Maritime Commercial and Market Expert – Azerbaijan

Aninver Development Partners SL (www.aninver.com) is looking for a Maritime Commercial and Market Expert for a transport consultancy assignment financed by EBRD in Azerbaijan.

Aninver Development Partners is currently preparing a proposal for an upcoming transport sector consultancy assignment in Azerbaijan, supported by the EBRD. We are seeking a qualified Maritime Commercial and Market Expert to join our expert team for a comprehensive commercial and technical due diligence project focusing on regional shipping operations.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in evaluating market demand, transport flows, and the commercial viability of maritime investments within the Caspian Sea basin and along the Middle Corridor. This position requires deep industry expertise to support strategic investment decisions and ensure compliance with international standards.

Aninver is preparing a proposal for this assignment. The selected expert will be part of the proposed team; the engagement is conditional on the contract being awarded to Aninver. The full Terms of Reference for the position are shared with shortlisted candidates.

Objectives of the assignment

• Conduct a comprehensive commercial and market assessment for maritime transport operations in Azerbaijan.
• Evaluate market demand and transport flows across the Caspian Sea and the Middle Corridor for dry cargo, container, and general cargo segments.
• Assess the commercial viability of constructing multipurpose dry cargo vessels to inform institutional investment decisions.
• Review the operational and market performance of existing merchant and offshore support vessel fleets.

Scope of work

• Analyze transport flows across the Caspian Sea and the Middle Corridor, evaluating market demand for dry cargo, container, and general cargo segments.
• Assess the commercial parameters and market positioning of proposed multipurpose dry cargo vessel designs.
• Review commercial operations, fleet performance, and market competitiveness of the national shipping company's merchant fleet.
• Collaborate with technical, financial, and environmental specialists to deliver integrated due diligence findings.
• Conduct stakeholder consultations and site visits to management facilities in Azerbaijan.
• Contribute to the preparation of comprehensive commercial and market due diligence reports for the donor.

Your role as Maritime Commercial and Market Expert

• Lead the commercial and market due diligence workstream for the maritime sector assignment in Azerbaijan.
• Examine regional trade patterns, cargo throughputs, and modal split dynamics along strategic transport corridors.
• Assess vessel earnings potential, freight rate structures, and charter market conditions.
• Evaluate the commercial justification and traffic forecasts for new vessel construction investments.
• Draft detailed commercial assessment reports and input sections for the broader due diligence deliverables.
• Participate in client meetings, site visits, and presentations with project stakeholders.

Requirements

• Excellent knowledge of and experience (10 years or more) in assessing maritime investment projects, particularly dry cargo, container and general cargo segments
• Languages: Fluency in English is essential

Desirable

• Experience in similar assignments in the Caspian Sea basin is a plus
• Previous professional experience in similar assignments within the Caspian Sea basin and the Middle Corridor.
• Familiarity with EBRD or other international financial institution procedures and transport sector strategies.

An experienced maritime commercial specialist with 10+ years in dry cargo and container segment evaluations, ideally with a strong track record of assignments in the Caspian Sea region.

Assignment details

• Location: Azerbaijan
• Financed by: EBRD
• Sector: Transport
• Estimated duration: 4 months
• Contract: individual consultancy (conditional on award)

About Aninver Development Partners

Aninver is an international development consulting firm headquartered in Spain. It supports governments, development banks, UN agencies and bilateral donors with feasibility studies, technical assistance, evaluations and capacity building across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Asia-Pacific, working with a network of international and national experts.

Why apply

• Join a multidisciplinary team on a EBRD-financed project in Azerbaijan.
• Individual consultancy: flexible, output-based engagement with an experienced proposal team.
• Your CV stays in Aninver's expert network for future assignments that match your profile.

How to apply

Sign in (or create a free account) and upload your CV in English. Add your LinkedIn profile, indicative daily rate and availability to speed up the assessment. Aninver will contact the shortlisted candidates.

Frequently asked questions

Is the position confirmed? The engagement depends on the contract being awarded to Aninver. Shortlisted experts are included in the proposal with their consent.

Can I apply if I am not based in the country? Yes, unless the requirements say otherwise; relevant regional experience is an asset.

What happens with my CV? It is used to assess your fit for this and future positions and is not shared with third parties without your consent.