Liaison Advisor GIZ

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 decentral 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

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

Liaison Advisor – Band 4 (Lusaka Based)

REF: GIZ_AWARE_LA

Main tasks and responsibilities

• As Liaison Advisor you are the focal point of the AWARE 2.0 project to all government partners (particularly MWDS and MGEE); develop an excellent working relationship between GIZ and these partners
• Leads implementation of all activities around water resource disputes (Outcome Indicator 3, Output 3) and drought response measures
• Support the development and verification of a detailed government stakeholder map displaying mandates, synergies, gaps and over-laps for integrated water catchment management and landscape protection in close collaboration with the Nexus Programme implementing partners
• Support the development of a gender-responsive rainwater harvesting strategy with focus on climate adaptation with relevant government stakeholders, inclusive of mainstreaming of the landscape approach
• Support the development of a financing strategy for water catchment management and landscape protection analysing potential in e.g. public budget allocation, revenue generation, external funding through private sector and/or payment for ecosystem services and compile and promote recommendations resulting from the analysis
• Support and coordinate all activities with MWDS, WARMA, MoA and MGEE on Integrated water catchment management and landscape protection on national level
• Supervise short-term and long-term consultants, including the elaboration of Terms of Reference (TORs), managing the consultants’ work, and ensuring quality delivery
• Support GRZ partners in the implementation of above policies and strategies, potentially 50% of working time in GRZ office (MWDS and MGEE)
• Organize and conceptualize inclusive stakeholder consultations for policy development in close collaboration with the Policy Advisor

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Environmental Science/Management, Water Resources Management, Geography, Natural Resources Management or related field
• A master’s degree will be added advantage

Professional experience

• Minimum of 10 years of work experience in the water and/or natural resources management sector in Zambia
• Experience with project management, including budgeting, scheduling, supervision and stakeholder coordination.
• Practical experience working in a politically sensitive context

Other knowledge and additional competences

• Very good communication skills and ability to engage with various stakeholders especially on policy making level and national partner institutions (MWDS, MGEE, Cabinet Office etc.)
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Understanding of hydrology, climate change, and ecosystem/ environmental issues
• Self-motivated and proactive
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills
• 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
• Knowledge of institutional, legal and regulatory framework related to water management and development, climate change and the environment

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

Application deadline: 31 October 2024

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

• Cover letter quoting the reference: GIZ_AWARE_LA 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.