About the Organization
Expertise France is the French public international cooperation agency, acting under the supervision of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty. As a leading player in international technical cooperation, the agency designs and implements projects that sustainably strengthen public policies in developing and emerging countries. In Ethiopia, Expertise France is expanding its footprint to support the nation’s ambitious economic reforms and regional integration efforts through high-level technical assistance.
The ECOTRADE Project is a flagship initiative funded by the European Union, specifically designed to support the advancement and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement in Ethiopia. By focusing on a private-led value chain development approach, the project aims to increase intra-African trade, promote economic integration, and foster sustainable growth. The project aligns with Ethiopia’s Home-Grown Economic Reform Agenda (HGER) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, representing a pivotal contribution to the nation’s economic history.
Our organizational culture is built on the principles of technical excellence, transparency, and sustainable impact. We work closely with national authorities, the private sector, and academic institutions to foster a collaborative ecosystem. The project team is based in Expertise France’s new offices in Addis Ababa, ensuring proximity to stakeholders and beneficiaries while maintaining world-class operational standards.
Expertise France is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that a diverse workforce brings a wealth of perspectives that are essential for solving complex development challenges. We promote an environment where all employees, regardless of their background, can contribute to their full potential and grow professionally within a multicultural setting.
In line with the project’s specific objectives to increase women’s participation in commercial and logistics processes, Expertise France explicitly encourages women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. We are dedicated to building a gender-balanced workforce and providing a supportive environment for all professionals to achieve their career goals. We believe that inclusive hiring is essential for the holistic development of our organization and the success of the ECOTRADE project.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Project Assistant holds a pivotal role within the ECOTRADE Project Team, providing the essential administrative and operational support that allows technical experts to focus on high-impact delivery. This position is strategic in nature; by ensuring that communication flows smoothly and documentation is meticulously managed, the Project Assistant directly contributes to the project’s overall efficiency and the successful achievement of its regional integration goals.
In this role, you will be the focal point for coordination between the Project Team and the Country Office’s Finance, Logistics, and Procurement departments. Your ability to navigate complex procedures and maintain organized digital storage systems ensures that the project remains compliant and ready for institutional evaluation at any time. This operational excellence is the foundation upon which successful international development projects are built.
A “day-in-the-life” of a Project Assistant involves a mix of high-level coordination and detailed execution. You will lead on maintaining the team’s shared digital storage space, manage the Project Team’s calendar, and draft critical meeting notes that track project actions. Your work ensures that events and workshops run seamlessly, allowing for productive dialogue between the private sector and government authorities.
This position offers a significant opportunity for professional growth within the international development sector. Working on an EU-funded project provides exposure to international standards of project management, donor-funded procurement, and technical reporting. You will develop a deep understanding of the AfCFTA framework and how technical cooperation functions on the ground in a fast-growing economy like Ethiopia.
The impact of this role extends beyond the office. By supporting the ECOTRADE project, you are contributing to a transformative moment in Ethiopia’s history—helping the country integrate into global value chains and create meaningful employment. Successful candidates will find themselves in a learning-rich environment where proactive contribution and problem-solving skills are highly valued and rewarded.
Job Positions and Requirements
Project Assistant – ECOTRADE Project
Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, Business Management, Economics, or a related field. Applications from candidates whose degree studies are currently ongoing are also acceptable.
Work Experience: Previous experience as a Project Assistant is strongly required, with a minimum of 1 year of experience in a similar role. Experience with an international development partner (e.g., EU, Expertise France, AFD, GIZ) is an advantage.
Job Location: Addis Ababa
Salary: As per the organization scale
No. Required: 1
Employment Type and Compensation
This is a full-time professional position based in our new Expertise France offices in Addis Ababa. We offer a stable employment environment that adheres to international best practices in human resource management. As a public agency, Expertise France provides a structured environment for those looking to build a long-term career in international cooperation and project management.
The compensation package is competitive and designed to attract motivated professionals. It is aligned with the Expertise France salary scale, which takes into account the candidate’s education and relevant professional experience. In addition to a base salary, we offer a growth-oriented environment where performance is recognized through increasing levels of responsibility within the project team.
Joining Expertise France means becoming part of a global network of experts. We provide our staff with the tools and training necessary to excel, including familiarity with modern digital work tools (like wimi) and international procurement procedures. Our office culture encourages flexibility, independent thinking, and cross-functional collaboration.
How to Apply
The application process at Expertise France is designed to be straightforward and accessible. We emphasize the importance of your professional journey and your potential to contribute to our mission in Ethiopia. We are looking for individuals who are not only qualified but also passionate about the impact of regional trade and sustainable development.
Please note that scanned certificates or heavy attachments are NOT required during this initial application phase. We aim to keep the process digital-friendly and efficient. Your initial submission should focus on conveying your skills and experiences through your CV and cover letter submitted via the official portal.
Original documents and academic credentials will be required only for physical verification if you are invited for an interview. This ensures a more streamlined screening process for all applicants and protects the security of your documents. We value your privacy and appreciate your cooperation in following this protocol.
Please be advised that only shortlisted candidates who meet the specified criteria will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process. If you do not hear from us within a reasonable timeframe after the deadline, please consider your application unsuccessful at this time. We appreciate the effort and interest of every applicant.
Candidates interested in this opportunity are invited to submit their application as soon as possible through the official career portal. Expertise France reserves the right to proceed with the pre-selection before the final deadline. Applications sent via email or other channels will not be considered.
Application Deadline
May 27, 2026