FCA Investments (FCAI) is seeking a dynamic and qualified Project Officer to contribute to the successful implementation of our project concerning the Ethiopian Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) ecosystem and associated project deliverables.

Specific Responsibilities

• Help map the Ethiopian SME ecosystem’s business environment, investment climate, actors, culture, and attitudes through desk research and record key partners in a partner database.
• Arrange interviews and a round-table event with key development actors.
• Collect data for the feasibility study through desk research.
• Distribute the survey to approximately 300-500 potential respondents through partner organizations.
• Organize and facilitate focus group discussions with 60 participants by recruiting and screening suitable participants and analysing the data.
• Transcribe 20-30 interviews and analyse interview data.
• Assist in the development of a comprehensive business plan.
• Write narrative mid-term and final project reports.
• Write progress reports about the project to Ethiopian government officials as required by the government.
• Plan and oversee the implementation of project activities.
• Ensure that project activities comply with the project requirements and guidelines.
• Prepare and host weekly and monthly project meetings with the project team.
• Write brief monthly reports that include progress towards objectives, possible concerns, risks to successful project implementation, and an estimation of how much project funds have been spent.
• Ensure that all project activities are carried out on time, within the budget, and aligned with the objectives and requirements.
• Control budget spending and expenses against the project budget.
• Check and review timesheets, gather pay slips, employment contracts, and detailed salary accounting.
• Compile all project spending in a ‘compilation’ Excel for the auditor (with the finance officer) and support the auditing and closing activities.

Qualifications & Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, particularly in research and development projects.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with the Ethiopian business environment and government structures.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Fluent in both English and Amharic.