Private Sector Development (PSD) Advisor 50 views1 application

 Private Sector Development (PSD) Advisor

Private Sector Development in Ethiopia

Contract Duration: September 30, 2024

Application deadline: April 28, 2024

Duty station: Addis Ababa

1.     Background

The private sector plays a key role in the ‘Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda’ of the Ethiopian Government. Although SMEs are key players in economic development and job creation, the landscape for the promotion of these target groups and political responsibilities is however much fragmented. In addition, poor legal and regulatory framework conditions and a lack of needs-oriented business development services inhibit the growth opportunities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, and Small & Growing Businesses (SGBs).

The Technical Cooperation project “Private Sector Development in Ethiopia” (PSD-E) aims to improve the growth opportunities of MSMEs, start-ups and SGBs and focuses on five intervention areas: 1) Strengthening the institutional capacities of public institutions to improve the legal and regulatory framework focusing on SMEs, start-ups and SGB by involving the private sector via public-private dialogue formats; 2) Strengthening chambers and associations to improve their range of services including their role as a representative of the private sector; 3) Building the capacity of intermediaries to develop viable innovative and future-oriented organizational and business models to support start-ups and SGBs; 4) Strengthening the market for Business Development Services (BDS) through supply- and demand-side interventions; 5) Direct support to MSMEs and entrepreneurs affected by conflicts and crises.

In addition to Addis Ababa, the project implements measures in the regional states of Amhara, Dire Dawa, Harari, Oromia, Sidama, Somali, and South Ethiopia.

The project has a complex partner structure. It cooperates with Ethiopian public and private institutions, other projects, international consultancies, and international organizations.

The project is looking for a dynamic, proactive PSD Advisor (m/f/d) with expertise in the area of BDS to support the project management of intervention area 4 of PSD-E.

Intervention area 4 aims to strengthen the private BDS market in Ethiopia, notably by improving the quality of the services offered by BDS providers for SMEs. Selected BDSPs are enabled to offer high-quality and needs-oriented consulting services. They are qualified to professionalize their services and obtain international certification in various areas of expertise. The demand for improved services is stimulated through the introduction of a voucher system to provide a partial subsidy to businesses to access certified BDS. In addition, the project conducts awareness-raising measures and provides technical support to the Ethiopian Business Advisory Service Providers Association (EBASPA).

The BDS Advisor of Intervention Area 4 works in close cooperation and under the technical supervision of the Component Manager for Intervention Area 4

Responsibilities and Duties

• Provide expert advice on BDS topics to the team and partners, keep track of new developments in the Ethiopian BDS market, prioritize and present to the team, and identify and assess new opportunities for the project.
• Provide project management support to the successful implementation of intervention area 4, including steering of contracts with implementing partners, development of operational plans, monitoring of budget, etc.
• Manage the relationship with national and international consultancies (manage weekly meetings, follow up closely to ensure technical quality and timely financial reporting, facilitate communication and coordination with other stakeholders, etc.)
• Liaise with public and private stakeholders; present and represent the PSD-E project (intervention area 4) in meetings and discussions with other stakeholders.
• Prepare and assess proposals for new contractual arrangements (consultancies or financing/grant agreements) and manage the internal process to finalize new contracts in coordination with the contractual partner and other units in GIZ.
• Contribute to internal knowledge management and Monitoring & Evaluation
• Any other responsibilities upon demand

Required qualifications, competencies, and experience.

• MA in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Private Sector Development or similar
• Excellent knowledge of Amharic and English language both in speaking and writing, German language knowledge is an asset. 

Professional experience

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in the field of private sector development with a focus on SME and BDS promotion
• Minimum of 2 years of project management experience, including the preparation and management of contracts (TOR preparation, proposal development, liaising with contractual partners, etc.)
•  Profound knowledge of the private sector in Ethiopia, in particular, the market of BDS and business/management consultancies
• Specialized experience in one or several of the following fields is a big asset: business linkages, business continuity management, green economy, investment planning and management, SME access to financial services, and digital transformation of businesses.
• Expertise in approaches to the promotion of women-led businesses and service providers is an asset.
• Relevant professional experience in a similar role in GIZ or other international organizations

Other knowledge, additional competencies

• Pro-active work attitude, strong motivation to contribute positively to the team by sharing knowledge, identifying possible efficiency gains, etc.
• Motivated to learn and develop your competencies (technical, project management, social, etc.)
•  Ability to liaise with different stakeholders, with both public and private sector stakeholders.
• High gender awareness and intercultural sensitivity
• Good organizational and project management skills
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• Ability to accept constructive feedback.
• Good communication and presentation skills
• Good IT skills (MS Office, in particular, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams)