Business Development Advisor – Jigjiga – AEC Business Consulting PLC

AEC Ethiopia supports entrepreneurs to grow their business to improve livelihoods and to create thriving communities. 

We have a diverse staff, who all embody the company’s culture. In addition to the skills above, all candidates must demonstrate our core values:

• Purpose: be solutions-oriented and produce high-quality work and be a global leader.

• Achievement: Showing up over and over again to get the work done right. 

• Improvement: Be humble and committed to continuous learning and growing. Improve through giving and receiving open and accurate feedback

• Bravery: willing to take risks and create a safe space for others. Be compassionate and inclusive.

• Turikumwe/Tuko Pamoja/Abren Nen/Waliin Jirra/We are Together: We appreciate our colleagues, celebrate success, and support each other in hard times. 

AEC Ethiopia seeks a highly talented and experienced Business Development Advisor to work directly with entrepreneurs to help them develop the skills to scale their businesses. The BDA will help launch an entrepreneurship development program in Kabribeyah refugee camp and host community. Reporting to the Business Development Manager, the BDA will be the person to run training delivery, strategic consulting, entrepreneur relationship and a supervisor to the Business Advisor. 

TRAINING:

• Manage training for all incoming refugee and host entrepreneurs in the Micro Business Solutions Department;

• Implement training as part of the ongoing classes scheduled for AEC entrepreneurs;

• Deploy a wide variety of training methods – both in person and digital – iterating as needed;

• Develop new and review existing content to match entrepreneurs needs and refugee business dynamics;

• Draft training reports and update the online reports;

• Mobilize and follow up on entrepreneurs to ensure high attendance;

• Coordinate with Training Support Associate for smooth logistics;

• Participate in capacity building workshops on a range of topics related to business growth, including HR, accounting, finance, marketing, human centered design and innovation.

STRATEGIC ADVISING & ENTREPRENEUR RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT: 

• Conduct business assessment to identify entrepreneurs needs and market opportunities;

• Develop business strategies and comprehensive business plans for entrepreneurs;

• Generate financial statements, forecasts, and profitability analyses for entrepreneurs;

• Develop and implement accurate financial reporting and booking systems for entrepreneurs;

• Assist entrepreneurs with implementation of business plan recommendations;

• Advise entrepreneurs on financing and investment opportunities/challenges;

• Help entrepreneurs prepare for financing or investment opportunities (Investment and equity financing);

• Provide expert advice; help entrepreneurs to navigate challenges and make sound business decisions

• Conduct assessments of entrepreneur businesses to understand business needs, challenges, and opportunities;

• Conduct research on the industry, competitors, and customers;

• Manage entrepreneur relationships and provide a single point of contact for assigned entrepreneurs;

• Manage the schedule and delivery of services throughout entrepreneur engagements;

• Regularly track and report on progress of entrepreneur work and deliverables;

• Maintain and organize entrepreneur files;

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: 

• General maintenance of entrepreneur files, reports and coordination with colleagues.

• Work with the Executive team to develop annual goals for AEC Business Consulting.

• Contribute to staff meetings, annual retreats, monthly entrepreneur Services meetings. 

• Participation in on-going entrepreneur tracking and implementing AEC’s impact evaluation programs every quarter/year 

• Represent AEC Business Consulting in partners meeting and any other events in camps as assigned

• Participate in the development of AEC goals, strategies, and planning

• Represent AEC Business Consulting in the local business community and at conferences or other events

• Keep up to date on latest business and industry trends in Ethiopia and across Africa

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about entrepreneurship, and have the skills and experience to help entrepreneurs make lasting change to their businesses. We are seeking candidates who work quickly and thoroughly, collaborate, and are both kind and serious. 

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications: 

• Skilled/ with expertise in market linkages and value chain management to MSMEs;

• Excellent Somali, English and Amharic;

• Experience in working with refugees (Kabribeyah camp / Somali region) and to be a native from Jigjiga region would be an advantage;

• Background in finance or ability to produce financial reports/projections for entrepreneurs; 

• Deep understanding of go-to market strategies and growth strategies for businesses in the area of consumer goods; 

• Past experience writing business plans in preparation for investment;

• Ability to work with high-profile individuals and companies by demonstrating exemplar levels of professionalism; 

• Strong presentation and training skills, and ability to teach others business concepts;

• Possess business acumen, original thinking; 

• Excellent computer skills – including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Odoo, Kobo collect, Google Drive, etc.

• 3+ years’ experience, work with MSMEs is required; 

• Bachelor’s degree required in a Business related field; 

• Additional Master’s studies or CPA skills preferred; 

• Good at translation from English to Somali language would be an advantage

• Ready to reside in Jigjiga.

• Fun, collaborative work environment

• Opportunity to work with a talented, passionate, and committed team of professionals

• Challenging work and the opportunity to grow and develop your skills

• Ability to make a significant social impact and contribute to economic growth 

• Competitive benefits package – health insurance, staff savings program, parental leave, sabbatical program, and more.

COMPENSATION

Compensation includes salary and potential KPI-based bonus, healthcare, retirement benefits, flexible annual leave, possible travel in East Africa, professional development opportunities, and the chance to connect with colleagues across East Africa in a supportive and inclusive environment. In addition, this role is a tremendous opportunity to work in a high-growth, mission-driven organization.