Enterprise Development and Partnership Officer (2 Positions)

About HELVETAS

HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation Ethiopia is a registered charity operating in the working areas of Rural Infrastructure, Natural Resources Management, Support to Civil Society Organizations and Local Government, Skill Development and Education, and Emergency Responses. See also www.helvetas.org. HELVETAS Ethiopia is presently looking for motivated and competent professionals for the following position for a project entitled “UP-Women – Unleashing the Potential of Young Women II” in Sidama regional state.

About the Project

The UP- Women II project aims to contributing to bridging the gap young women/girls face to enter in strong career paths through improved opportunities for skills training through Integrated Functional Adult Literacy (IFAL) and short-term skills training in market demanded non-traditional skills and subsequently find (self-) employment with a decent income and in women-friendly training and working environments. This will be achieved through a combination of Integrated Functional Adult Literacy (IFAL), Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) knowledge, access and services, life skills and vocational skills training, and job placement (JP) schemes, that ultimately results in a gainful income, contribute to gender transformation and dignity for young women. The project would work both with public and private training providers with a result-based financing (RBF) approach and would contribute to developing their capacities.

Job Purpose

The Enterprise Development and partnership officer plays a key role in the implementation of the UP-Women Project, which aims to empower young women and girls through skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship.

The position is responsible for facilitating the transition of trained graduates particularly young women into wage& self-employment and small business ventures. The officer will provide technical and business support, promote access to finance and markets, and ensure sustainable enterprise growth through mentorship, coaching, and institutional strengthening of job centers and local service providers and government stakeholders to bring systemic change.

Key Responsibilities and Specific Activities

A. Graduate and Enterprise Selection

• Identify and select project graduates who choose self-employment as their preferred career path.
• Map and assess existing micro and small enterprises requiring additional technical or financial support.
• Conduct baseline assessments to determine enterprise needs and potential areas for development.

B. Enterprise Development and Business Support

• Facilitate infrastructure support for start-ups (e.g., working shades, containers, electricity, toilets, etc.).
• Provide technical support for product diversification, innovation, and service improvement.
• Coordinate refresher training on vocational skills relevant to each enterprise sector.
• Deliver business skills training focusing on financial literacy, bookkeeping, customer service, and marketing.
• Organize entrepreneurship and digital literacy training to strengthen business management and online visibility.
• Facilitate exposure visits to successful enterprises and role models for practical learning.

C. Financial and Market Linkages

• Strengthen linkages with MFIs, banks, SACCOs, and saving groups to expand access to finance.
• Provide refresher training on savings, credit, and investment management.
• Support the establishment of business advisory and mentoring services for entrepreneurs.
• Facilitate access to market information systems and digital platforms for product promotion.
• Organize trade fairs, exhibitions, and Business-to-Business (B2B) matchmaking events to enhance market linkages.
• Promote participation in digital/online marketplaces and e-commerce platforms.

D. Business Growth, Green Innovation, and Sustainability

• Provide coaching on business expansion and productivity improvement strategies.
• Facilitate access to appropriate technologies and tools that enhance enterprise performance.
• Integrate green enterprise development and environmentally sustainable practices into all business support activities.
• Conduct regular mentoring sessions and monitor business performance against agreed milestones.

E. Monitoring, Learning, and Documentation

• Conduct tracer studies to assess the employment and income status of self-employed graduates.
• Lead impact assessments to measure outcomes and sustainability of supported enterprises.
• Document success stories, best practices, and lessons learned for project visibility and reporting.
• Provide continuous feedback to adapt support based on business challenges and progress.

F. Institutional and Partner Capacity Strengthening

• Perform the need assessment of Job Centers and intervene accordingly to enhance their functionality and service delivery.
• Build the capacity of job center staff on business development, gender-sensitive service delivery, and youth coaching.
• Coordinate with Business Development Service (BDS) providers and implementing partners to ensure quality delivery of entrepreneurship support.
• Promote collaboration with local government, private sector, and civil society partners for sustainability.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Economics, Development Studies, or other related fields.
• Experience: At least 3–5 years of relevant experience in enterprise development, livelihoods, youth employment, or entrepreneurship promotion—preferably within NGO or development project settings.
• Demonstrated experience in business skills training, mentorship, and financial linkage facilitation.
• Understanding of TVET systems, women’s economic empowerment, and market systems development approaches.
• Experience in working with young women and marginalized groups is an asset.

Key Competencies:

• Strong facilitation, coordination, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Good knowledge of enterprise management, financial literacy, and business coaching tools.
• Practical experience with digital platforms and online marketing.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to gender equality, social inclusion, and youth empowerment principles.
• Fluency in English and Amharic; proficiency in Sidamu Afoo is a strong advantage.
• Computer literacy (Microsoft Office, digital communication tools).

Expected Results:

• Increased number of self-employed young women and girls with sustainable income sources.
• Enhanced performance, innovation, and market access for local enterprises.
• Strengthened job centers providing responsive business development services.
• Effective coordination and collaboration among partners, financial institutions, and markets.
• Documented evidence of successful women entrepreneurs and impactful livelihood models.

Contract Duration: up to December 2026