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 programme “Promoting efficient and transparent local governance in Zambia” is funded by the Federal German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development to support Zambia’s decentralization process. At the local level the Programme works with the local governments in Southern Province and Luapula Province to strengthening their capacities in managing development processes, enhancing their own source revenues, promoting citizen participation and improving local public service delivery.

The programme is  supporting selected local authorities in Luapula Province with (1) the assessment of citizen needs and the implementation of pilot projects to improve citizen-oriented public service delivery, (2) the design and implementation of citizen engagement and participatory processes in th programme’s areas of support (particularly regarding public financial management), (3) awareness raising and capacity development of civil society (e.g. citizen, WDCs etc.) on local government processes.

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

Public Engagement and Civic Education Advisor (based – Mansa)

REF: GIZ_D4DIV_PECEA_MSA

Main tasks and responsibilities:

In this context, the position holder fulfils the following tasks:

• Provide strategic and technical advice to Local Authorities on gender-sensitive and inclusive citizen engagement for participatory budget planning and citizen-friendly budget reporting
• Support Local Authorities in sensitizing and educating citizen and/or representative groups (e.g. WDCs, NGOs, Associations) on the program’s areas of support (e.g. budget processes, revenue and fee collection, public service delivery, CDF planning and implementation)
• Strengthen the cooperation between Local Authorities and Ward Development Committees in the program’s areas of support
• Identify and support the implementation of measures to improve citizen-oriented public service delivery in selected local authorities
• Support Local Authorities with the planning, organization and implementation of public consultations for the development of integrated development plans and for the annual budget process
• Support the development of surveys, assessments, communication materials and knowledge products in cooperation with local government partners, the Chalimbana Training Institute and the Local Government Association of Zambia
• Performs other duties as assigned by management

Required qualifications, competences and experience

Qualifications

Formal Education

• A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Public Administration, Development Studies or comparable field
• A master’s degree will be an added advantage

Professional Experience

• Atleast 5 years of work experience in the civil society sector, preferably at grassroots level, of which at least 3 years are in the field of civic education and capacity development (e.g. sensitization/ training of citizen, formation of networks and associations etc.)
• More than 3 years of professional experience in community engagement with a focus on gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches
• More than 3 years of professional experience at the interface of local government and civil society in Zambia in the field of public financial management, working on public budget process is considered an advantage

Other knowledge, additional competencies

• Familiarity with local government structures, including ward level
• Strong communication skills and high affinity with digital tools and solutions
• Knowledge in tools and methods for interactive workshop designs and community engagement is required
• Fluency in English with excellent written and oral skills are required, Bemba is considered an advantage

•  Cover letters must be sent 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.