Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Skilled Workforce for Innovation and Financial Sector Transformation (SWIFT) Program in Ethiopia

Job description for Environmental Expert

The SWIFT (Skilled Workforce for Innovation and Financial Sector Transformation) Program in Ethiopia is a partnership between the National Bank of Ethiopia and the Mastercard Foundation aimed at equipping, through the Ethiopia Institute for Financial Studies, about 100,000 young people with market-relevant skills and capabilities that will enable them to drive inclusion, innovation and transformation in the country’s financial sector. The SWIFT Program targets young people, 70% of them women, who are either already employed or looking for employment in the financial sector and need upskilling and/or reskilling.

The lead implementing partner for SWIFT is BKP Economic Advisors (BKP), an economic research and consulting firm based in Germany. Running for four years (2025-29), the Program will have the following five main focus areas: i) Expanding, revising and developing modern finance education curricula and training modules; ii) Establishing a training curricula-oriented research and knowledge hub to inform financial policy and practice in financial inclusion and industry innovation; iii) Establishing online learning platforms and digital tools to make financial training accessible to underserved youths; iv) Supporting NEWFin (Network of Ethiopia’s Women in Finance) by providing targeted support for young women professionals; and v) Upgrading EIFS’ IT, curricular and accreditation capabilities

Environmental Expert (full-time)

The Environmental Expert will oversee environmental risk management within the SWIFT Program. They will ensure the program adheres to environmental safeguards and promotes sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Conduct environmental and climate risk screening of SWIFT program components and activities to identify potential environmental impacts.
  • Develop an Environmental Management Plan and ensure that environmental safeguards are integrated across the program’s implementation and procurement processes.
  • Advise on environmentally responsible design of digital infrastructure, training facilities, and procurement practices.
  • Monitor compliance with the ESMP and applicable donor environmental guidelines, including periodic environmental reporting.
  • Provide guidance to the program team and implementing partners on environmental best practices, mitigation measures, and climate adaptation strategies.
  • Ensure that environmental criteria are included in Terms of Reference (ToRs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and evaluation of technical offers.
  • Support capacity building for EIFS and partners on environmental sustainability and compliance practices.
  • Collaborate with the MEL Expert to develop and report on environmental indicators and ensure alignment with broader sustainability goals.
  • Engage with national environmental authorities and stakeholders to ensure alignment with Ethiopian environmental regulations and priorities.
  • Document and disseminate lessons learned and innovations related to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices within the program.

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Sustainability, Climate Change, or a closely related field.
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in environmental and climate risk management, preferably within donor-funded or development programs.
  • Demonstrated experience conducting environmental assessments and preparing Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs).
  • Solid understanding of environmental safeguarding policies, procedures, and compliance standards of international donors.
  • Familiarity with sustainable procurement practices and green infrastructure development.
  • Experience advising programs on integrating climate resilience and environmental sustainability into design and implementation.
  • Ability to train and mentor staff and partners on environmental compliance, mitigation, and monitoring.
  • Strong analytical and reporting skills with a track record of producing practical guidance documents and tools.
  • Experience collaborating with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and local communities on environmental governance issues.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical concepts clearly to non-specialist audiences.
  • Proficiency in English and at least one Ethiopian language.

Employment Terms

  • Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (with occasional travel as needed).
  • Contract Type and duration: March 2026 – June 2029. The role will initially be engaged on a level of effort basis during year 1, with an expected transition to a full-time position from year 2 onward, subject to satisfactory performance and program requirements. 
  • Reporting To: Resident Program Manager.

Application Method

  • Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their application – a cover letter and an updated CV only– to opportunities@swiftethiopia.org. Please use the subject line “Application – Environmental Expert” and ensure all documents are submitted in PDF format.

Application Deadline

  • Applications must be received no later than 4 March 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.

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