Communication Specialist    

GIZ- Internal/External Vacancy Announcement ‘#150/2023’

GIZ-AU Office- Strengthening Advisory Capacities for Land Governance in Africa (SLGA) 

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a global service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development dedicated to shaping a future worth living around the world. As a public-benefit federal enterprise, GIZ supports the German Government – in particular the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) – and many public and private sector clients in achieving their objectives in international cooperation in around 120 countries.

Since 2004, GIZ has been a reliable and trusted partner of the African Union (AU) to enhance inclusive growth and sustainable development on the African continent in line with the AU’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. With more than 200 staff, GIZ African Union cooperates with the AU Commission, as well as the AU’s specialised institutions and agencies, such as the Development Agency AUDA-NEPAD, at continental, regional and national level in more than 35 member states. Key areas of engagement include Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention, Governance and Migration, Sustainable Economic Growth and Employment, as well as Health and Social Development.

Weak land governance and insecure land rights are still major development challenges for Africa. The GIZ Programme Strengthening Advisory Capacities for Land Governance in Africa (SLGA) supports the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) to improve training and further training capacities in the fields of governance in Africa, as well as to promote needs-based research and knowledge exchange in Africa. Established by the African Land Policy (ALPC) and its partners, NELGA is a continental network, comprising of more than 70 member institutions across 40 African states. The role of NELGA is to support the AU Members State build capacities for improved land governance through training and research.

Contract Duration:        31/12/2025

Responsibilities and Duties

• Identify the communication and knowledge management needs of NELGA and suggest appropriate knowledge management and communications tools/services

• Capture, document and effectively disseminate knowledge, lessons learned as well as land governance related topics and activities in collaboration with other NELGA partners, in close collaboration with ALPC

• Provide technical support to NELGA partners for documentation and dissemination of research findings, policy dialogues, curricula reviews and other knowledge management activities

• Design and lead in organizing knowledge sharing events, including webinars, workshops, conferences (including the biennial Conference on Land Policy in Africa – CLPA), and peer learning sessions by providing necessary technical backstopping

• Provide technical support as may be requested to cover the communication aspect for activities undertaken by ALPC

• Develop, design and publish promotional materials for GIZ and NELGA (factsheets, flyers, posters, etc.), in adherence to Communication & Media Policies

• Update and maintain the NELGA website, run by ALPC, and manage the platform’s community engagement

• Manage the NELGA social media platforms including Twitter, LinkedIn and other potential platforms  

• Produce a quarterly NELGA newsletter and maintain the NELGA mailing list

• Develop and implement a comprehensive knowledge management plan for the project’s consolidation phase

• Manage the engagement of stakeholders and effectively communicate with project partners, donors, and other stakeholders

• Collaborate closely with the M&E and technical teams to identify data, stories, and articles for communications material

• Collaborate closely with the Communications Team of the GIZ AU Office on annual reports and other portfolio communications activities

• Perform any other duties as deemed necessary by superior/s

Job Requirements

Required qualifications, competences, and experience

Qualifications

• University degree in Communications, Journalism, Knowledge Management or a related field.

Professional experience

• At least five years of relevant working experience and a sound knowledge of communication strategies, knowledge management tools

• Broad understanding and experience preferably in international organizations and NGOs in governance or a related sector

• Ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders and external parties on different levels

• Very good computer and graphic design skills, especially Microsoft and Adobe products

• Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills

• Excellent command of the English language, French is a strong asset

• Strong organisational and project management skills

• Experience working on communications and knowledge management aspects in the area of natural resources in general and land governance in particular is an asset

• Prior working experience in other African countries is a plus

Other knowledge, additional competencies

• Flexibility and inter-cultural adaptability

• High degree of self-motivation and creativity with attention to detail

• Knowledge of land governance issues is a plus

• Proficiency in using knowledge management tools and system is a plus

How to Apply

Application procedure:

Interested and qualified candidates shall submit their motivation letter along with their recent CV via Email: hreth@giz.de.

Please make sure you mention the vacancy number and position title ‘Communication Specialist #150/2023_Full Name’ in the subject line of your email application.

 Applications without vacancy numbers in subject lines might be disqualified.

 Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

We encourage persons with disabilities to apply for the position. In case of equal qualification, persons with disabilities will be given preference.

 Applications from qualified women are encouraged.

“Please refer to our brochure to learn more about GIZ’s attractive benefit package.”