Job Description

Posted on May 27, 2021

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.
Zambia has abundant water resources. However, due to population and economic growth there has been an increase in demand for the resource. At the same time, climate change, droughts and shifting rainfall patterns heavily impact on the availability and supply of water for domestic, industrial and agricultural use nationwide. The Lower Kafue Sub-Catchment is particularly affected by climate variability. On top of this, catchment degradation aggravates the situation. Rivers are encroached upon and factors like deforestation lead to higher erosion, which eventually cause siltation of rivers, reduced groundwater recharge and loss of fertile soils. Some of the once perennial rivers stopped flowing.
As a result, the MWDSEP has initiated for a Road Map for Water Resources and Environmental Protection to be developed and implemented. Catchment protection and Integrated Watershed Management (IWsM) play a major role in it.
GIZ supported the Zambian water sector for many years. In February 2019, the project Accelerate Water and Agricultural Resources Efficiency (AWARE) was launched with funding from the European Union and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) with the overall objective to enhance climate smart integrated water resources management and efficient agricultural water use for smallholder farmers in the lower Kafue sub-catchment.
The implementing partners are the Zambian Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection (MWDSEP). Jointly with them, the project works on five output areas, namely (1) strengthening of WRM capacities at the national level, (2) strengthening of capacities of WRM-structures on the sub-catchment level, (3) strengthening of water user associations (WUAs) in the sub-catchment, (4) introduction of new technical options for smallholder farmers for efficient use of water resources, and (5) capacity development of public and private agricultural extension service providers to train smallholder farmers on efficient water use, harvesting and irrigation.
Output 2 and 3 include the implementation of Integrated Watershed Management (IWsM) and 16 Catchment Protection Measures (CPM), to restore the degraded rivers and surrounding watersheds. So far, in line with the WRM Act No. 21 of 2011, stakeholders with support from GIZ AWARE implemented two (2) catchment protection measures in the jurisdiction of Magoye and the Mutama-Bweengwa Water User Associations (WUAs).
In this context, GIZ is seeking a suitable candidate for the following position:
Advisor – Integrated Watershed Management and Catchment Protection (Lusaka based)
The position shall support the activities of AWARE in conceptualising, planning and implementing the remaining 14 IWsM and CPM measures in the jurisdiction of four (4) WUAs in Southern and Central Province.
REF: GIZ_AWA_IWsMCP
Main tasks and responsibilities:
Technical conceptualisation, planning and implementation of 14 IWsM and CPM
Technical support
Supporting the selection of suitable IWsM and CPM sites within WUA jurisdiction
Developing technical concepts with the most impactful measures for each site (including percolation ponds, trenches, soil bunds, terraces, check dams, afforestation etc.) which can be implemented by communities
Supporting stakeholders and WUAs in the development of micro watershed plans/ IWsM Road maps
Implementation of integrated Watershed Management (IWsM) and Catchment Protection Measures in the Lower Kafue Sub-Catchment
Organising workshops for stakeholder on district and community level on integrated Watershed Management (IWsM) and Catchment Protection Measures
Organising technical TOT sessions for key technical personnel from WUA, contour markers and technical leaders
Supervision of implementation of CPM in the field through regular monitoring visits to the project area in Mazabuka / Monze/ Pemba / Mumbwa
Supporting the development of a compendium on IWsM and CPM in Zambia
Supporting integration of IWsM and CPM into the Lower Kafue Sub-Catchment management plan, as developed by the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA)
In a team of three, being jointly responsible for the successful implementation of 16 IWsM/CPM measures
Other duties/additional tasks
Performing any other tasks as requested by project management
Qualifications and requirements:
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Water Resources Management, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering) or in another relevant discipline and several years of professional experience in the water sector
Professional experience:
At least 5 years of professional experience in the water sector in Zambia
Demonstrable experience in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
Demonstrable experience in development of technologies, which can be implemented by communities (e.g. percolation ponds, terraces, check dams, trenches, earth dams, soil bunds, afforestation etc.)
Demonstrable experience in the field of climate change, environmental science
Demonstrable experience in capacity development/ trainings of individuals, households and communities and facilitating workshops and trainings
Knowledge, additional competences:
Must be self-motivated and proactive
Must have strong analytical skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Knowledge on behavioural change
Knowledge of process management and experience with formal and informal multi-actor networks is an added advantage
Ability to manage and prioritise own workload
Excellent IT skills (MS Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; online research); ability to learn new tools an added advantage
Impeccable English language skills, especially strong writing skills (e.g. professional letters, project descriptions and PR material)
Tonga/Ila speaking skills are an added advantage
Existing professional network with core actors in the water sector in Zambia is an added advantage
Good knowledge of the WRM Act No. 21 of 2011 and decentralised water governance structures in Zambia is an added advantage
Willingness to travel frequently within Zambia
The successful candidate will be expected to start full-time employment with GIZ, on a fixed term contract, as soon as possible. Interested candidates must send their CVs and cover letters electronically quoting GIZ_AWA_IWsMCP in the subject line to: jobzambia@giz.de by 17:00 hrs on Wednesday, 2nd June 2021. GIZ will only assess applications which meet the following criteria:
Cover letters must be sent in MS Word format, with 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 integrated watershed management (IWsM) and catchment protection.
CVs must not exceed three (3) pages and must be submitted in PDF.
Certificates, qualifications, etc. must not be attached to the application.
Traceable references of previous engagements must be provided.
Please note that only applicants selected for interview will be contacted. GIZ is committed to be an equal opportunities employer, therefore, women and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.