Business Development Expert

About ESEDA

The Ethiopian Solar Energy Development Association (ESEDA) is a registered non-profit, member-based industry association working to advance Ethiopia's solar and clean energy sector. ESEDA advocates for supportive policy, quality standards, and market development on behalf of solar and clean energy micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). In line with Ethiopia's broader national climate goals and the evolving needs of its clean energy ecosystem, ESEDA is expanding its scope beyond solar to become a multi-technology Renewable Energy Association, incorporating hydro, wind, biomass, geothermal, and productive use of energy.

As part of this evolution, ESEDA seeks to establish an Independent Business Wing that serves as a dedicated, revenue-generating commercial arm of the Association, structured to complement ESEDA's advocacy and to strengthen the Association's long-term financial self-sustainability. The Independent Business Wing is responsible for developing commercial, advisory, and market-facing services that create tangible value across the renewable energy sector.

Position Summary

ESEDA is seeking an experienced and results-driven Business Development Expert to lead the growth agenda of its new Independent Business Wing. Reporting to the General Manager, the Business Development Expert will design and execute strategies that expand market access, strengthen commercial partnerships, and unlock financing and investment opportunities for independent solar and on/off-grid energy businesses, as well as enterprises operating across the wider renewable energy value chain.

The role combines strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, market intelligence, and revenue-generation responsibilities, and requires a professional who is equally comfortable engaging government officials, financiers, and grassroots entrepreneurs. The successful candidate will play a central role in positioning ESEDA's Independent Business Wing as a leading commercial and advisory platform for independent renewable energy businesses in Ethiopia.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Business Development

• Develop and execute a comprehensive business development strategy aligned with the objectives of the Independent Business Wing and ESEDA's broader institutional mission.
• Set annual business development targets, key performance indicators, and revenue goals in consultation with the General Manager.
• Translate ESEDA's strategic priorities into actionable work plans, budgets, and timelines for the Business Development function.
• Identify emerging market segments, technologies, and business models across the solar, off-grid,
• and broader renewable energy sector, and advise leadership on positioning accordingly.

Partnerships, Investment, and Market Access

• Identify, evaluate, and pursue new business opportunities, strategic partnerships, and revenue streams for enterprises operating within the solar and broader renewable energy sector.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, investors, development partners,financial institutions, and other key stakeholders relevant to the Independent Business Wing's commercial activities.
• Facilitate access to financing, investment, and technical assistance opportunities for member enterprises and independent renewable energy businesses.
• Lead negotiations and structure commercial agreements, memoranda of understanding, and partnership arrangements that create tangible value for the Business Wing and its stakeholders. Prepare and deliver persuasive business proposals, partnership agreements, and presentations to prospective partners and investors.

Market Intelligence Services

• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging trends, market gaps, and growth opportunities within the renewable energy industry, converting findings into saleable market intelligence products and reports.
• Produce periodic market briefs and sector updates as fee-based offerings for clients, in addition to informing ESEDA leadership and guiding the Business Wing's own commercial strategy.
• Track and analyze pricing, demand, and investment trends across the solar, off-grid, and broader renewable energy sub-sectors to inform both client-facing products and the Business Wing's internal strategy.
• Build and maintain a repository of proprietary market data and case studies that strengthens the Business Wing's credibility and differentiates its offerings from competitors.
• Identify opportunities to package research outputs into recurring engagements (e.g., quarterly briefings, annual sector outlooks) that generate predictable, ongoing revenue.

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

• Represent ESEDA's Business Wing at industry events, forums, trade fairs, and policy discussions to promote member interests and expand visibility.
• Collaborate with internal departments and member businesses to design programs, workshops, and initiatives that enhance member capacity and competitiveness.
• Contribute to policy advocacy efforts by gathering member input and communicating sector needs to relevant regulatory bodies.

Performance Management and Reporting

• Track, analyze, and report on business development performance, providing regular updates to the General Manager.
• Maintain accurate records of business development activity, including pipeline status, agreements concluded, and outstanding opportunities.
• Recommend course corrections to strategy and targets based on performance data and market feedback.