This EU-funded project focuses on supporting supporting the advancing implementation of the AfCFTA in Ethiopia with a focus on a private-led value chain development approach to increasing intra-African trade, promoting greater economic integration, sustainable growth, and creating jobs.

The four specific objectives of the project are:

• Specific Objective 1: The private sector is actively engaged alongside the government to support the AfCFTA’s successful implementation
• Specific Objective 2:  Regional value chains are integrated, and trade/transport connectivity is facilitated with a focus on increasing women's participation in commercial and logistics processes;
• Specific Objective 3: Relevant authorities in the implementation of the AfFTA are supported;
• Specific Objective 4: Academic institutions and research institutions are supported.

The project team will be based in Expertise France’s offices in Addis Ababa, ensuring proximity to stakeholders and beneficiaries.

The Project Assistant will provide crucial administrative, logistical, and procurement support to the ECOTRADE Project team, ensuring the efficient and effective implementation of project activities. The Project Assistant will work closely with the Team Leader, Deputy Team Leader, Project Manager and Finance Manager.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of the Team Leader and Deputy Team Leader, and in coordination with the Project Officer and Finance Manager, the Project Assistant will undertake the following activities in strict compliance with Expertise France procedures:

1.       Procurement and Logistics

• Develop and implement a Procurement Plan aligned with the Project's Activity Plan, ensuring the timely procurement of goods and services.
• Manage procurement and logistics requests for project activities, including sourcing service providers and suppliers, obtaining quotations, and preparing comparative bid analyses.
• Prepare and manage tender documents (RFQs, ITBs, RFPs), oversee the bidding process, organize bid openings, and evaluate supplier proposals, ensuring transparency and compliance.
•   Establish and maintain a regularly updated database of qualified vendors and service providers, including performance records and compliance documentation, in accordance with procurement policies.
• Maintain comprehensive and organized procurement records, including solicitations, proposals, evaluations, contracts, purchase orders, and correspondence, in line with Expertise France and EU regulations.
• Ensure project operations and procurement processes align with Expertise France and EU rules, and project implementation frameworks.
• Coordinate logistics for project events, workshops, training sessions, and meetings, including venue booking, participant registration, travel arrangements, and material preparation.
• Manage inventory of project assets and supplies, ensuring proper record-keeping and maintenance

2. Administrative support

• Ensure the availability, security, and proper management of office supplies, equipment, and consumables, managing stock levels and initiating timely replenishment. 
• Maintain and regularly update databases of contracts, tenders, legal commitments, and other important project documents. 
• Oversee the proper archiving and storage of project-related documents (both physical and electronic) for easy retrieval and audit purposes, in compliance with Expertise France archiving policies. 
• Provide administrative support, including handling travel arrangements (visas, transportation, accommodation), booking tickets, processing mission orders, and supporting event logistics. 
• Assist in organizing project meetings, workshops, and conferences, including preparing agendas, taking minutes, and preparing summary reports. 
•  Manage incoming and outgoing correspondence, including drafting letters, emails, and other communications.
• Support the preparation of project reports (progress reports, financial reports, etc.) by compiling information and formatting documents. 

3. Communication support

• Assist the Project Officer in preparing communication materials, including drafting articles, blog posts, and social media content.
• Support the dissemination of project information to stakeholders through various channels.
• Maintain and update contact lists of project partners and stakeholders. 
• Assist in organizing press conferences and other media events. 

4. Database management

• Develop and maintain a database of consultants and other professionals relevant to the project's objectives, including their expertise, contact information, and availability.
• Regularly update the database with new contacts and information
• Assist in identifying and recruiting consultants for specific project tasks.

5. Other duties

•  Provide support for project-related research and data collection as needed
• Translate documents as required 
• Undertake any other ad hoc tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Team Leader and Deputy Team Leader, commensurate with the skills and experience required for this role.