We are hiring Ethiopian Desk Officer at our Delegation Office in Nairobi!
About the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce for Eastern Africa
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce for Eastern Africa (Delegation), fosters positive bilateral business relations between German and East African companies. As part of the worldwide network of 150 AHK and Delegate offices in over 90 countries worldwide, coordinated by the DIHK in Berlin, it is the voice of German industry in the region, specifically, in Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.
Since 2024, the Delegation established the “Ethiopia Desk”, based within its Nairobi office, to provide in-depth information on Ethiopia for German companies and partners and also to be a contact point for Ethiopian companies and institutions with regard to bilateral business relations. The Desk will also cooperate with the commercial entity at the Delegation, AHK Services Eastern Africa Ltd, in providing commercial services such as market entry facilitation, organising business delegations and conferences for the Ethiopian market.
We also cooperate with several partners from the development sector in various fields such as energy, water, vocational training, market access or innovative business approaches.
Your role at a glance
The Ethiopian Desk Officer will report to the Regional Coordinator Eastern Africa at the Delegation and will work in close cooperation with the Management and the Service and Projects team at AHK Services Eastern Africa Ltd. The aim is to enlarge the market insights on Ethiopia, and to conduct projects and facilitate partnerships between Ethiopian and German companies and organizations. In this context, the Ethiopian Desk Officer will conduct desktop research, but also regularly travel to Ethiopia to assist in deepening the networks on site.
Your responsibilities will include:
Market Information and Market Entry Facilitation
- Conduct desk and market research, collect data, identify market trends and opportunities, analysis of data
- Research and analysis of official Ethiopian government documents and notifications relevant for bilateral trade relations
- Translation from Amharic to English (if possible, also to German) and vice versa
- Respond to incoming inquiries related to trade between Germany and Ethiopia, e.g. import/export or market entry related queries to help facilitate trade between Ethiopia and Germany
- Contribute to AHK’s knowledge base and to deliver relevant and up-to-date information on Ethiopia
- Represent the Delegation at meetings, events etc on site in Ethiopia
- Enlarge the Delegation’s public and business networks in Ethiopia
- Identify and market opportunities for new projects and initiatives
Who we are looking for:
- You have proven solid knowledge of the Ethiopian market with proven networks in Ethiopia
- You are excited about business, international business relations and business advisory
- You have a residence/work permit in Kenya
- You are able to regularly travel to Ethiopia
- You have a good professional network in Ethiopia
- You have at least 3 years of work experience in project management, research, event management and/or business advisory, if possible, in Ethiopia.
- You hold a master degree in business studies, social sciences, economics, environmental management or a related field
- You are able and keen to research new market information and are able to adapt that to clients’ needs
- You have experience in working in an international team or with international clients and possess strong confidence and self-awareness in intercultural setting
- You enjoy a customer-driven job and are able to stay organized through constant people interaction
- You have strong writing skills for client communication as well as concise research write-ups
- You are determined, resilient and cope well under stress
- German language skills are not required but are an added advantage
You will fit into our culture if:
- You enjoy a busy work environment with multiple tasks, projects and activities
- You adapt quickly to new demands
- You enjoy working in international teams and have strong communication and interpersonal skills
- You are willing and able to adhere to German business practices and standards
- You are excited about being a part of a dynamic team moving Eastern Africa forward through business and trade, industry linkages, and strengthening the business ecosystem at large.
Why work with us?
- Be part of an active business-oriented, international and collaborative team driving economic development through business expansion and growth
- Get exposed to interesting projects, networks and events
- Competitive local remuneration and health insurance
Other information
- Please note that presently, the role is limited until end December 2025 due to the project status of the new “Ethiopia Desk”. An extension is intended and very likely but cannot be guaranteed today.
- The role is based in our Nairobi office – regular travels to Ethiopia (and possibly some to Germany) are required within the scope of the role.
- Send in your application by 31st December, 2025.
- Ideal start date is 1st February 2025.
Interested?
- Send us your application tailored to this role including a CV and relevant supporting documents
- Please describe in a cover letter why you are interested in this position and what makes you the perfect fit for this position
- Indicate your level of the Amharic and German languages as well as your status in Kenya
- Indicate your salary expectations and your earliest starting date
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the role is filled.
All applications and full documents should be sent to the Nairobi Office: Mr Antony Kariuki (HR), applications@kenya-ahk.co.ke
For more information: https://www.kenia.ahk.de/