Project Officer for ECOTRADE project in Ethiopia (M/W)

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Organization: Expertise France

Deadline: April 18, 2025, 23:55

Job Description

Mission description

This EU-funded project focuses on supporting supporting the advancing implementation of the AfCFTA in Ethiopia with a focus on a private-led value chain development approach to increasing intra-African trade, promoting greater economic integration, sustainable growth, and creating jobs.

The four specific objectives of the project are:

• Specific Objective 1: The private sector is actively engaged alongside the government to support the AfCFTA’s successful implementation
• Specific Objective 2:  Regional value chains are integrated, and trade/transport connectivity is facilitated with a focus on increasing women’s participation in commercial and logistics processes;
• Specific Objective 3: Relevant authorities in the implementation of the AfFTA are supported;
• Specific Objective 4: Academic institutions and research institutions are supported.

The project team will be based in Expertise France’s offices in Addis Ababa, ensuring proximity to stakeholders and beneficiaries.

The Project Officer will play a key role in providing technical assistance, overseeing the implementation of project activities, supporting the project’s monitoring and evaluation (M&E) functions, and contributing to the project’s communication efforts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of the Team Leader and Deputy Team Leader, the Project Officer will conduct the following activities in strict compliance with Expertise France procedures:

1. Technical Assistance and Activity Implementation

• Provide technical support in prioritizing project activities to enhance program delivery and coverage.
• Draft concept notes aligned with the project’s strategic objectives.
• Prepare Terms of Reference (ToRs) in collaboration with project partners and support the recruitment of experts for activity implementation.
• Provide logistical, monitoring, and oversight support to experts to ensure effective delivery of project outputs.
• Conduct quality control of project deliverables and ensure adherence to agreed implementation plans.
• Contribute to updating project tools and methodologies.

2. Monitoring and Evaluation Functions

• Collect and analyze data on activity implementation to strengthen project monitoring and evaluation.
• Review data against performance indicators to assess project success and impact.
• Collaborate with the M&E Officer and other team members to integrate M&E functions across all aspects of the project, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Assist the M&E Officer in developing and implementing M&E plans and frameworks.
• Contribute to the preparation of M&E reports.

3. Communication and Content Creation

• Develop engaging content for the project’s social media platforms, including text, images, and videos, in line with the project’s communication strategy.
• Create and Maintain a social media calendar and schedule posts to maximize reach and engagement.
• Monitor social media channels for comments and messages and respond appropriately.
• Track social media analytics and prepare performance reports.
• Contribute to the development of communication materials, such as newsletters, brochures, and presentations.

4. Other Responsibilities

• Provide support in organizing project events, workshops, and meetings, with the assistance of the admin team.
• Maintain project files and documentation.
• Assist the Project Assistant with procurement processes as needed.
• Undertake any other ad-hoc tasks as assigned by the Team Leader or Deputy Team Leader.

Project or context description

With approximately 125 million inhabitants and a population that continues to grow rapidly (+2.5% per year), Ethiopia is expected to reach 150 million people by 2050 (World Bank projections, 2022) and remain Africa’s second most populous country. Its economy is one of the most dynamic in the region, with a growth rate of 6.4% in 2022.

Ethiopia is at a pivotal moment in its economic development, with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement providing a transformative opportunity for regional integration and growth. The country faces significant challenges, including structural weaknesses in its state-led growth model, high trade costs, and limited private sector engagement. These factors hinder Ethiopia’s ability to integrate into regional and global value chains, especially in the production and trade of value-added goods.

The AfCFTA aims to address these barriers by promoting intra-African trade, supporting regional economic integration, and fostering sustainable growth. For Ethiopia, the agreement is an opportunity to enhance its export base, engage its private sector, and create jobs, particularly for women and youth. This project aligns with Ethiopia’s national priorities under its Home-Grown Economic Reform Agenda (HGER) and its Ten-Year Perspective Development Plan, as well as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Required profile

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• University degree (Master’s preferred) in Economics, Development, Project Management, Communications, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, Project Management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, MS Project, Jira), is required.
• Proficiency in Social Media Management platforms (e.g. Hootsuite, Buffer); Graphic Design Software (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite), Analytics tools for social media platforms (Facebook Insights, Twitter Analytics); Data Analysis software (e.g. SPSS, STAT, R), Database management tools (e.g. MS Access, SQL) and Survey tools (e.g. SurveyMonkey, Kobo Toolbox) is desirable.
• Experience with social media content creation and management is highly desirable.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and work independently.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and build strong working relationships with colleagues and partners.
• Strong analytical, writing, and summarization abilities.
• Fluency in English and Amharic (written and spoken) is required. Knowledge of other local languages is an asset.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to take initiative.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working on externally funded projects
• Experience in Monitoring and Evaluation is an asset
• Experience with an international development partner is a plus

Additional information

The contract is expected to last 6 months (possibility of renewal), starting 1st of May, 2025.

Required documents are the following:

• CV
• Cover letter

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications promptly, as Expertise France reserves the right to conduct pre-selection interviews ahead of the deadline.

Deadline for application : 2025/04/18 23:55.

 

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