Community Advisor

Community Advisor Jobs in Mazabuka – Join GIZ’s AWARE 2.0 Project

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH invites applications for the position of Community Advisor based in Mazabuka, Southern Province, Zambia. This opportunity is part of the Integrated Water Catchment Management and Landscape Protection (AWARE 2.0) project, which focuses on sustainable management of water catchments and landscape protection with an emphasis on agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, water, and climate resilience. If you are passionate about community engagement and natural resource management, explore this exciting role within one of the leading international cooperation agencies.

About GIZ and the AWARE 2.0 Project

GIZ operates globally on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and other partners including the European Union, United Nations, and World Bank. The AWARE 2.0 project is co-financed by the EU, Sweden, and BMZ, targeting the Lower Kafue Sub-Catchment (LKSC) to improve integrated water catchment management and landscape protection through climate adaptation and sustainable practices.

Key intervention areas include strengthening government capacities at central and decentralized levels, resolving water resource disputes, scaling up restoration measures, and improving community access to water resources.

Role Summary: Community Advisor

As a Community Advisor, you will co-lead the restoration and protection of natural resources in the LKSC, with a focus on implementing Nature Based Solutions (NbS) across 50,000 hectares. You will provide technical guidance to district partners and NGO collaborators such as Solidaridad and the International Crane Foundation. Your role will be pivotal in coordinating community engagement and partnerships with traditional leaders to ensure sustainable project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Co-lead coordination of restoration activities benefiting approximately 120,000 people in the project region.
• Provide technical, financial, and administrative oversight for 11 Local Contribution Agreements with district partners.
• Guide and monitor sustainable rangeland management covering over 15,000 hectares in collaboration with grant partners and government ministries.
• Drive high-level engagement with traditional leaders to formalize cooperation agreements supporting natural resource restoration and protection.
• Lead participatory community engagement models across forestry, wetlands, water, and rangelands to promote ownership and long-term sustainability.
• Implement gender-related project activities, including capacity building within the team and partners.
• Coordinate with Green Nexus Partners and district authorities in Southern Province to enhance project impact.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Forestry, Agricultural Management, or related fields. A Master’s or PhD is advantageous.
• At least 5 years’ professional experience in community engagement related to water, forestry, natural resources, or rangeland management.
• Proven ability to work effectively with districts, communities, and traditional authorities.
• Demonstrated project management skills and experience managing multi-stakeholder processes.
• Knowledge of climate resilience, integrated water resources management, or environmental management.
• Familiarity with GIZ procedures is a strong advantage.
• Experience in gender mainstreaming and safeguards in natural resource contexts is desirable.
• Previous work with international organizations is a plus.

Additional Skills and Competencies

• Proficiency in at least one local language spoken in the project area, preferably Nyanja or Tonga.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of structuring and monitoring complex processes.
• Strong analytical, conceptual, and digital skills, including proficiency in MS Office and online research tools.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural, multidisciplinary team environment.
• Experience working in politically sensitive contexts is beneficial.

Employment Details and Application Process

This is a full-time position based in Mazabuka, offered on a fixed-term contract. The application deadline is 13 September 2026.

Applications are accepted exclusively through GIZ’s e-recruiting system: https://www.giz-jobs.com/zambia/#id=8ec741c9-0a49-4ea0-87a9-1352bade9221.

Please ensure your application includes:

• A cover letter (Arial, size 11) stating your motivation for applying and relevant experience.
• A CV in PDF format, maximum three pages, excluding personal details such as marital status, religion, political affiliation, or photograph.
• No certificates or qualifications should be attached.
• Traceable references from previous engagements.

Diversity and Inclusion

GIZ is a signatory of the Diversity Charter and values inclusion and diversity in its workforce. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability, social background, or age. People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.