Local Governance Junior Advisor – AWARE 2.0 - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

About GIZ

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is the implementing agency of the Federal Republic of Germany for technical and international cooperation. GIZ supports sustainable development and international cooperation across political, economic, and social change processes.

About the AWARE 2.0 Project

The Integrated Water Catchment Management and Landscape Protection (AWARE 2.0) project is co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ.

The project aims to improve the integrated management of water catchments and landscape protection, with a focus on agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, water resources, and climate adaptation.

The project operates nationally and at local level, with a particular focus on the Lower Kafue Sub-Catchment (LKSC).

About the Role

GIZ is seeking a motivated and suitably qualified Local Governance Junior Advisor to support the implementation of AWARE 2.0 activities in Mazabuka.

The successful candidate will support the manager responsible for the commission with the rollout of online training for local authorities and district personnel. The role will also contribute to strengthening the capacity of decentralised authorities to plan, protect, and sustainably manage water catchment ecosystems with a focus on climate adaptation.

Key Responsibilities

Training & Capacity Development

• Support the final stages of developing five online training courses for local and district authorities.

• Support coordination between content providers, online developers, and the e-learning platform provider.

• Support the delivery of training to district and local authorities across 10 districts.

• Support the rollout of facilitated hybrid online training programmes.

• Support capacity-development activities implemented under the project.

Stakeholder Engagement & Promotion

• Support the conceptualisation and lead the promotion of the online training offer to project partners.

• Support workshops, consultations, and other stakeholder engagement activities.

• Work closely with local and district government institutions and other relevant stakeholders.

Local Governance & Coordination

• Support the identification of suitable long-term institutional arrangements for the training programmes and hosting options.

• Provide support to decentralised coordination mechanisms for improved integrated water catchment management and landscape protection.

• Support processes aimed at strengthening decentralised authorities' planning and coordination capacities.

Project Management

• Provide support to overall project management activities.

• Assist with coordinating and implementing project activities.

• Support effective communication and collaboration among project stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• Bachelor's Degree in Development Studies, Geography, Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Management, Environmental Science, or a related field.

• Academic certificates are expected to be verified by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).

Professional Experience

The ideal candidate should have:

• At least 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.

• Understanding of decentralised governance systems.

• Experience supporting or coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives, workshops, consultations, or capacity-development activities.

Added Advantages

The following will be considered strong advantages:

• Familiarity with decentralised planning, coordination, and financing mechanisms.

• Experience in climate resilience.

• Experience in integrated water resources management.

• Experience in environmental management.

• Previous experience working for an international organisation.

Required Skills and Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Self-motivation and a proactive approach.

• Strong ability to structure and implement processes.

• Strong analytical and conceptual skills.

• High level of digital proficiency.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Excellent written English.

• Strong IT skills, including MS Office and online research.

• Ability to learn and use new digital tools quickly.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a multicultural and multidisciplinary team.

• Ability to collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders.

• Practical experience working in a politically sensitive environment will be an added advantage.

Employment

The successful candidate will be employed by GIZ on a fixed-term contract.

Method of Application

Applications will only be accepted through the GIZ E-recruiting system.

Applicants should submit:

1. Cover Letter

The cover letter must:

• Quote the reference GIZ_AWARE_LGJA.

• Be written in Arial, font size 11.

• Be uploaded through the GIZ E-recruiting system.

• In the first paragraph, explain your motivation for applying for the position.

• In the second paragraph, outline your relevant experience for the position.

2. CV

• Submit your CV in PDF format.

• Maximum 3 pages.

• Do not include:

  • Marital status.

  • Religion.

  • Political affiliation.

  • Photograph.

3. References

Provide traceable references from previous engagements.

Important: Do not attach certificates or other academic qualifications to the application.

Diversity & Inclusion

GIZ is a signatory of the Diversity Charter and values diversity, recognition, appreciation, and inclusion within the organisation.

People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Summary

Employer: GIZ GmbH
Project: AWARE 2.0
Position: Local Governance Junior Advisor
Reference: GIZ_AWARE_LGJA
Location: Mazabuka, Zambia
Employment Type: Fixed-term contract
Salary Band: 3
Minimum Experience: 2 years relevant professional experience
Application Method: GIZ E-recruiting system
Deadline: 30th August 2026