Project Director – MSME Ecosystem Deployment
Africa Electronic Trade GroupAbout This Role
This is a high-stakes implementation leadership role, not a desk-based advisory position. As Project Director, you will be the operational engine behind a multi-region initiative aimed at transforming Ethiopia’s small business ecosystem. The role demands someone who can manage complex stakeholder relationships—from government agencies to financial institutions—while keeping field teams accountable for real-world outcomes like digital adoption and job creation. It suits a seasoned project leader who thrives on building systems from the ground up and has a proven track record in delivering large-scale development projects.
What the Requirements Say About This Role
The profile sought is a hybrid of a seasoned program manager and a strategic diplomat. The emphasis is not just on years of experience but on demonstrated ability to coordinate across diverse sectors—finance, trade, and development. You likely need deep familiarity with Ethiopia’s MSME landscape and the ability to navigate bureaucratic and logistical bottlenecks. The role implies you have previously managed budgets exceeding several million birr and led teams across multiple locations.
How to Approach This Application
Focus your application on concrete examples of leading multi-stakeholder projects in Ethiopia, especially those involving government alignment and private sector partnerships. Highlight any experience with digital financial inclusion, market linkage programs, or logistics support for small businesses. Avoid generic leadership claims; instead, quantify your achievements—e.g., number of MSMEs reached, budget size managed, or regions covered. The employer will prioritize candidates who can demonstrate both strategic vision and hands-on field management.
Who This Role Suits
This role is best suited for an experienced project director who has delivered complex, multi-region development initiatives in Ethiopia. Given the scale and seniority, expect strong competition from candidates with a mix of NGO, government, and private sector backgrounds.
About the Role
- AeTrade Group is launching a large-scale Integrated MSME Handholding and Business Growth Project to empower SMEs, youth-led enterprises, women-led businesses, cooperatives, traders, and producers. We are seeking a Project Director to lead project implementation across regions, driving digital adoption, financial inclusion, market access, logistics support, and job creation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead planning, launch, and scale-up of the MSME handholding project.
- Supervise senior project management and field teams.
- Engage government, financial institutions, development partners, and private sector
stakeholders. - Ensure efficient budget management, reporting, and compliance.
- Drive training, capacity building, and continuous MSME support.
- Monitor and evaluate project outcomes, ensuring impact delivery.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Project Management, Development Studies,
Finance, Entrepreneurship, International Trade, or related field. - 10+ years of progressive experience in project leadership, enterprise development,
financial inclusion, or digital platforms. - 5+ years in senior management leading large teams and multi-stakeholder projects.
- Proven experience managing large-scale projects with government, financial
institutions, and development partners. - Fluency in English and Amharic required; additional local languages an advantage.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership and project execution ability.
- Experience managing large field teams and complex structures.
- Deep understanding of MSME development, financial inclusion, and digital trade.
- Excellent stakeholder management and partnership-building skills.
- Strong analytical, budgeting, and performance management skills
How To Apply
Submit the following to [email protected] with subject line Application – Project Director, MSME Ecosystem Deployment:
Updated CV
Cover letter
Evidence of relevant project leadership experience
Contact details of three professional references
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Project Director – MSME Ecosystem Deployment
Africa Electronic Trade Group
