Job description

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is the implementing agency of the Federal Republic of Germany for technical and international cooperation. It offers flexible, sustainable and effective solutions in political, economic and social change processes. Most of the work of GIZ is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). GIZ also operates on behalf of other German ministries as well as public and private bodies in Germany and abroad. These include the European Commission, the United Nations, the World Bank and governments of other countries.

The “Integrated Water Catchment Management and Landscape Protection (AWARE 2.0)” project is cofinanced by the European Union (EU) and the Federal Ministry of Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ. AWARE 2.0 aims at “Improved integrated management of water catchments including landscape protection with a focus on agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, water and climate”.

The project works on national and at local level with focus on the Lower Kafue Sub-Catchment (LKSC) addressing the following intervention areas:

1. Improved capacities of the central government to execute its mandate for the integrated management of water catchments, including landscape protection with a focus on climate adaptation.
2. Improved capacities of decentralised authorities to plan, protect and sustainably manage water catchment ecosystems with focus on climate adaptation in the selected landscape.
3. Improved capacities of Water Resources Management (WRM) governance structures to sustainably manage water resource disputes in the LKSC.
4. Scaled-up measures for water catchment management, landscape restoration and protection and climate adaptation.
5. Improved access to water resources for communities in the LKSC.

In this context, the project is seeking a suitable candidate for the following position:

Local Governance Junior Advisor (Salary Band 3) – based in Mazabuka

REF: GIZ_AWARE _LGJA

As Junior Advisor you support the manager responsible for the commission with the roll-out of an online training for local authorities and district personnel in the AWARE 2.0 project area. You will support the implementation of activities contributing to improved capacities of decentralised authorities to plan, protect and sustainably manage water catchment ecosystems with focus on climate adaptation in the selected landscape.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Support the final stages of the development process for five online training courses for local and district authorities.
• Support the course development process between content providers, online developers and the e-learning platform provider.
• Support the training delivery for district and local authorities in 10 districts and support the roll-out of facilitated (hybrid) online trainings.
• Support the conceptualization and lead the promotion of the online training offer to partners.
• Support the process of identifying a suitable long-term institutional anchoring for the trainings and hosting options.
• Provide support to decentralised coordination mechanisms for improved integrated water catchment management and landscape protection.
• Provide support to all capacity development processes in the project.
• Provide support to the overall project management.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in development studies, Geography, Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Management/Science or related field.
• Applicants are expected to have their academic certificates verified by Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).

Professional Experience

• Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience in local governance, decentralisation, public administration, natural resource management, or related local government processes.
• Demonstrated experience working with district and/or local government institutions and an understanding of decentralised governance systems.
• Experience supporting or coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives, workshops, consultations, or capacity development activities.
• Familiarity with decentralised planning, coordination and financing mechanisms would be considered a strong advantage.
• Experience in climate resilience, integrated water resources management or environmental management would also be considered a strong advantage.
• Experience in working for an international organisation is an added advantage.

Other Knowledge and Additional Competences

• Self-motivated and proactive.
• Ability to structure and implement processes.
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills.
• High level of digital proficiency required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, especially when collaborating with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Fluency in English, with very good writing skills.
• Excellent IT skills (e.g. MS Office, online research, etc.); ability to learn new tools.
• Must be a team player and is expected to work well in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
• Practical experience working in a politically sensitive context is an asset.

The successful candidate will be expected to start employment with GIZ, on a fixed term contract.

Application Deadline: 30 August 2026

Please understand that we can only accept and process applications via our E-recruiting system (link). Applications should meet the following criteria:

• Cover letter quoting the reference: GIZ_ AWARE _LGJA must be uploaded using font type Arial, size 11. In the first paragraph, please outline your motivation for applying for the position. In the second paragraph, outline your experience in the position.
• CVs must be submitted in PDF not exceeding three (3) pages. Do not indicate your marital status, religion, political affiliation or insert your photo.
• Certificates, qualifications, etc. must not be attached to the application.
• Traceable references of previous engagements must be provided.

GIZ is a signatory of the Diversity Charter. Recognition, appreciation and inclusion of diversity in the company are important to us. All employees shall be valued – regardless of gender and gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, social background or age.

GIZ would like to increase the proportion of employees with disability. People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.