformative companies by strengthening the capacities and service offerings of financial intermediaries and supporting the NBE in advancing an inclusive financial system. The advisor works with financial institutions (e.g. banks, MFIs, ESX, ECMA) to improve need-based financing products and lending practices and supports the enabling regulatory and coordination environment with NBE. Improved access to loans and alternative financial instruments enables companies to invest, increase competitiveness, and strengthen resilience to economic shocks and macroeconomic reform-related risks.

To support the above-described intervention area, the PSD-E project is looking for an experienced, dynamic and proactive Access to Finance Advisor (m/f) with in-depth expertise in access to finance and project management in international organizations.

Thus, are you an expert in the finance industry and are very familiar with the financial market landscape of Ethiopia? Do you have experience with working in international institutions? Are you passionate about working with and advising financial institutions? Do you want to work in an international team with nice and motivated colleagues? Then apply for this exciting position!!

Job Summary:

The Access to Finance Advisor will be instrumental in enhancing financial accessibility for businesses, particularly MSMEs, but also local, transformative companies and startups in the growth phase. This role involves working closely with financial institutions, the NBE and private sector stakeholders to promote innovative financial solutions that ensure that the private sector in Ethiopia becomes more competitive and resilient – both regarding debt as well as equity financing.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Advisory Service:

• Conduct comprehensive market assessments to identify barriers that hinder businesses access finance, including regulatory, institutional, and market-related challenges
• Provide tailored advisory services for FIs, assessing their financial product and service portfolio
• Support and coordinate training for staff of FIs on new finical products and services
• Support for the development and implementation of innovative financial products designed to increase access to finance, including piloting of financial products, scaling successful models, and evaluating outcomes in cooperation with key institutions like the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority and the Ethiopian Stock Exchange
• Provide Advisory to companies to become credit-worthy and/or investment-ready

Project Management/Coordination:

• Manage contracts with national and international consultants (i.e., including steering of weekly meetings, close follow-up to ensure high quality of their deliveries and timely financial reporting, etc.)
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to create and monitor detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, and performance indicators; esp. proactive contribution to GIZ’s Economic Competitiveness team
• Build and maintain robust relationships with FIs, government agencies, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing

Where appropriate and reasonable, the position holder shall perform tasks outside the scope of the job description

Qualifications and experience:

• Master’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Development Studies or a related field.
• Minimum of five years experience in financial advisory service in the areas of access to finance for (M)SMEs and larger companies or working directly with FIs
• Proven track record in successfully facilitating access to finance initiatives
• Certifications in finance/investment advisory are an added advantage.
• Work experience in equity finance as clear advantage.
• International work experience as advantage.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and present it clearly.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools.
• Excellent IT skills (MS Office, in particular Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and MS Teams) and good presentation skills is a must.

Language Proficiency:

• Excellent knowledge of English and Amharic both in speaking and writing