Communication and Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist GIZ

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 GIZ Agriculture and Food Security (AgriFood) in Zambia aims to improve climate-resilient agricultural production and competitiveness along selected value chains (in order to increase incomes of small and medium farmers), to improve access to agricultural finance and to improve the food and nutrition situation of poor rural households. From February 2023 the clusters implements the Agro-ecological innovations for smallholder pest management Malawi, Uganda and Zambia (EcoPM)​ Project under the Fund for the Promotion of Innovation in Agriculture (i4Ag) by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

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

Communication and Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist – (based in Lusaka)

REF: GIZ_ AgriFood _MECA

As the Monitoring & Evaluation and Communication Advisor, you will play a vital role in developing and implementing a comprehensive communication strategy for the project in Zambia, Uganda, and Malawi. Your responsibility will include ensuring effective communication with project stakeholders and maintaining their engagement throughout the project cycle. Additionally, you will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating project activities in these countries, tracking, and analyzing project indicators, and reporting to support evidence-based decision making.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Develop and implement a communication strategy for the project in Zambia, Uganda, and Malawi. Ensure that project stakeholders are well-informed and actively engaged throughout the project cycle.
• Design and implement a comprehensive M&E plan for the project in Zambia, Uganda, and Malawi that includes tracking and reporting of project indicators, conducting periodic evaluations, and ensuring that data is collected and analyzed to support evidence-based decision making.
• Work closely with project staff and partners in Zambia, Uganda, and Malawi to monitor project progress against key performance indicators and support the timely completion of project deliverables.
• Create compelling and informative content for project communications, including newsletters, press releases, social media posts, and website updates.
• Coordinate and facilitate communication activities, such as workshops, meetings, and events, to engage project stakeholders and promote project achievements.
• Conduct regular data quality assessments to ensure that project data in Zambia, Uganda, and Malawi is accurate, complete, and timely.
• Prepare and present regular project monitoring and evaluation reports to project stakeholders in Zambia, Uganda, and Malawi, including donors, government partners, and project beneficiaries.
• Participation in processes related to data collection, maintaining contacts and building networks, preparing, managing and assuring the quality of any evaluation missions.
• Processing the monitoring data for the purpose of project steering and preparing internal and external reports and communications.
• Setting up, structuring, and maintaining the knowledge management system, and analyzing results and lessons learned.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with media outlets, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination of project-related information.
• Collaborate with project teams to identify and leverage opportunities for media coverage and public relations activities.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity building to project staff and partners in Zambia, Uganda, and Malawi on project communication and M&E best practices.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in agriculture, communications, international development, or related field.
• Master’s degree will be an added advantage.

Professional experience

• At least 5 years of experience in project communication and M&E ideally in the field of rural development or agriculture
• Strong experience in developing and implementing communication strategies, including content development and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in designing and implementing M&E systems for international development projects.

Other knowledge and additional competences

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to thrive in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment
• Good working knowledge of ICT and computer applications (i.e., MS Office software package, telephone, email, internet, MS Teams etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with project staff and partners in Zambia, Uganda, and Malawi.
• Strong analytical and data management skills, including experience with data analysis software.
• Proactive and results-oriented work ethic
• Team player with the ability to work with minimum supervision
• Must be highly adaptable, proactive, and able to work to tight deadlines

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