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 Global Project Responsible Land Governance (LAND) aims to strengthen land governance in Zambia creating the basis for more inclusive agricultural development, environmental protection and delivery on Zambia's Rio Convention commitments. At the national level, the project works closely with relevant ministries, civil society, traditional authorities and the private sector to advance responsible, gender-responsive land governance, strengthen women's land rights and secure recognition of customary rights at Chiefdom level. At the local level, it supports participatory land-use planning and mapping initiatives that feed into district-level Integrated Development Plans and national spatial planning. A central focus of the project is strengthening women's participation in land governance at all levels. This includes supporting the nomination of women to decision-making bodies and committees, providing training on rights and responsibilities in land governance processes, offering legal advice and ensuring that women's land rights are explicitly recognised in national policy dialogue and at Chiefdom level.
In this context, the project is seeking a suitable candidate for the following position:
Advisor Responsible Land Governance (Salary Band 4) – based in Lusaka
REF: GIZ_RLG_LGA
Main tasks and responsibilities:
- The Advisor will drive the project's engagement at the national level, working closely with different government institutions, civil society, traditional authorities and the private sector.
- Fostering multi-stakeholder platforms bringing together government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional decision-makers and private sector actors to advance responsible, gender-responsive land governance
- Conducting workshops to review policies, laws and strategies that promote responsible, gender-responsive land governance in support of Zambia's commitments under the Rio Conventions
- Organising meetings to strengthen inter-ministerial dialogue on the implementation of the Rio Conventions in Zambia
- Developing awareness campaigns on land, climate, forests and biodiversity that address both women and men, using culturally relevant communication approaches that reflect gender-specific knowledge gaps and roles
- Perform any other duties as assigned by project management
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Master’s degree or equivalent in land governance, land administration, law, political science, development studies, agricultural economics, environmental management, or a related field.
- Applicants are expected to have their academic certificates verified by Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).
Professional experience:
- At least 8 years of professional experience in land governance, land administration, or related policy and advisory work
- Proven experience working with government institutions, traditional authorities, civil society organisations and/or the private sector on land-related issues
- Demonstrated experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder processes, policy dialogues or inter-ministerial coordination
- Experience in technical and/or legal advisory work on policies, laws and strategies, including drafting policy recommendations or review documents
- Experience in designing and conducting workshops, training formats and awareness campaigns on land, environment, climate or gender-related topics
Other knowledge and additional competences:
- Sound understanding of Zambia's land tenure system, including the interplay between statutory and customary land rights, and familiarity with the National Land Policy and related legislation
- Solid knowledge of gender-responsive approaches in land governance, including women's land rights and the role of traditional authorities at Chiefdom level
- Understanding of participatory land-use planning, fit-for-purpose land documentation, and land information systems
- Strong facilitation, negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior government officials, traditional leaders and grassroots stakeholders
- Excellent writing and analytical skills, including the ability to distil complex policy content into clear recommendations
- High level of intercultural and gender sensitivity; ability to work in politically sensitive environments
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple workstreams independently
The successful candidate will be expected to start employment with GIZ, on a fixed term contract.
Application deadline: 28 May 2026
Please understand that we can only accept and process applications via our E-recruiting system (link). Applications should meet the following criteria:
- Cover letter quoting the reference: REF (GIZ_RLG_LGA) 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.