The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) is seeking a qualified and experienced individual for the position of Senior Project Officer I: Accounting and Finance Mentor Agri-hub. ATI is a strategy and delivery-oriented government institute focused on accelerating the growth and transformation of Ethiopia’s agriculture sector.
Position: Senior Project Officer I: Accounting and Finance Mentor Agri-hub
- Term of Employment: One year with possibility of extension
- Duty Station(s): Oromia, (Based at Addis Ababa)
- Required Number: One
POSITION SUMMARY:
The SPO I, Accounting and Finance Mentor Agri-hub will work on a regional Agri-hub project, responsible for supporting and developing Agribusiness Enterprises. This involves assessing and identifying financial management gaps, reviewing existing practices, determining investment needs, analyzing financial statements, and recommending appropriate solutions. The role also includes facilitating access to finance and building enterprise capacity through training, mentoring, and introducing improved financial systems and software. The SPO I will report directly to the Regional Agribusiness and Systems Team Lead and work closely with the Business Advisor and Head Office Agri-finance team.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES (include, but are not limited to):
- Review and understand existing practices of data capturing, recording, and financial statement preparation/reporting of enterprises, recommending corrective measures based on international and domestic accounting principles.
- Review and understand financing and investment needs, recommending solutions to enhance performance.
- Analyze, appraise, and evaluate financial statements and audit reports for accuracy against modern accounting principles.
- Review capital structure and financial health/position of enterprises, suggesting appropriate financial mix solutions.
- Guide and assist enterprise financial/accounting staff in preparing financial statements reflecting past performance and future operations.
- Identify, create linkages, and strengthen relationships with financial institutions in consultation with enterprise management, Advisory Board, and AGRIHUB project team.
- Support regional Agrihub teams in guiding and orienting Agri MSMEs on banking services, documentation, and financial recording to enhance bankability.
- Engage and negotiate with local and international financial institutions to secure loans.
- Guide and support enterprises in loan application, disbursement, and payment schedules.
- Introduce, install, and provide training on modern data capturing, processing, costing, and financial analysis templates and reporting systems.
- Assist in preparing budgeting, financial forecasting, and cash flow requirements, recommending financing modes.
- Assess, analyze, and produce reports with recommended techniques for improving internal control systems.
- Report performance and brief progress updates regularly.
Required Qualification, Competencies, and Experience:
- Education: Master’s degree in finance, Accounting, Financial Management, Management, or other relevant fields.
- Experience: At least 6 years of experience in Agriculture and/or agro-processing companies with a proven track record of preparing national and internationally acceptable financial statements, developing financial and cost accounting standards & manuals.
- Skills & Competencies:
- Thorough academic understanding of business topics (finance, marketing, strategy) and practical work experience.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills; ability to effectively engage and influence mentees and financial institutions.
- Fluency in English and Afan Oromo, written and spoken, is essential; knowledge of other local Ethiopian languages preferred.
- Self-driven individual with ability to drive work with minimal supervision; demonstrated track record of organization, multi-tasking, and time management skills.
- Strong set of personal values including integrity, honesty and desire to be of service.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
- Required Skills: Financial management, Accounting.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
- We invite all candidates meeting the required qualifications to submit:
- A cover letter.
- A CV (maximum 5 pages).
- Submit your application to: https://apply.ati.gov.et.
- It is mandatory to mention the position title under the subject line of your cover letter.
- Please DO NOT submit scans of certificates with your application.
- Women are highly encouraged to apply.
- Note: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.