About Acme Inc. is a U.S.-based emerging technology startup focused on building practical, affordable, and locally relevant software solutions for businesses, institutions, ministries, and organizations in Ethiopia. Our mission is to identify real market problems, develop high-impact digital products, and help organizations modernize their operations through technology. We are beginning early-stage market research and business development activities in Wolaita Sodo and nearby areas, with plans to expand into other cities across Ethiopia as the company grows. The Position We are looking for a motivated, professional, confident, and business-minded Local Business Development & Market Research Representative to support our early market discovery and client outreach efforts in Wolaita Sodo. The selected candidate will visit businesses, institutions, and organizations in person to identify software needs, understand operational challenges, collect market feedback, and generate potential client leads. This is a one-month contract role with the possibility of extension or long-term employment based on performance, business needs, and company growth. Key Responsibilities Market Research: Conduct field research in Wolaita Sodo and nearby areas to identify businesses and institutions that may need software solutions, including schools, clinics, hotels, retail shops, NGOs, and small and medium businesses relying on manual processes. Identify common pain points, technology gaps, and opportunities where software solutions can add value. Business Development & Client Outreach: Visit potential clients in person and professionally introduce the company, its mission, services, and future software solutions. Collect contact information from interested organizations and decision-makers, and build an early pipeline of potential customers, partners, and follow-up opportunities. Client Discovery: Interview business owners, managers, administrators, and staff to understand daily operational challenges. Document how organizations currently manage records, payments, inventory, customers, patients, students, staff, appointments, and reporting. Identify sectors with the strongest demand and willingness to pay for software solutions. Reporting & Documentation: Provide regular updates on daily field activity. Maintain organized records of businesses visited, contact persons, phone numbers, business needs, and follow-up opportunities. Submit findings in Excel, Google Sheets, or written report format, and deliver a final market research report at the end of the contract period. Qualifications Strong communication and interpersonal skills Good understanding of the local business environment in Wolaita Sodo or nearby areas Confidence speaking with business owners, managers, administrators, and decision-makers Comfortable conducting field-based outreach and in-person visits Good writing, reporting, and documentation skills Basic understanding of technology, software, or digital tools Ability to work independently with limited supervision Honest, disciplined, organized, and professional attitude Preferred: Background in business, marketing, sales, management, IT, software, or related fields Preferred: Experience in sales, market research, customer service, business development, teaching, or training Preferred: Familiarity with businesses, schools, clinics, hotels, restaurants, churches, and local organizations in Wolaita Sodo Preferred: Ability to speak Amharic and Wolaytegna; English communication is an added advantage Preferred: Ability to use Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Google Forms, or similar tools for reporting Additional Requirements Expected Deliverables by end of contract: Mapped list of key business sectors in Wolaita Sodo and nearby areas List of businesses and institutions visited with contact information for potential clients and decision-makers Pipeline of qualified leads and follow-up opportunities Documented customer pain points, current workflows, and software needs Competitor observations, if available Recommendation on which software products should be prioritized Final summary report with findings, opportunities, and next-step recommendations Performance will be measured by: number of businesses visited, quality of collected market information, number of qualified leads generated, clarity and completeness of reports, professionalism during client interactions, and reliability throughout the contract period. Compensation 10,000 ETB monthly contract pay, plus a field/transport allowance of up to 2,000–3,000 ETB. Job Type Contract (One month, with possibility of extension based on performance and business needs) Location Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia Disclaimer Acme Inc. values integrity, professionalism, skill, and commitment. All qualified applicants will be considered based on role fit, capability, and performance potential.
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