National Project Coordinator (m/f/d) -Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

sequa gGmbH is a globally operating non-profit development organisation. Since 1991 sequa has carried out programmes and projects of international cooperation in close collaboration with the German private sector. sequa offers know-how and long-term experience in capacity development for chambers and associations (BMOs), vocational education and training, private sector development and trade promotion. The organisation is based in Bonn, Germany. sequa employs more than 100 persons (2022) and reported a turnover of EUR 58 m in 2021.

The Project

sequa aims to facilitate business growth and job creation of Ethiopian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by increasing their competitiveness and productivity so that their products and services will satisfy the demand on local and international markets. A specific focus will be provided for women-owned SMEs, job-creation and employability training for women.

Benefiting companies receive flexible and demand-oriented funding (management consulting, technical training, financial competence / business plan development, qualification, applied research activities, etc.). A special focus will be on advisory services to improve access to finance. The grant scheme is expected to contribute to a change management and business growth of SMEs.

Your Tasks / Responsibilities

• Steer sequa’s technical project team in Addis Ababa;
• Conceptualize the SME Grant Scheme according to approved project description;
• Be the main focal person for capacity building program with SMEs;
• Establish contacts with EED, MoI, Ministry of Labour and SMEs and relevant networks;
• Be the main contact person for all communication with the relevant private and public stakeholders (especially ministries and GIZ);
• Conceptualize, prepare and assure quality assignments and missions conducted by short-term experts. Lead in the identification of national and international experts;
• Support the functioning of administration and finance, procurement and office management in compliance with organizational procedures, donor requirements and the law of the country;
• Create procurement notes for the assignment of short-term consultants and companies according the predetermined (GIZ/ sequa) procurement rules;
• Monitor progress and report delivery on executed activities;
• Cooperate and coordinate activities with the relevant structures of GIZ SI Jobs project;
• Communicate, report to and coordinate with the Team Leader and Project Director.

Assignment Period: 12/2022 – 12/2023 (with potential for extension to 06/2025)

Working time scope: full time; also 80% is a possibility

Project:  SI Jobs Project

Your Qualification / Skills    

• University degree in a related field such as business management, business administration, strategy, economics, project management;
• Fluent in English and Amharic, potentially Oromia.
• Strong communication skills;
• Good presentation skills;
• Full computer literacy;
• Outstanding writing and reporting skills in English;
• Good working knowledge of ICT/IT- communication technologies and MS Office (MS Excel and MS Outlook, in particular).

Your Working Experience

• 10+ years’ experience as project manager in (international) development programs
• Experience in successfully managing SMEs/businesses related projects
• Relevant university degree, e.g. management studies, project management, economics
• Added skills: previous experience with GIZ/sequa, relevant sector experience in Business Strategy Coaching, experience in M&E of projects