sequa gGmbH is a globally operating non-profit development organisation. Since 1991 sequa has carried out programmes and projects of international cooperation in close collaboration with the German private sector. sequa offers know-how and long-term experience in capacity development for chambers and associations (BMOs), vocational education and training, private sector development and trade promotion. The organisation is based in Bonn, Germany. sequa employs more than 100 persons (2022) and reported a turnover of EUR 58 m in 2021.

The Project

GIZ has been commissioned with the implementation of the project “Private Sector Development in Ethiopia” (PSD-E). PSD-E aims to benefit small and medium-sized enterprises, start-ups and small growth-oriented companies from improved growth opportunities. The target groups are owners and employees of SMEs, start-ups and small growth-oriented companies. This shall be achieved through five Outputs: (1) Institutional, human resource and technical strengthening of relevant public institutions, (2) Capacity enhancing of chambers and associations, (3) Strengthening the capacities and services of intermediaries in the innovation ecosystem, (4) Strengthening the capacity of private & public business development service providers, (5) Direct support to MSMEs and entrepreneurs affected by conflicts and crises.

sequa implements Output 5 of PSD-E project. The general objective of the intervention is to address the needs of the population affected by the crises by creating or securing employment and income prospects through business recovery and continuity support of Ethiopian SMEs from affected regions. Moreover, the support will provide access for the population to cost-effective, environmental and climate friendly as well as qualitatively appropriate products and services targeting basic foods, WASH, logistics, transport and ICT sectors.

The intervention measure primarily targets SMEs with high growth and employment potential, employing typically between 10 to 50 employees. They must already be established in the local market and offer access to helpful consumer goods or services needed by the crisis-affected population. SMEs with more youth, women, and IDPs/Returnees employees are given priority.

Scope of the assignment

The scope of this assignment is to provide Accounting and Finance support for up to 3 SMEs in basic foods, WASH, logistics, transport and ICT sectors. The experts is expected to improve their financial and accounting capacity, help them get working capital by improving their access to finance, and train them on financial procedures and practices.

Your tasks, responsibilities, and deliverables

The consultant is expected to provide the following work packages for the three SMEs supported:

Work package 1: Gap assessment and Status-quo analysis

• Reviewing financial statements and other financial documents;
• Controlling the cash flow of the company and its financial performance;
• Review existing manuals if applicable.

Deliverables  : Gap assessment report on the financial management system and recommendation;

Days : 2×3

Work package 2: Develop financial documentation and procedure manuals

• Based on gap assessment, developing appropriate financial manuals, e.g. financial documentation and procedures;
• Developing accounting standards if applicable.

Deliverables  : Providing financial procedure manual in English and Amharic languages;

Days : 5×3

Work package 3: Provide capacity building, training and improve access to finance

• Rendering training for finance staff of the company on how to keep books and accounts;
• Ensuring compliance with internal accounting procedures;
• Assisting the company in making healthy financial decisions;
• Dealing with tax-related financial problems;
• Enable beneficiary SMEs to get working capital by providing linkages to appropriate financing institutes and supporting them throughout the application process.

Deliverables  :

• Provide at least three training sessions of 2 hours on financial transactions;
• Training report on financial procedures and practices;
• At least three successful loan applications.

Days : 13×3

Total Days : 60

In addition, the consultant is expected to provide additional duties if needed.

Assignment Period: May 2023-December 2023

Working time scope: Up to 60 days within the assignment period, and expandable depending on personal qualifications and needs of the assignment

Project: Private Sector Development in Ethiopia (PSDE): Output 5

Job code: ETH-1023-Accounting and Finance consultant

Job Requirements

Your Qualification / Skills

• University Degree in Accounting, Finance and other related fields in social science
• Fluent in English and Amharic;
• Strong communication skills;
• Computer literacy (MS Office);
• Very good writing and reporting skills in English.

Your Working Experience

• More than 3 years of relevant professional experience in manufacturing and service sectors (most notably in food and WASH in Ethiopia);
• More than 2 years of experience in SME coaching on financial matters, including improving access to finance;
• Relevant experience in working with similar projects.