Job Overview
• Position Title: Associate Business Advisor
• Job Category: Operations
• Requisition Number: ASSOC005226
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Work Arrangement: On-site
• Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Posted Date: December 31, 2025
About TechnoServe
• TechnoServe believes everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future
• For more than 50 years, TechnoServe has partnered with enterprising people in low-income communities
• The organization uses business and market-based solutions to create sustainable pathways out of poverty
• Increased incomes enable families to access better healthcare, education, and economic opportunities
Program Background – Smart Souks Initiative
• The Ethiopia Smart Souks Initiative builds on the success of the Smart Duka program in Kenya
• The program has supported over 57,000 micro-retailers
• Mobilized more than USD 5 million in capital
• Partnered with over 10 financial institutions and 50 manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors
• Established business groups and regional associations
• In Ethiopia, Smart Souks applies a cluster-based model targeting high-density condominium communities in Addis Ababa
• The program works through locally embedded Business Development Services providers
• Focuses on strengthening micro-retail systems, commercialization, and sustainability, especially in essential goods sectors
Position Description
• The Associate Business Advisor supports implementation of Smart Souks program activities
• Works closely with the Program Manager
• Ensures timely execution of activities and achievement of project goals
Key Roles and Responsibilities
• Implement program activities and deliver agreed outputs and outcomes
• Support identification, vetting, and selection of participating souks
• Lead baseline, midline, and end-line surveys
• Ensure training is delivered according to the approved curriculum
• Provide one-on-one coaching to souks owners
• Support formation of business associations
• Identify implementation risks and support mitigation actions
• Build and maintain relationships with government, private sector, financial institutions, and academic partners
• Maintain project work plans and timelines
• Prepare weekly, monthly, and quarterly progress reports
• Promote TechnoServe’s values, vision, and strategy
• Perform other duties assigned by the Program Manager
Minimum Required Qualifications and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, MIS, or related fields
• Minimum of 2 years experience consulting or working with micro-businesses in Addis Ababa
• Experience working with low-income communities
• Willingness to travel frequently to informal settlements
• Good understanding of current retail sector trends in Ethiopia
Skills and Competencies
• Strong report writing and analytical skills
• Proven stakeholder and client relationship management ability
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong problem-solving and innovative thinking skills
Location
• Addis Ababa, Ethiopia