Our client, FSD Ethiopia, is a newly established development agency that aims to strengthen the financial sector ecosystem in Ethiopia by addressing constraints to an effective, transparent, stable, and inclusive financial system. FSD Ethiopia will work alongside the Government of Ethiopia, public sector stakeholders, the private sector, development partners and other actors in the financial system to make Ethiopia’s financial system work better for businesses and households. 

FSD Ethiopia was registered in February 2022 as a Foreign Organization and is supported by UK Aid and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. FSD Ethiopia is incubated by FSD Africa, a specialist development agency that works to make finance work for Africa’s future. 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Main Purpose of the Job 

The Financial Markets Lead is responsible for leading the design, implementation, and management of FSD Ethiopia’s financial markets projects. The job holder will lead the coordination of the Pillar’s interaction with FSD Africa, funders and country stakeholders, providing their technical expertise and leading the pillar team in conceptualizing, implementing and managing financial markets projects, including capital markets, money markets and credit markets. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

• Lead the development of programme strategy, ensuring personal understanding of and engagement with the goals of the Pillar. 
• Lead the Financial Markets team in identifying and developing a portfolio of implementing partners and projects that will collectively contribute to FSD Ethiopia’s intended outcomes and impact. 
• Lead the design and development of specific Financial Markets programme interventions including capacity building, advisory and implementation support to key partners and stakeholders. 
• Develop terms of reference for engagement of external resources to support the implementation of Financial Markets projects. 
• Prepare proposals for approval by the CEO or the Board as needed. 
• Support the Director of Programmes in Risk and Results monitoring for the Financial Markets Pillar portfolio of projects. 
• Participate in the transition of ongoing programs in the Financial Markets Pillar from FSD Africa to FSD Ethiopia and continue to take lead in setting up FSD Ethiopia’s capability in Financial Markets, including recruitment, contracting and stakeholder management. 
• Lead the coordination of the Pillar’s contribution to programmes design and implementation, ensuring effective management of the pipeline and portfolio in the Financial Markets pillar.
• Lead and manage the implementation of special (preparatory, exploratory, or innovative) projects within the Financial Markets Pillar. 
• Manage specific Financial Markets projects by providing backstopping support and/or taking overall responsibility for such projects. 
• Build and/or manage relationships with implementing partners, consultants, and both private and public sector stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of projects and prompt resolution of challenges that may arise. 
• Participate in the development of resourcing plans and budgets for respective projects; including negotiating budgets with implementing partners as required. 
• Contribute towards resource mobilization e.g., by developing detailed plans and budgets for funding proposals and assisting in identifying and securing funding. 
• Coordinate with the Procurement team to monitor procurement plans for respective projects to ensure effective management of external resources. 
• Oversee the monitoring of the Financial Markets Pillar spends and support in re-budgeting or taking necessary corrective action 
• Oversee the preparation of periodic programme updates to the IC and external stakeholders, including toolkits and lessons learned. 
• Ensure the collection of all required quantitative and qualitative data from project stakeholders as per the project plan and monitoring reporting and measurement (MRM) framework, following up as necessary to ensure accuracy and completeness. 
• Ensure that project measurement and intervention outputs/milestones achievement trackers are updated quarterly. 
• Coordinate with the MRM team to collate, analyze, and use quantitative and qualitative data and liaise with the Communications and Advocacy team to ensure effective dissemination. 
• Participate in monitoring, result management, and learning for projects being implemented, ensuring objective analysis of results and appropriate corrective actions.
• Lead stakeholder mapping for the pillar, identifying key decision makers/power brokers and participating in developing innovative ideas for influencing them and/or transforming their mindsets. 
• Develop content for relevant written pieces and reports on specific areas for dissemination aiming to influence/ communicate on topical issues in Financial Markets. 
• Contribute to the Pillar’s advocacy and communications activities, engaging in and overseeing thought leadership activities, events, forums etc. within the areas of responsibility. 
• Participate in networking events and/or convene stakeholders to build awareness and influence the thinking around specific Financial Markets areas. 
• Oversee the maintenance of the Financial Markets database including key financial sector trends, risks and opportunities to inform knowledge products and presentations.
• Coordinate the Financial Markets Knowledge Management activities such as the development of toolkits, research notes etc. 

Professional Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in Finance, Banking, Commerce, Business, Accounting, or other relevant fields. 
• Relevant professional qualifications in Project Management or related will be an advantage. 
• At least ten (10) years of relevant experience with three (5) years of supervisory experience managing teams and financial resources in equivalent roles.
• Experience in financial market environments – capital markets, money markets, credit markets or others. 
• Certification in financial management, accounting, leadership, and other related fields. 

Core Competencies 

• Demonstrate high levels of integrity. 
• Ability to operationalize short term plans, programs and budgets developed at the strategic and senior management level. 
• Ability to implement plans, programs, SOPS, and coordination of workflows. ● Interpersonal and leadership, people management skills. 
• Project management and implementation skills. 
• Formal presentation skills. 
• Ability to write complex reports and proposals. 
• Analytical skills. 
• Problem-solving skills. 
• Demonstrated strategy skills and capacity to conceptualize, structure and supervise projects/programs. 
• Ability to build personal and institutional relationships and networks. 
• Fluency in both English and Amharic working languages is required 

Closing Date: April 27, 2022 

How to Apply 

YES invites all well-qualified candidates to apply. Please send an electronic submission of a CV and cover letter to apply@yes.et with the subject title: Financial Markets Lead or apply directly on LinkedIn. Applications may be reviewed as they are submitted, until the application deadline. 

Completion of satisfactory employment reference checks, background checks, and proof of education are essential conditions of employment.