Project Officer (Market Study and Business Plan Development – SME-Ecosystem)

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is the largest Finnish development cooperation organisation and the second largest provider of humanitarian assistance. We operate in 15 countries, where the needs are most dire. We work with the poorest people, regardless of their religious beliefs, ethnic background or political convictions.

FCA Investments (FCAI) is an impact investor specialising in developing countries and fragile states. FCAI is 100% subsidiary of FCA and seeks to build on the core competencies of FCA which has been in operation for 70 years and leverage these to ensure that the investments we make are not only sustainable but that they have a significant positive impact on the people in the countries we operate in.

Role Purpose

FCA Investments (FCAI) is seeking a dynamic and qualified Project Officer to contribute to the successful implementation of our project concerning the Ethiopian Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) ecosystem and associated project deliverables.

Specific Responsibilities

• Help map the Ethiopian SME ecosystem’s business environment, investment climate, actors, culture, and attitudes through desk research and record key partners in a partner database.
• Arrange interviews and a round-table event with key development actors.
• Collect data for the feasibility study through desk research.
• Distribute the survey to approximately 300-500 potential respondents through partner organizations.
• Organize and facilitate focus group discussions with 60 participants by recruiting and screening suitable participants and analysing the data.
• Transcribe 20-30 interviews and analyse interview data.
• Assist in the development of a comprehensive business plan.
• Write narrative mid-term and final project reports.
• Write progress reports about the project to Ethiopian government officials as required by the government.
• Plan and oversee the implementation of project activities.
• Ensure that project activities comply with the project requirements and guidelines.
• Prepare and host weekly and monthly project meetings with the project team.
• Write brief monthly reports that include progress towards objectives, possible concerns, risks to successful project implementation, and an estimation of how much project funds have been spent.
• Ensure that all project activities are carried out on time, within the budget, and aligned with the objectives and requirements.
• Control budget spending and expenses against the project budget.
• Check and review timesheets, gather pay slips, employment contracts, and detailed salary accounting.
• Compile all project spending in a ‘compilation’ Excel for the auditor (with the finance officer) and support the auditing and closing activities.

Qualifications & Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, particularly in research and development projects.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with the Ethiopian business environment and government structures.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Fluent in both English and Amharic.