Marketing and Access to Market Advisor

Job Description

The project “Private Sector Development in Ethiopia” (PSD-E), implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Government and co-financed by the European Union (EU), contributes to Ethiopia’s reform efforts of promoting a private sector-led economic transformation. The project specifically aims to strengthen the Ethiopian private sector to become more competitive and resilient. This is accomplished by strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of local, transformative companies with high growth potential and scalable business models, start-ups in the growth phase and other MSMEs – especially those that act as service providers, suppliers or customers of the transformative companies. The project also works with financial institutions (FIs) and the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) to improve the conditions for companies to access finance. Additionally, it also supports Ministry of Revenue (MoR) and Ethiopian Customs Commission (ECC) to improve selected customs and tax procedures. Finally the project also and strengthens the resilience of, particularly women-led MSMEs, in (post-)conflict regions in Ethiopia by enhancing their business performance and creditworthiness.

The relevant intervention area for this job advertisement is to cooperate with larger companies with growth potential and scalable business models in particular, as well as innovative, technology-based start-ups in the growth phase that offer innovative products or services. The focus sectors and sub sectors of the intervention include circular and green economy, digitalization and ICT, health service and pharmaceuticals and Agri business. The objective is strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of local, transformative companies with high growth potential and scalable business models, start-ups in the growth phase.

This position contributes to improving access to both domestic and export market by enhancing the commercial viability of their products/services and shifting from production-led models to market-driven models. The advisor works closely with companies, privates sector players and government institutions.

To support the above-described intervention area, the PSD-E project is looking for an experienced, dynamic and proactive Marketing and Access to Market Advisor (m/f) with in-depth expertise in branding, access to market for companies and project management in international organizations.

Thus, are you an expert in market system development and are very familiar with the goods and service market landscape of Ethiopia? Do you have experience with working in international institutions? Are you passionate about working directly with transformative companies and growing businesses? Do you have excellent communications skills? Then apply for this exciting position!

Job Summary:

The Advisor on Marketing and Access to Market will be responsible for enhancing the commercial viability of Ethiopian companies (SMEs and large enterprises). The primary goal is to shift businesses from production-led models to market-driven models. This role focuses on three pillars: improving product branding, professionalizing marketing operations, and facilitating sustainable domestic and international market linkages.

Key responsibilities and Duties:

Advisory Service:

Brand Audit & Development: Evaluate the current branding of portfolio companies and provide technical guidance on developing unique value propositions (UVPs).
Product Positioning: Assist companies in diversifying their product portfolios to meet the specific quality and packaging standards of premium domestic and export markets.
B2B Facilitation: Identify and broker relationships between local suppliers and “anchor buyers” (e.g., supermarkets, industrial park tenants, and international buyers)
Export Readiness: Navigate technical barriers to trade and sanitary/phytosanitary requirements to help companies enter European, Middle Eastern, and African (AfCFTA) markets.
E-Commerce Integration: Facilitate the adoption of digital marketplaces and payment gateways to streamline B2C and B2B sales
Market Intelligence: Develop and disseminate market briefs on consumer trends, competitor pricing, and emerging trade regulations in Ethiopia.
Project Management/Coordination:

Manage contracts with national and international consultants (i.e., including steering of weekly meetings, close follow-up to ensure high quality of their deliveries and timely financial reporting, etc.)
Work closely with cross-functional teams to create and monitor detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, and performance indicators; esp. proactive contribution to GIZ’s Economic Competitiveness team
Build and maintain robust relationships with government agencies, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing
Where appropriate and reasonable, the position holder shall perform tasks outside the scope of the job description

About You
Qualifications and experience:

Master’s degree in Marketing, Economics, International Trade, or Business Administration
At least 5 years of experience in marketing and access to market consultancy.
Proven experience in Export Promotion and knowledge of international quality certifications (ISO, GlobalGAP, FairTrade).
Proficiency in digital marketing tools and data analytics.
Strong understanding of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the WTO
Skills:

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and present it clearly.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools.
Excellent IT skills (MS Office, in particular Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and MS Teams) and good presentation skills are a must.
Language Proficiency:

Excellent knowledge of English and Amharic both in speaking and writing