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. Together with our partners, we create opportunities and sustainably improve people’s lives. Through our networks, we turn international agendas into action – with a global vision and local impact.
The ENTERPRISE Zambia 2.0: Climate-Smart Agriculture and Inclusive Markets for Smallholders project, also known as the Enterprise Zambia Challenge Fund 2.0 (EZCF 2.0), is part of the Agrifood Cluster at GIZ Zambia. It is co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The five-year project runs through 2030 and supports private sector-led agricultural transformation in Zambia by providing matching grants to growth-oriented agribusinesses.
The overall objective of EZCF 2.0 is to promote the inclusion of smallholder farmers in commercially viable and inclusive business models while advancing the adoption of sustainable, climate-smart agricultural practices. The Fund strengthens value chains in legumes and horticulture, helping enterprises and farmers increase productivity, resilience and access to markets.
Anchored along the Lobito Corridor, specifically in Copperbelt, Northwestern, Central and Lusaka Provinces, EZCF 2.0 contributes to the EU Global Gateway and Team Europe Initiative on “Climate Action for Inclusive Green Recovery and Growth.” The Fund catalyzes private investment, fosters innovation and strengthens Zambia’s role in regional and international markets.
Team Enterprise embodies professional excellence combined with human connection. Our ethos is grounded in responsiveness, accountability, competence, creativity, adaptability and commitment. We work collaboratively, communicate openly and deliver with purpose and positivity.
In this context, the project is seeking a suitable candidate for the following position:
Grants Management Expert (Financial) x 3 – (Band 4) based in Lusaka
REF: GIZ_ENT_GMEF
Main tasks and responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of grantees, serving as the primary financial and compliance focal point.
- Conduct financial due diligence and ongoing portfolio monitoring to ensure grantees’ financial soundness, liquidity and risk management.
- Review and validate financial reports for completeness, timeliness and compliance with GIZ grant agreements, guidelines and templates.
- Partner with grantees to strengthen financial governance, accounting, procurement and internal control systems.
- Design and deliver targeted capacity development interventions, including training, coaching and workshops on financial management, compliance and audit readiness.
- Conduct on-site financial and compliance reviews to assess internal controls, identify risks and propose mitigation measures.
- Liaise with Monitoring & Evaluation teams to ensure coherence between financial and performance data, contributing to results-based reporting and adaptive management.
- Support grantees’ readiness for audits and contribute to ensuring financial transparency across the grant portfolio.
- Facilitate linkages between grantees and financial ecosystem actors such as banks, microfinance institutions, impact investors or DFIs, supporting access to follow-on financing beyond the grant.
- Contribute to knowledge management by documenting lessons, good practices and financial capacity improvements achieved by grantees.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- A minimum of bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics or a related field.
- Master’s degree preferred
- Professional certification (CPA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) strongly desirable
- Verified academic certificates by Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).
- Demonstrated experience in financial consulting, audit, investment management or fund administration, with strong analytical and risk assessment skills
- Proven expertise in enterprise finance, portfolio risk management or fund administration, ideally involving SMEs or agribusinesses.
Professional experience
- At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in financial management, compliance, audit or investment oversight, ideally within consulting, fund management or donor-financed initiatives
- Experience providing financial advisory or relationship management services to SMEs, portfolio companies or grantees, combining oversight with capacity support.
- Proven ability to design and deliver training, mentoring and capacity development in financial management, compliance and internal controls.
- Experience linking SMEs and agribusinesses to financial institutions, investors or blended finance facilities to strengthen their sustainability and access to capital.
- Familiarity with financial due diligence, portfolio reporting and fiduciary risk management under international donor or fund management frameworks.
- Strong knowledge of Zambia’s financial and regulatory environment, with preference for familiarity with the Lobito Corridor and the target provinces.
- Excellent communication, mentoring and interpersonal skills, able to balance compliance requirements with supportive, solutions-oriented engagement.
- Candidates with prior experience in international consulting firms or similar organizations, particularly in grant, fund or portfolio management roles, are strongly encouraged to apply
Other knowledge and additional competences
- Proficiency in project implementation routines within the project cycle, including planning, budgeting and reporting.
- Sound understanding of financial and administrative management procedures relevant to grants and project operations.
- Strong skills in financial analysis, reporting and data visualization.
- Openness to digital solutions and innovations, with proficiency in MS Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams and PowerPoint.
- Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with diverse partners, including executives, managers, team members and external stakeholders.
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple portfolios in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Self-reflective attitude and openness to professional feedback and continuous learning.
- Commitment to the Team Enterprise culture, valuing cohesion, shared purpose, fun and positivity in achieving results together.
The successful candidate will be expected to start employment with GIZ, on a fixed term contract.
Application deadline: 30 November 2025
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: REF GIZ_ENT_GMEF 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.
