Regional Value Chain Technical Advisor - Light Industry
Reports to |
Programme Component Manager |
Duration |
Until 31 August 2026 |
Duty Station |
Lesotho |
BACKGROUNDThe Government of Lesotho has received support from the European Union and the Government of Germany to implement the project: “Lesotho economic growth, job creation and Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) implementation support programme” that will support regional value chains. The objective is to improve access to identified regional value chains through capacity building of relevant stakeholders in Lesotho and other selected SADC countries to create an enabling environment for private sector development in selected regional value chains and improved capacities of MSMEs to manage selected value chains within the framework of EPA. The two value chains that have been identified are: agro- processing focusing on natural ingredients, cosmetics, herbs and spices; and light industry associated with goose and duck feathers to produce textiles and clothing such as down pillows and bedding. In addition, digital services are set to be a supporting measure to the two mentioned value chains. The project will be implemented by GIZ. The programme “Cooperation for Enhancement of SADC Regional Economic Integration (CESARE)” supports the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in promoting trade between its 16 Member States. As part of this, the trade component works with the SADC Secretariat in a variety of areas ranging from the elimination of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to trade; support for |
-
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Undertake a thorough analysis of feasibility, operation viability and measurable outcomes and related outputs of the value chain, including identification of concrete project activities, financial resources and recommendations for light industry interventions;
- Explore forward and backward linkages of the identified sectors within the SADC region and assess potential for future activities or scaling up of the current value chain initiatives
- Provides technical and policy advice and train stakeholders in technical/ operational/ sustainability aspects of the light industry activities implemented by the project; plan, organize and participate in capacity development activities;
- Provide detailed inputs to the reporting and evaluation of the project including on the assumptions and risks,
- Support the planning and monitoring of an efficient use of project resources;
- Advocates strategic partnerships, best practices and policy dialogue in support of enhanced governance for the light industry value chain;
- Interacts with relevant ministries, departments and other relevant stakeholders to improve cross-sectorial policies and strategies concerning the light industry sector and sustainable development;
- Coordinates partnerships with non-government stakeholders, in particular with civil society organizations, donors, farmers' organizations and the private sector, around specific policy issues;
Deliverables/Outputs
- The deliverables are to be discussed and agreed upon with the supervisor making reference to the key project documents as well as the project work plan.
-
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCES AND EXPERIENCE
Qualification:
- Master’s degree in economics, Agricultural Economics, International Trade, Law, Project Management or similar discipline and qualification.
Professional Experience and Competences:
- Relevant work experience in light industry or textile and apparel value chain support (process analyses, capacity development, trainings);
- At least 10 years of relevant work experience;
- Strong analytical (feasibility, evaluations, and project design) and professional writing skills;
- Strong analytical (feasibility, evaluations, and project design) and professional writing skills;
- Experience working in international organization, European Union funded projects or other relevant institution will be considered an asset;
- Deeper knowledge of the SADC region and/or Member States;
- Willingness to travel within the SADC region
Other knowledge, additional competences
- Good communication skills;
- Good knowledge of ICT technologies and computer applications (e.g. Microsoft Office Teams, Outlook and Excel);
- Advanced proficiency in English is compulsory;
-
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- This position is based in GIZ Maseru, Lesotho, GIZ’s mobile working policy offers flexibility regarding when and where employees can work, ensuring a balanced mix of remote and in-office collaboration.
- At GIZ, you will be offered a global network and an atmosphere that is characterised by diversity, respect, and genuine equal opportunities. Gender equality promotion is a matter of course for us;
- 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, age, or sexual orientation;
- GIZ is committed to be an equal opportunities employer, therefore, women and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
- The contract period for this position is until 31 August 2026 in line with the commissioning period of the project.
-
APPLICATION PROCESS
GIZ will only assess applications which meet the following criteria:
Suitable candidates should apply by submitting a
- Cover/Motivation Letter in PDF format (max. 2 pages) clearly stating why they should be the preferred candidate, the value added they will bring to the project and their salary range expectation.
- A detailed CV (max.3 pages) in PDF format.
This should be accompanied by a detailed CV and indicating their nationality. Applications should be submitted to: recruit-pretoria@giz.de, with the email subject line “Regional Value Chain Technical Advisor – Light Industry” for the attention of Head of Human Resource.
NB: Interviews will be held virtual and/or in Maseru, Lesotho offices.
Applications from Southern African Development Community (SADC) regions are encouraged to apply.
Closing date for applications: 30th of June 2025.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be informed. Applications without a motivation letter will not be considered!