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 (Technical) x 3 – (Band 4) based in Lusaka
REF: GIZ_ENT_GMET
Main tasks and responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of assigned grantees, serving as the primary technical advisor and providing strategic backstopping for implementation.
- Support value chain strengthening by helping grantees identify market opportunities, strengthen supplier and buyer linkages and integrate smallholder farmers into inclusive business models.
- Deliver tailored business consulting to grantees, supporting them on operational planning, scaling strategies and the adoption of sustainable and climate-resilient practices.
- Design and facilitate capacity development interventions, including workshops, training sessions and coaching to enhance agribusiness management and leadership skills.
- Review and provide feedback on narrative implementation reports, ensuring accuracy, completeness and alignment with EZCF 2.0 objectives.
- Conduct regular field visits to monitor implementation progress, verify results and gather data for adaptive management and reporting.
- Support grantees in establishing and using M&E systems to track performance indicators such as smallholder farmers reached, jobs created and gender-disaggregated data.
- Facilitate integration of grantees into the broader business and investment landscape by brokering linkages with financial institutions, investors and market actors to promote growth and sustainability beyond the grant.
- Contribute to knowledge management by documenting lessons learned, success stories and challenges emerging from the grantee portfolio.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- A minimum of bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, Economics, Development Finance, Business Administration or a related field.
- Master’s degree preferred
- Verified academic certificates by Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA)
- Proven expertise in enterprise development, investment management, or business consulting, ideally with exposure to agribusiness, value chain systems or inclusive market development.
- Demonstrated capacity in business consulting and advisory services, including support to SMEs and agribusinesses on operational, strategic or financial planning
Professional experience
- At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in business consulting, SME advisory, impact investing, private equity or challenge fund management.
- Experience in portfolio management or client relationship management, combining performance oversight with hands-on coaching and technical guidance.
- Experience in designing and delivering training, mentoring and capacity development for business growth and organizational strengthening.
- Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation systems, data collection and reporting and applying performance insights to adaptive management.
- Experience in facilitating partnerships and linkages to finance, investment and markets, including blended finance or impact investment initiatives.
- Good knowledge of Zambia’s agricultural and agribusiness landscape, with preference for familiarity with the Lobito Corridor and the target provinces.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to build trust while promoting accountability and results orientation.
- 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 administrative and financial management procedures relevant to project operations.
- Strong writing, documentation and knowledge management skills.
- Openness to digital solutions and innovations, with proficiency in MS Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams and PowerPoint.
- Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with diverse partners, including executives, managers, team members and external stakeholders.
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks 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_GMET 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 for 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.