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.
As a service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education work, the ‘Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit’ (GIZ) GmbH is dedicated to shaping a future worth living around the world. One of the leadership principles in GIZ is “Cooperate in Diversity”. This principle aims to achieve the following objectives:
Leverage and build on the diversity of ideas, knowledge and perspectives (e.g. age, ethnic origin & nationality, gender, physical and mental ability, religion & worldview, sexual orientation & identity)
Create a respectful work environment that reduces the potential of discrimination and standup for equal rights and opportunities for all colleagues
Create inclusive spaces and processes that enable collaboration beyond silos and across hierarchies
Co-create with clients, partners and other stakeholders
Use digital tools responsibly to improve how we cooperate
To reflect on the meaning of and mainstream the above-mentioned principle, GIZ promotes a corporate culture of action always based on universal ethical values and principles. Integrity, respect for human dignity, openness and non-discrimination are at the heart of this culture.
GIZ Zambia/Zimbabwe is committed to these values and to a transparent and self-critical approach to development cooperation. It is our aim to set up sustainable institutional capacities to engage on topics relating to diversity, equity and inclusion pro-actively and comprehensively. The position advertised here is intended to make an active contribution to the realisation of this set up.
GIZ Zambia is looking for a Specialist to spearhead the following important cross-cutting topics:
1. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
2. Gender (Country Focal Point Zambia)
REF: GIZ_DEI_GLT, band 4 (based in Lusaka)
1. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) – Main tasks and responsibilities
Conceptualize initiatives and advise management and HR on strategic approaches and measures to promote and reinforce DEI
Act as a catalyst for exchange between Management and staff groups on DEI
Support Country Director and Management Team with their contribution to the implementation of priority measures and medium-term objectives of the GIZ Africa Department fostering diversity and equity
Ensure periodic knowledge sharing, capacity development and sensitization on DEI issues e.g. unconscious bias, post-colonialism etc. among staff
2. Country Gender Focal Point Zambia
Advise the Country Director and project managers on the operationalization, implementation and monitoring of the GIZ Gender Strategy
Contribute to the integration of gender-related aspects and gender-transformative approaches in the development of new and follow-on projects/ programmes (build on the results of the 2025 Zambia Gender Synopsis)
Advise on gender-related requirements in commission management as stipulated in the GIZ Safeguards + Gender management system
Coordinate the exchange amongst gender focal points on project level and ensure reporting to and exchange with GIZ headquarter
Qualifications and Requirements:
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Psychology, Law or equivalent
Preferably a master’s degree in social sciences, Psychology, Law or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
The academic qualifications should be verified by Zambia Qualification Authority (ZQA)
Professional experience:
At least 5 years’ experience on inclusion, gender, cultural cohesion and diversity management as well as implementation of anti-discrimination policies.
Fair understanding of employment and labour laws and regulations, anti-discrimination policies, human rights and equity principles
Experience in implementing organizational change
Experience in facilitation and moderation of interactive sessions.
Other knowledge and additional competences
Self-motivated and proactive
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, experience in collaborating with a broad range of stakeholders
Proven ability to develop and implement DEI initiatives independently
Fluency in English and other local languages, 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 an international organization is an asset