Overview

Provide strategic guidance on DLT and blockchain in capital markets.

You have:

• A minimum of 10 years of general experience in software engineering or information technology field and proven experience in developing decentralised exchange platforms, blockchain applications, or smart contracts for financial services.
• Proficiency in blockchain development frameworks and programming languages such as Solidity, Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric, or similar.
• Strong understanding of distributed systems, cryptography, and consensus algorithms commonly used in blockchain networks.
• Familiarity with database technologies such as SQL, NoSQL, etc.
• Knowledge of financial instruments, market microstructure, and trading workflows.
• Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• Specialised courses or certifications on blockchain technology from reputable institutions.
• Fluency in English.

We don’t just talk, we do. Lead the change with us.

At the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, we work with political leaders around the world to drive change. We help governments turn bold ideas into reality so they can deliver for their people. We do it by advising on strategy, policy and delivery, unlocking the power of technology across all three. And by sharing what we learn on the ground, so everyone can benefit. We do it to build more open, inclusive and prosperous countries for people everywhere.

We are a global team of over 800 changemakers, operating in more than 40 countries, across five continents. We are political strategists, policy experts, delivery practitioners, technology specialists and more. We speak more than 45 languages. We are working on over 100 projects, tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. We’re all here at TBI to make a difference.

In a world of ever more complex challenges, we believe diversity of background and perspective is a strength. We pride ourselves on a culture that values and nurtures difference. We are dedicated to unlocking potential, not only for the countries we work in but also for each of our team members. No matter where you’re from or who you are, if you’re passionate about the transformative power of progressive politics, we invite you to build a better future with us.

Role Summary

We are seeking a talented and experienced professional to become an integral part of our dynamic team as Technology Advisor, Distributed Ledger Technologies for Capital Markets. The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of knowledge spanning across technology and experience in technology development and advisory in both government and private sectors. The Advisor will be responsible for providing strategic guidance to the government to lay down the right technology architecture in the development of Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) based market infrastructure for Ethiopia’s capital markets, including fostering market conditions conducive to the adoption and localisation of DLT/blockchain technology in capital markets. The Advisor will play a key role in supporting the design, development, and implementation of decentralised exchange platforms and applications leveraging the power of DLT and blockchain. Working closely with the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) and the Ethiopian Capital Markets Authority (ECMA), the Advisor will provide technical and strategic advice to both entities and support the development and adoption of exchange systems based on DLT/blockchain. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in software engineering, solutions architecture, DLT/blockchain, capital markets and a passion for innovation in the financial sector.

The Advisor will also support the development of policy and regulatory frameworks for DLT/blockchain adoption in capital markets that can be reviewed and tested at ECMA’s regulatory sandbox. Additionally, the Advisor will leverage support from TBI Ethiopia’s Digital and Tech Transformation team working across eGovernment, Digital ID, and Data and Artificial Intelligence under the day-to-day technical guidance of the Manager, Digital and Tech Transformation. The role will capitalise on the wide range of expertise and resources across TBI particularly Global Client Solutions (GCS) and Partnerships & Initiatives (PI) teams, to bring the best of TBI to our government clients.

This is a full-time, 12-month contract (with the possibility of extension) preferably based in Addis Abeba.

However, we would consider applicants not currently based in, or with a right to work in Ethiopia to work remotely with occasional travel to Addis Abeba.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Assessment and Implementation

• Guide the ESX and ECMA teams in assessing the capital markets landscape, and technology architecture, including stakeholder mapping and provide recommendations on opportunities to use DLT/blockchain in the market.

• Advise on the scope of research on the use of new technologies, in particular DLT/blockchain for Ethiopia’s capital market.
• Conduct best practices analysis to identify relevant countries from whom key lessons can be captured in the use of frontier technologies for new capital markets

• Develop a localisation strategy for Ethiopia’s capital markets technologies leveraging DLT/Blockchain.

• Regulatory and Compliance

• Shape the development of legal and regulatory frameworks to guide DLT/blockchain adoption in Ethiopia’s capital market based on best practices.

• Ensure that all DLT/blockchain-based solutions comply with local and international regulatory standards.
• Work with ECMA to review and test these frameworks in the regulatory sandbox environment.
• Guide on the legal and regulatory implications of using DLT/blockchain technology, including smart contracts.
• Conduct regular assessments to ensure ongoing compliance with evolving regulations and standards.
• Advise on adherence and compliance to regulatory standards (e.g., SEC, FINRA) and industry best practices.

• Liaise with other regulatory bodies to ensure both ECMA and ESX stay updated on new regulations and ensure the exchange systems are compliant.

• Development and Implementation

• Support the design, development and deployment of ESX’s main technology platform including decentralised exchange platforms and applications utilising distributed ledger technology and blockchain frameworks that provide integrated solutions for the issuance, trading, settlement, and custody of digital assets.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, define technical specifications, and architect solutions for decentralised exchange systems.
• Guide the implementation of smart contracts and protocols that facilitate peer-to-peer trading, asset tokenisation, and settlement on blockchain networks.
• Advise on the integration of decentralised identity, authentication, and authorisation mechanisms into exchange systems to ensure security and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Provide expert support on the design and implementation of cryptographic algorithms and protocols for secure asset custody, transaction validation, and consensus mechanisms.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to internal teams and external stakeholders on blockchain technology, decentralised finance (DeFi), and tokenised assets.
• Provide strategic recommendations for optimising the performance and scalability of DLT/blockchain-based exchange systems through protocol enhancements, network optimisations, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to ensure timely delivery of milestones and project goals.
• Stay abreast with emerging DLT/blockchain technologies, industry trends, and regulatory developments to continuously improve exchange system designs and architectures.

• Collaborate with external partners, DLT/blockchain communities of practice, and open-source projects to leverage existing tools, libraries, and standards for decentralised exchange development and opportunities for innovation.

• The Advisor will be required to work with other advisors in TBI Ethiopia and GCS from time to time.

Person Specification

• Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of general experience in software engineering or information technology field and proven experience in developing decentralised exchange platforms, blockchain applications, or smart contracts for financial services.

• Proficiency in blockchain development frameworks and programming languages such as Solidity, Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric, or similar.
• Strong understanding of distributed systems, cryptography, and consensus algorithms commonly used in blockchain networks.
• Familiarity with database technologies such as SQL, NoSQL, etc.
• Experience with blockchain toolchains, development environments, and DevOps practices for continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD).
• Knowledge of financial instruments, market microstructure, and trading workflows.
• Understanding of legal and regulatory implications of using blockchain technology, including smart contracts, and awareness of industry-specific regulations and standards in the finance sector.
• Experience in planning and conducting business and technical stakeholder interviews, undertaking requirements analysis, and performing current state system analysis and systems development.

• Prior experience working on digitisation programmes/projects in emerging markets, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, is highly desirable.

• Skills and Competencies

• Excellent project management skills, including prioritising tasks, managing resources, and mitigating risks effectively.

• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyse complex issues, debug code, and devise innovative solutions in a dynamic environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Self-motivated and proactive with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for delivering high-quality software solutions on time and within budget- leading initiatives independently with minimal supervision to achieve project goals and objectives.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities and requirements.

• Must be fluent in English.

• Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.

• Specialised courses or certifications on blockchain technology from reputable institutions.

Closing Date:

2025-02-02

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: institute.global