Equity Finance Advisor

Equity Finance Advisor

Duty station-Addis Ababa

Contract duration-31/5/2028

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.

As Ethiopia builds institutions such as the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority and Ethiopian Securities Exchange, access to equity capital is becoming increasingly important for startups, growth-stage firms, and transformative companies. The PSD-E project, implemented by GIZ, supports Ethiopia’s private sector transformation through improved access to finance and stronger business ecosystems.

To support the above-described intervention area, the PSD-E project is looking for an experienced, dynamic and proactive Equity Finance Advisor (m/f) with in-depth expertise in equity finance, capital market, investment and project management with experience 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 equity finance and capital market? Do you want to work in an international team with nice and motivated colleagues? Then apply for this exciting position

Job Summary:

The Equity Finance Advisor will support the development of equity financing ecosystems for startups, MSMEs with growth potential, and transformative companies in Ethiopia.

The role focuses on working with ECMA, ESX, investors, funds, accelerators, transaction advisors, investment advisors, and private sector stakeholders to expand investment readiness, equity products, and capital market participation.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Market Development

• Work with ECMA, ESX and other actors on inclusive capital market participation and strengthening the capital market ecosystem.
• Support implementation new and existing regulations and directives on equity financing and capital market.
• Support awareness and outreach on equity financing opportunities.
• Facilitate engagement between investors, companies, incubators, and financial institutions.
• Promote women-led and underserved businesses’ participation in investment ecosystems.

Advisory Service:

• Assess barriers to equity finance in Ethiopia.
• Support development of investment products and market instruments for growth companies.
• Advise startups and SMEs to become investment-ready.
• Support pipeline development for businesses seeking angel, venture, private equity, or public market capital.
• Organize training for ecosystem actors on valuation, governance, due diligence, and investor readiness.
• Support pilot initiatives that connect investors with investable firms.

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 Access to finance and 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, Economics, Business Administration, Development Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in investment banking, venture capital, private equity, capital markets, corporate finance, or advisory.
• Familiarity with capital market regulations, listing requirements, disclosure standards, and investment ecosystem development.
• Strong understanding of equity financing instruments, valuation methods, shareholder structures, and corporate governance.
• Proven track record of closing multiple equity investment deals.
• Experience in startup finance, growth capital, fundraising advisory, transaction support, or investor relations.
• Experience with international organizations is an advantage.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Amharic.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Ability to present technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Strong negotiation and facilitation skills.
• Good project management and coordination skills.
• Strong teamwork and ability to work in multicultural environments.

Language Proficiency:

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