Deputy Team Leader ECOTRADE (Promoting Ethiopian trade and economic integration through private-led value chains development’ project) (M/W) Full Time NEW

Project or context description

With approximately 132 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 fastest growing in the region, with an estimated 8.1% growth rate in 2023/24 (World Bank Data).

Ethiopia is at a pivotal moment in its economic development, with its recent launch of the implementation of 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).

Mission description

This EU-funded project focuses on supporting supporting the advancing and 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 five 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;
• Specific Objective 5: Strengthening Ethiopia’s capacity to implement the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol (DTP)

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

The Deputy Team Leader will support the Team Leader in operational management and day-to-day implementation of project activities. The Deputy Team Leader will take the lead on donor and headquarters reporting, closely monitor the M&E expert’s work, and ensure smooth coordination of technical and administrative processes with respect to timelines.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Support and Project Implementation

• Assist the Team Leader in planning, coordinating, and supervising project activities to ensure alignment with objectives and timelines.
• Support the organization and delivery of technical trainings, workshops, and public-private dialogues.
• Monitor procurement processes and resource allocation to ensure efficient use of project resources.
• Maintain internal communication and coordination within the project team to facilitate smooth workflow.

2. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Lead the preparation, consolidation, and timely submission of technical, financial, and administrative reports to Expertise France headquarters, ensuring compliance with donor requirements. Support with the preparation of reporting to donors and other partners.
• Supervise the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer to implement the M&E framework, track progress, and assess project impact.
• Coordinate internal monitoring and evaluation activities, ensuring data quality and timely reporting.
• Provide inputs to the Team Leader for strategic reporting and donor communications as needed.

3. Financial, Administrative and Logistical Support

• Provide guidance to the Finance Manager/Project assistant regarding contracting of experts, procurements of goods/services, payments and preparation of mini reports that feed into the Project’s overall reporting templates
• Develop and maintain an efficient Team engagement structure: including weekly team meetings and team retreats where required
• Promote the use of Expertise France’s internal project management tools within the Team (for example WIMI)
• Ensure proper documentation, archiving, and administrative support for all project activities, leveraging on the use of EF tools
• Support logistical and operational aspects of project implementation.

4. Coordination and Communication with Team Leader

• Develop an efficient coordination mechanism with the Team Leader to ensure clear role distinctions and to avoid duplication of effort.
• Ensure there’s an ease of communication with the Team Leader towards providing regular updates on key issues, including on operational progress and challenges.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in economics, finance, international relations, international trade, or a related field;
• At least 3 years of professional experience in project management, supervision, or coordination;
• At least 3 years of professional experience in trade and on AfCFTA;
• Experience with donor-funded projects is required, with a strong understanding of reporting mechanisms;
• Familiarity with key actors and issues in international cooperation and development assistance;
• Previous experience of working with either the government, intergovernmental organizations or private sector on international trade related issues is a requirement;
• Professional experience in Eastern Africa is desirable;
• Previous experience working with Expertise France is strongly desired.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Strong abilities in:
  • Project management
  • Communication
  • Team work and interpersonal relations
  • Synthesis and writing
• Excellent proficiency in English (written and spoken) – Amharic is an asset;
• Expertise in budget management and financial monitoring tools;
• Excellent planning, organizational and reporting skills;
• Organization, autonomy, and adaptability;
• Resilience and ability to handle unexpected circumstances;
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work in diverse environments.

Additional information

Employee contract under local law, via a third-party employer company

Duration of the contract: Fixed-term contract of one year renewable with the possibility of renewal