Key Expert “SME and Startup Investment Readiness” – Inclusive Capital Markets for Youth and Women Entrepreneurs in Ethiopia (M/W)

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Mission Description

As the Key Expert on SME and Startup Investment Readiness for the project “Inclusive Capital Markets for Youth and Women Entrepreneurs in Ethiopia,” you will coordinate the second component of the project. You will provide strategic and technical support to strengthen the capacities of SMEs, startups, and service providers to benefit from Ethiopia’s emerging capital market and alternative financing mechanisms.

This role involves designing investment-readiness programmes, supporting incubators and intermediary service providers, and fostering linkages between enterprises and investors. You will coordinate closely with the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA) and manage capacity-building efforts across the ecosystem. This position reports to the Project Team Leader.

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Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership and Implementation

• Serve as the primary expert for Output 2, ensuring all SME and startup capacity-building activities align with project objectives.
• Lead the design and delivery of financial literacy and investment-readiness programmes tailored to women- and youth-led enterprises.
• Develop training curricula and toolkits covering capital markets, governance, and alternative financing (VC, crowdfunding, blended finance).
• Manage calls for proposals targeting incubators and accelerators to deliver tailored capacity-building services.
• Supervise the capacity enhancement of intermediary service providers (brokers, investment banks, rating agencies).
• Coordinate with ECMA’s IPO Clinic to ensure a pipeline of enterprises prepared for exchange listing.
• Mainstream gender equality, youth inclusion, and ESG principles across all interventions.

Consultant Management & Operational Coordination

• Draft Terms of Reference (ToR) and coordinate the work of short-term technical consultants.
• Liaise with the Project Support Unit (PSU) for administrative execution and contract management.
• Monitor timelines and technical inputs for subcontracted activities and expert missions.

Cross-Cutting Project Contributions

• Participate in strategic planning, M&E, and internal workshops.
• Contribute to technical reports, donor updates, and visibility materials.
• Share learnings across project components to ensure ecosystem strengthening.

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Project & Context

Expertise France, a subsidiary of the AFD Group, is implementing this EUR 10 million project co-financed by the EU and AFD. The initiative aims to enhance the Ethiopian capital market to support MSMEs, particularly those led by youth and women.

Expected Outputs:

1. Strengthened capacities within ECMA and relevant institutions.
2. Increased knowledge among women/youth-led MSMEs and startups regarding the stock exchange and alternative financing.
3. Increased financial education among international and local investors.

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Required Profile

Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, International Development, or Public Policy.
• Technical expertise in SME development, investment-readiness, and financial literacy.
• Deep knowledge of alternative financing (Venture Capital, Crowdfunding, Impact Investing).
• Proficiency in capacity-building methodologies and curriculum design.
• Strong understanding of the Ethiopian financial, institutional, and socio-economic context.
• Fluency in English and excellent interpersonal skills.

Professional Experience

• At least 6 years of experience in SME/startup development or access-to-finance programmes.
• Experience designing investment-readiness programmes and coordinating with incubators or accelerators.
• Experience in Eastern Africa (specifically Ethiopia) and international development cooperation is highly valued.

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Additional Information

• Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
• Duration: Initial 12-month contract, renewable up to 48 months.
• Start Date: January 1st, 2026.
• Deadline for Application: May 11, 2026.

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