Private Sector Specialist

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The World Bank is a global development cooperative owned by 189 member countries. It works to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development by providing financial products, policy advice, and technical assistance to developing countries.

The Finance, Competitiveness and Investment (FCI) Global Practice supports private sector–led growth through financial sector development, market creation, innovation, and competitiveness reforms.

The Eastern and Southern Africa Region supports 26 countries, focusing on job creation, economic transformation, digital development, climate resilience, institutional reform, and inclusive growth.

JOB DESCRIPTION
The Private Sector Specialist will support the World Bank’s Finance, Competitiveness and Investment (FCI) program in Ethiopia. The role focuses on private sector development, lending operations, and analytical and advisory services. The position is based in Addis Ababa and reports to the Regional Practice Manager.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Work closely with Senior Private Sector Specialists in Addis Ababa and Washington.
  • Support policy dialogue with government counterparts on private sector development.
  • Facilitate business-to-government dialogue on policy and regulatory reforms.
  • Contribute to and support lending operations and advisory and analytical projects.
  • Assist in project design, implementation, and monitoring across the project cycle.
  • Prepare analytical reports, research notes, and policy briefs.
  • Coordinate with IFC, development partners, and other World Bank Global Practices.
  • Support donor coordination and stakeholder engagement.
  • Promote cross-sector collaboration and problem solving.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

  • Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, Business, Management, Entrepreneurship, or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience.
  • Experience in private sector development, productivity, competitiveness, or investment climate reforms.
  • Experience working with international organizations or development partners is preferred.
  • Prior experience in Ethiopia or Sub-Saharan Africa is an advantage.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

  • Strong knowledge of private sector and financial sector development.
  • Experience in lending operations and analytical advisory services (ASA).
  • Understanding of investment climate, SME development, entrepreneurship, trade, and competition.
  • Strong writing, research, and presentation skills in English.
  • Ability to work with government counterparts, donors, and private sector stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication, teamwork, and client engagement skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Preferred language: Amharic.

JOB LOCATION
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

EMPLOYMENT TYPE AND SALARY

  • Full-time, Local Recruitment
  • Contract Duration: 3 years
  • Grade: GF
  • Sector: Financial Sector
  • Salary and benefits according to World Bank Group policies

HOW TO APPLY
Apply online through the World Bank Careers website.

Job ID: req35605
Closing Date: March 3, 2026 (11:59 PM UTC)

Apply link