Strategic Transformation Adviser

KEY INFORMATION

 

Job Title: Strategic Transformation Adviser for a Financial Institution in Ethiopia

Sector: Economic Growth & Investment

Position Type (full/part time): Full Time

Duration/Level of Effort (long/short term):  Long Term (Initial 12 Months Contract) with potential 12 months extension upon satisfactory performance

Position Location (e.g. city, country, remote): Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (on site)

 

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT

 

Ethiopian Investment Advisory Facility – Phase 2 (EIAF2), funded by FCDO, delivers high‑impact, flexible, and demand‑led technical assistance to the Government of Ethiopia, with a particular focus on advancing reforms across strategic State‑Owned Enterprises and public investment and asset management. To support these reforms, EIAF2 intends to recruit and embed a full‑time adviser (Adviser) who will work closely with the leadership team and relevant oversight bodies of a financial institution (Financial Institution).

 

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

 

To support the Financial Institution’s transformation into a financially sustainable, market-oriented organisation that effectively contributes to Ethiopia’s national development goals.

 

The assignment will include, but will not be limited to the following activities:

 

• Supporting the development of a diagnostic assessment of the Financial Institution’s current strategy, governance, risk systems, workflow processes, capital structure, and product portfolio.
• Supporting the mapping and identification of regional and global DFIs to identify best practices and identify performance and / or capability gaps.
• Facilitating consultations with relevant GoE institutions and regulators, the private sector and development partner.
• Co-developing a detailed Transformation Roadmap with clear milestones, KPIs, resource (financial and human) requirements and implementation responsibilities.
• Providing technical support and guidance in designing new financial products, risk frameworks, and governance protocols.
• Designing and supporting the delivery of targeted capacity-building programs for senior management and key staff members.
• Institutionalising training and knowledge transfer activities to build ownership by the Financial Institution and ensure reforms can be sustained beyond the Advisor’s technical support. 
• Supporting the integration of ESG and climate-resilience criteria into the Financial Institution’s lending and investment policies.
• Assisting in preparation of documentation for potential capital-raising initiatives and partner engagement; and
• Delivering on other priority strategic initiatives assigned by the Financial Institution.

 

 

 

 

Deliverables

• Report outlining key deliverables and work plans across each quarter.
• Diagnostic assessment report with gap analysis, key findings and recommendations.
• Transformation roadmap (including strategic pillars, action plans, KPIs and resource implications) endorsed by the Financial Institution’s board of directors.
• Development of at least two new financial products for the Financial Institution. To include export-linked financial products and / or products to boost private sector investment into strategic sectors as outlined in Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda.
• Revised risk governance framework and implementation guidelines.
• High-level capital diversification strategy with assessments for selected instruments.
• Capacity development plan and training materials.
• Final consolidated report summarising all outputs, lessons learnt and recommendations for monitoring and evaluation.

 

Qualifications, Experience and Competencies

 

The Advisor must possess the following qualifications, experience and competencies:

• A track record of delivering complex institutional reform programs with measurable impact in financial institutions.
• Expertise in development finance, capital markets, financial risk governance and export finance, including best practices associated therewith.
• A strong understanding of Ethiopia’s macroeconomic landscape, financial sector reforms, and state-owned enterprise governance.
• Experience working with senior leadership teams of organisations and their board of directors to support and spearhead transformational initiatives.
• Experience leading, coordinating and consolidating contributions from a team of professionals.
• Consulting experience in Africa or other emerging markets (an advantage).
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentational skills; and
• Ability to deliver high-quality work within set deadlines.

 

Duration and Place of Performance

 

The assignment is expected to be completed within 12 months of the date of contract commencement. An extension of up to one additional year may be considered, contingent upon the consultant’s satisfactory performance. 

 

The Adviser will provide the services in-country and be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

 

Reporting, Oversight and Performance Management

 

The Adviser will report directly to the CEO of the Financial Institution. Progress of deliverables will be reviewed quarterly. Approval of deliverables will inter alia be based on the following key performance indicators:

• KPI 1: Deliverable Completion – all tasks outlined in the “Deliverables” section are fully executed and submitted.
• KPI 2: Quality of Output – all services and deliverables meet or exceed agreed quality standards; and
• KPI 3: Timeliness – deliverables are submitted within mutually agreed deadlines.

 

 

Ethical and Compliance Requirements

 

Full compliance with data protection and confidentiality protocols is required. Prior to commencing any work, the Consultant shall sign a formal Non‑Disclosure Agreement (NDA) provided by the Financial Institution. The NDA shall govern the Adviser’s obligations regarding confidentiality, permissible use of information, restrictions on disclosure, and secure handling of sensitive data.

Commitment to gender equality, environmental sustainability, and inclusive finance principles is required.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Candidates are encouraged to apply before 24 February 2026.

For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.

We thank all applicants, however only that shortlisted will be contacted.

ABOUT US

Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017.

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