Horn Africa Consultants Firm (HACOF) is a fully-fledged international development agency dedicated to creating sustainable impact across the East and Horn of Africa. Operating in Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Sudan, as well as Mozambique in Southern Africa, we provide solutions to governments, multilateral institutions, humanitarian, and development partners. Since 2012, we have been at the forefront of delivering tailored solutions to address diverse challenges with innovative strategies.

HACOF is currently preparing a bid for a regional research assignment covering the East, Horn, and Great Lakes region. As part of this effort, we are assembling a team of qualified consultants with strong in-country expertise.

HACOF is seeking a Country Researcher/Analyst to lead field-level research activities in Ethiopia as part of a prospective regional study on area-based financing for displacement-affected municipalities. The assignment is based in Jigjiga City, Somali Regional State, with possible travel within country.

The study adopts a mixed-methods approach; qualitative-heavy with selective quantitative elements and focuses on how financing flows, governance structures, and markets interact at the municipal level to support sustainable outcomes for displaced populations and host communities.

SCOPE OF WORK

The selected consultant will support the following activities:

• Lead or contribute to field-level data collection and stakeholder engagement within the designated municipality/commune.

• Conduct key informant interviews (KIIs) with local authorities, subnational administrators, development partners, and community representatives.

• Analyze subnational budgets, fiscal transfer frameworks, and project-level financial data relevant to the study site.

• Map financing flows — both on-budget and off-budget — at the municipal/commune level.

• Assess institutional and political constraints affecting subnational financing for displacement-affected communities.

• Support the identification of alternative financing opportunities including diaspora flows, private sector, and development finance instruments.

• Contribute to the preparation of country-level synthesis inputs and financing pathway recommendations.

• Participate in validation workshops at both subnational and national levels.

• Support preparation of deliverables including inception report inputs, KII summaries, and draft analytical sections.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree (Master's level minimum) in economics, public finance, development studies, or social sciences.

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in forced displacement, decentralization, local governance, or subnational PFM in Ethiopia.

• Demonstrated knowledge of Ethiopian intergovernmental fiscal transfer systems and subnational budget processes.

• Experience conducting KIIs and stakeholder engagement with government, donors, and implementing partners.

• Strong networks with relevant subnational and national actors in Ethiopia, particularly in the Somali Regional State.

• Fluency in English required; Somali and/or Amharic an advantage.

• Prior experience on regional or multi-country research studies is an asset.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical and report-writing skills in English.

• Familiarity with subnational planning, budgeting, and fiscal systems.

• Experience working with or interviewing government officials, UN agencies, donors, and NGOs.

• Understanding of forced displacement, durable solutions, or related humanitarian/development programming.

• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet tight deadlines.

• Proficiency in qualitative data collection and mixed-methods research design.

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following to hr@hacof.com with the subject line "Ethiopia Country Researcher – [Your Name]":

• A cover letter (maximum 1 page) outlining relevant experience and suitability for the role.

• An updated curriculum vitae (CV) with at least three professional references.

Application Deadline: Rolling: early applications encouraged. Shortlisting will begin immediately upon receipt.