Technical Advisor (Strategy - ECX), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background

Mission Statement

The Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX) is a new initiative for Ethiopia. The vision of ECX is to revolutionalize Ethiopia's tradition bound agriculture through creating a new market place that serves all market actors, from small holder farmers to traders, possessors, exporters and consumers. The ECX is a unique partnership of different market actors, members of the exchange and the main promoter, the government of Ethiopia. ECX creates opportunities for un paralleled growth in the commodity sector and linked industries, such as transport, and logistics, banking and financial services and others.

ECX assures all commodity market players the security they need in the market through providing a secure and reliable End-to –End system for handling grading and storing commodities, matching offers and bids for commodity transactions, while serving all fairly and efficiently. ECX creates trust and transparency through aggressive market data dissemination to all market actors, through clearly defined rules of trading , warehousing , payment and delivery and business conduct and through an internal dispute settlement mechanisms. ECX provides market integrity at three important levels, the integrity of the product itself, the integrity of the transaction and the integrity of market actors.

ECX Management

The Proclamation governing the exchange states that its management will operate on an independent and professional basis, on commercial terms. The senior management of the ECX will be composed of a chief Executive Officer and Officers in different fields of specialization. In order to enhance the success of this new and strategic initiative ECX was being managed by a team of internationally recruited top caliber professionals, with deep domain of knowledge with experience of working conditions in Ethiopia The government of Ethiopia has committed to an ECX transition plan in which an international management transition team shall manage the exchange and build internal capacity for a period of 3 years, alongside top notch nationally recruited staff. Upon the request of Ethiopia the United Nations Development programme (UNDP) has been providing funds and recruited an international management team of 6 professionals since July 2008.

In view of further consolidating the capacity of the ECX to contribute to a vibrant marketing and private sector development and realization of the Growth and Transformation agenda of the Ethiopian government, UNDP agreed to the request of the Ethiopian Government to extend its support to ECX till Dec 31, 2013 through assignment of international advisors in order to support the transition plan of the ECX board.

The Composition of the international management team includes

1) Chief Technical Advisor

2) Technical Advisor, Information Technology

3) Technical Adviser, Market Dissemination

4) Technical Advisor, Compliance and Enforcement

5) Technical Advisor, Strategy

The international management team will work closely with a pool of national experts with a view of transferring functions over a period of 2 years.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor, the Technical Advisor - Strategy, will be responsible for the following:

Policy advisory

• Business strategy formulation and strategic planning for the Exchange over the short to medium term.
• Branding, corporate communications, marketing, membership recruitment.
• Proposals for restructuring or re-alignment, for corporate planning, capital injections, and strategic alliances with global exchanges.

Management

• Management of sales team to recruit and work with Members of the Exchange
• Management of communications and marketing team to develop communications campaign, publications, and branding and other outreach activities
• Management of market research team to undertake studies of new commodity sectors and scope for additional membership

Planning

• Performance tracking and identification of strengths, challenges, and opportunities affecting the health and viability of the enterprise, for business development initiatives including new contracts, new products, new offerings, and new members.

Coordination, Networking, Capacity Building

• Work closely with Trading Operations unit to ensure that business strategy is smooth and progressing as planned and to determine readiness for new products
• Work closely with Compliance and Risk Management officers to determine readiness and risks associated with launching new Members, introducing new types of contracts, or new commodities.

Competencies

Communication

: Is able to present information clearly and persuasively; seeks out the ideas and views of others; is adaptable but consistently professional, concise and engaging; ensures that messages are understood and that input from others has been heard.

Results / Quality Orientation

: Is able to set high standards and maintain the commitment, motivation and energy to achieve them while at the same time ensuring high quality of programs and services.

Adaptability / Behavioral Flexibility

: makes decisions in sometimes ambiguous circumstances; tailors procedures to different people, situations, and issues. Adjusts strategies and behaviors as new information becomes available and as priorities change.

Team Work

: works collaboratively with others, demonstrating commitment to achieve group objectives, understanding the needs and goals of others and adapting own views and behavior when appropriate.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Masters degree in Finance, Communications, Business Management, Economics or related fields.

Experience

:

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible work experience in business process, business architecture, with good knowledge of accounting/ auditing, and commodity or securities trading.

Language Requirements

:

• Fluency in English

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Technical Advisor (Information and Technology ECX), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background

Mission Statement

The Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX) is a new initiative for Ethiopia. The vision of ECX is to revolutionalize Ethiopia's tradition bound agriculture through creating a new market place that serves all market actors, from small holder farmers to traders,, possessors, exporters and consumers. The ECX is a unique partnership of different market actors, members of the exchange and the main promoter, the government of Ethiopia. ECX creates opportunities for un paralleled growth in the commodity sector and linked industries, such as transport, and logistics, banking and financial services and others.

ECX assures all commodity market players the security they need in the market through providing a secure and reliable End-to–End system for handling grading and storing commodities, matching offers and bids for commodity transactions, while serving all fairly and efficiently. ECX creates trust and transparency through aggressive market data dissemination to all market actors, through clearly defined rules of trading, warehousing, payment and delivery and business conduct and through internal dispute settlement mechanisms. ECX provides market integrity at three important levels, the integrity of the product itself, the integrity of the transaction and the integrity of market actors.

ECX Management

The Proclamation governing the exchange states that its management will operate on an independent and professional basis, on commercial terms. The senior management of the ECX will be composed of a chief Executive Officer and Officers in different fields of specialization. In order to enhance the success of this new and strategic initiative ECX was being managed by a team of internationally recruited top caliber professionals, with deep domain of knowledge with experience of working conditions in Ethiopia The government of Ethiopia has committed to an ECX transition plan in which an international management transition team shall manage the exchange and build internal capacity for a period of 3 years, alongside top notch nationally recruited staff. Upon the request of Ethiopia the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been providing funds and recruited an international management team of 6 professionals since July 2008.

In view of further consolidating the capacity of the ECX to contribute to a vibrant marketing and private sector development and realization of the Growth and Transformation agenda of the Ethiopian government, UNDP agreed to the request of the Ethiopian Government to extend its support to ECX till Dec 31, 2013 through assignment of international advisors in order to support the transition plan of the ECX board.

The Composition of the international management team includes

1) Chief Technical Advisor

2) Technical Advisor, Information Technology

3) Technical Adviser, Market Dissemination

4) Technical Advisor, Compliance and Enforcement

5) Technical Advisor, Strategy

The international management team will work closely with a pool of national experts with a view of transferring functions over a period of 2 years.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor, the Technical Advisor – Information Technology, will be responsible for the following:

Policy Advisory

• Providing vision and leadership for developing and implementing information technology initiatives and for directing the planning and implementation of IT systems in support of Exchange operations.
• Creating and refining a technology strategy for the Exchange based on an in-depth understanding of the business processes and information flows in a way that ensures that the business strategy and IT investments are aligned.
• Designing the Systems Architecture of the entire automation of the Business operations (including warehouse operations, central depository, trading system, order management, clearing house, and market dissemination), as well as systems for Corporate Services (Human Resources, Accounting, and Finance and Accounting), as well as Member management and Badge identification and security.
• Designing the Network Infrastructure and Architecture.
• Designing systems and procedures for Data Warehousing and for System Security

Management

• Matching business needs with upgrades and in-house systems development or customization of off-the-shelf technologies.
• Managing the efficient and streamlined identification of IT needs and the procurement of hardware and software in line with needs.
• Managing the data depository and on and off-site storage and retrieval systems, for the deployment of backup systems, and for maintaining the security of the Data Center.
• Managing on-site and off-site IT technical support of operations as well as data security.
• Managing IT applications development, IT network and system administration, and IT operations and support

Planning

• Establishing corporate targets for IT implementation and project timetable and rollout
• Developing an IT procurement plan
• Developing system installation, quality assurance, and system integration plan

Coordination, Networking, and Capacity Building

• Establishing corporate targets for IT implementation and project timetable and rollout
• Developing an IT procurement plan
• Developing system installation, quality assurance, and system integration plan
• Transfer knowledge and skills to national staff in the framework of the ECX Transition Plan

Competencies

Communication

: Is able to present information clearly and persuasively; seeks out the ideas and views of others; is adaptable but consistently professional, concise and engaging; ensures that messages are understood and that input from others has been heard.

Results / Quality Orientation

: Is able to set high standards and maintain the commitment, motivation and energy to achieve them while at the same time ensuring high quality of programs and services.

Decision Making

: Confident in his/her capabilities and judgment and take decisions or make choices while ascertaining the risks and being conscious of his/her responsibilities.

Problem Analysis

: Identifies, defines, and analyzes operational problems and situations, and anticipates potential roadblocks. Simplifies complex problems, sees causal links, and generates solutions to problems based on sound judgment and awareness of the potential implications of these solutions; generates original ideas, and/or utilizes existing solutions/ideas in new and innovative ways.

Adaptability / Behavioral Flexibility

: makes decisions in sometimes ambiguous circumstances; tailors procedures to different people, situations, and issues. Adjusts strategies and behaviors as new information becomes available and as priorities change.

Team Work

: works collaboratively with others, demonstrating commitment to achieve group objectives, understanding the needs and goals of others and adapting own views and behavior when appropriate.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

:

• Masters degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.

Experience

:

• More than 10 years of progressively responsible work experience in information technology, system architecture, design and development, data center management, technology planning and related areas.

Language Requirements

:

• Fluency in English

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Technical Advisor (Compliance and Enforcement - ECX), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background

Mission Statement

The Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX) is a new initiative for Ethiopia. The vision of ECX is to revolutionalize Ethiopia's tradition bound agriculture through creating a new market place that serves all market actors, from small holder farmers to traders, possessors, exporters and consumers. The ECX is a unique partnership of different market actors, members of the exchange and the main promoter, the government of Ethiopia. ECX creates opportunities for un paralleled growth in the commodity sector and linked industries , such as transport, and logistics, banking and financial services and others

ECX assures all commodity market players the security they need in the market through providing a secure and reliable End-to–End system for handling grading and storing commodities, matching offers and bids for commodity transactions, while serving all fairly and efficiently. ECX creates trust and transparency through aggressive market data dissemination to all market actors, through clearly defined rules of trading, warehousing, payment and delivery and business conduct and through internal dispute settlement mechanisms. ECX provides market integrity at three important levels, the integrity of the product itself, the integrity of the transaction and the integrity of market actors.

ECX Management

The Proclamation governing the exchange states that its management will operate on an independent and professional basis, on commercial terms. The senior management of the ECX will be composed of a chief Executive Officer and Officers in different fields of specialization. In order to enhance the success of this new and strategic initiative ECX was being managed by a team of internationally recruited top caliber professionals, with deep domain of knowledge with experience of working conditions in Ethiopia The government of Ethiopia has committed to an ECX transition plan in which an international management transition team shall manage the exchange and build internal capacity for a period of 3 years, alongside top notch nationally recruited staff. Upon the request of Ethiopia the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been providing funds and recruited an international management team of 6 professionals since July 2008.

In view of further consolidating the capacity of the ECX to contribute to a vibrant marketing and private sector development and realization of the Growth and Transformation agenda of the Ethiopian government, UNDP agreed to the request of the Ethiopian Government to extend its support to ECX till Dec 31, 2013 through assignment of international advisors in order to support the transition plan of the ECX board.

The Composition of the international management team includes

1) Chief Technical Advisor

2) Technical Advisor, Information Technology

3) Technical Adviser, Market Dissimination

4) Technical Advisor, Compliance and Enforcement

5) Technical Advisor, Strategy

The international management team will work closely with a pool of national experts with a view of transferring functions over a period of 2 years.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor, the Technical Advisor – Compliance and Enforcement, will be responsible for the following:

Policy Advisory

• Formulation and amendment of the Rules of the Exchange and By-Laws
• Advise on the Exchange Authority Directives
• Amendments and extensions to existing and new Rules
• Development of internal compliance procedures and review standards
• Design of audit trail system and accounting requirements
• Review of Membership requirements and due diligence standards
• Make recommendations on disciplinary action.

Management

• Manage team to monitor Compliance to rules at all levels of the Exchange enterprise, such as rules governing the Exchange itself, the Membership, Clearing and Settlement, Warehousing and Delivery, financial audit and accounting and other rules.
• Manage team to conduct investigations
• Exercise judgment and professionalism in determining needed disciplinary actions by the Exchange
• Manage the operations of the Exchange Arbitration Tribunal, in the settlement of the commercial disputes between Members, and between Members and the Exchange.

Coordination, Networking, Capacity Building

• Coordinate closely and operate in parallel with the Exchange General Counsel, the Risk Management department, and the Internal Auditor and Operations Comptroller of the Exchange.
• Formally interact and liaise with the Exchange Authority
• Liaise with other relevant regulatory bodies: central bank, government ministries, Auditor General, Federal High Court, among others.
• Design capacity building plan for national regulators through links and study missions to international regulatory bodies and agencies abroad.

Competencies

Communication

: Is able to present information clearly and persuasively; seeks out the ideas and views of others; is adaptable but consistently professional, concise and engaging; ensures that messages are understood and that input from others has been heard.

Results / Quality Orientation

: Is able to set high standards and maintain the commitment, motivation and energy to achieve them while at the same time ensuring high quality of programs and services.

Decision Making

: Confident in his/her capabilities and judgment and take decisions or make choices while ascertaining the risks and being conscious of his/her responsibilities.

Problem Analysis

: Identifies, defines, and analyzes operational problems and situations, and anticipates potential roadblocks. Simplifies complex problems, sees causal links, and generates solutions to problems based on sound judgment and awareness of the potential implications of these solutions; generates original ideas, and/or utilizes existing solutions/ideas in new and innovative ways.

Adaptability / Behavioral Flexibility

: makes decisions in sometimes ambiguous circumstances; tailors procedures to different people, situations, and issues. Adjusts strategies and behaviors as new information becomes available and as priorities change.

Team Work

: works collaboratively with others, demonstrating commitment to achieve group objectives, understanding the needs and goals of others and adapting own views and behavior when appropriate.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

:

• Masters Degree in Law, Securities or Commodities Regulation or related field.

Experience

:

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible work experience in securities or corporate finance law, regulation, audit standards enforcement and related areas, with a thorough understanding of international trade and finance regulatory principles, securities and commodity exchanges.

Language Requirements

:

• Fluency in English

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Technical Advisor (Analytics Agricultural Transformation Agency), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background

The ATA is an initiative by the Government of Ethiopia (GOE) with the primary aim of promoting agricultural sector transformation by supporting existing structures of government, private-sector and other non-governmental partners to address systemic bottlenecks and deliver on a priority national agenda to achieve growth and food security.

The formation of the ATA is a result of two years of extensive diagnostic study across eight sub-sectors of Ethiopia's agricultural system in a highly-consultative, multi-stakeholder process conducted by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Its structure and function is focused on nimble, innovative and results-oriented support to a range of partners in the agricultural sector.

Programmatically, the ATA will focus on a set of high priority initiatives identified by an inter-ministerial Council chaired by the Prime Minister. There are expected to be 7 initial areas of focus, including seeds, markets/cooperatives, technology access and adoption and extension and research. Across the thematic initiatives, the ATA engages public, private and non-governmental stakeholders to support strategic planning, manage and strengthen implementation capacity and test innovative models. The ATA will be financed by GOE and a range of development partners.

The Technical Adviser of Analytics will work directly with the program directors from the 7 initial areas of focus to assist each program to develop visions, roadmaps and implementation support plans together with key stakeholders and implementation partners in the focus areas. The Technical Adviser will provide high-level guidance to the 5-10 analysts and program managers hired to support each program director. The ideal Technical Adviser would possess a passion for improving the lives of small-holder farmers, a deep familiarity with Ethiopia's agricultural system and extensive knowledge and experience in management consulting. S/he would likewise possess the entrepreneurial ability to visualize transformation, to mobilize stakeholders across system, to be innovative and to drive practical change on the ground.

This position will officially report to the Chief Technical Advisor (Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency).

Duties and Responsibilities

Major Responsibilities

• To assist Program Directors of the ATA in collaboration with key stakeholders and partners to develop program visions, and roadmaps and plans to support implementation of the initiatives that will achieve them.
• To provide guidance and management of the analysts and program managers hired to assist the program directors in the design and execution of the program initiatives.

Key Functions

• To lead program development and strategies for the 7 initial focus areas, with the understanding that this number might increase.
• Provide analytical support and some leadership coaching to the program directors and their departments as well as senior leadership.
• To ensure the analytical rigor and quality of all program work related to the ATA – both within, and across program areas; and in matters of sequencing and coordination within ATA activities and where necessary with respect to activities occurring in the wider Ethiopian agricultural landscape.
• Help to institutionalize genuinely collaborative problem solving with ATA's stakeholders and implementation partners, and to design the infrastructure that will constitute ATA's long term support to implementation in Addis and the regions.
• Help lead the capability development of the ATA – including in helping to institutionalize on-the-job learning as part of “How We Work”, and contributing to training and recruiting.
• Serve as a thought leader to help the creation and delivery of strategies and programs to enhance the ATA, and where appropriate helping to seek external peer review and counsel on ATA's approach.
• Contribute to the development of an institutionalized knowledge base for the ATA.
• Provide guidance to and manage work output of the program managers and analysts in each program area and contribute to their performance reviews and planning for their continued professional development
• Participate in a collaborative team environment with dynamic project settings.
• Regularly report to the CEO on progress, challenges and constraints of the work

Competencies

• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, start-up environment, with an emphasis on high performance, teamwork, accountability and results
• Ability to build relationships with all kinds of people.
• Highly facilitative and collaborative leadership style.
• Excellent adaptive problem-solver in challenging environment.Excellent analytical, leadership, and data gathering skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong set of personal values including integrity, honesty and desire to be of service.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

:

• Master's degree in Business Administration, or Master's / PhD in Agriculture or other relevant subject.

Experience

:

• At least 10 years of experience in management consulting with leadership experience
• Understanding of Ethiopia's agricultural system, with a broad perspective on how the entire system operates and how public, private and informal actors operate within the system
• Experience in prioritizing and sequencing both programmatic and operation activities
• Demonstrable track record of success with program design, performance management, learning systems and monitoring & evaluation.
• Practical experience in piloting and scaling up relevant solutions at the local level.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is essential.
• Fluency in at least Amharic and/or one additional Ethiopian language is a plus.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.