Plastics and Packaging Value Chain Advisor

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 Multi-Donor Action “Switch2CE in ESA” is co-financed by the European Union and the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The project is jointly implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and Expertise France (EF) with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) serving as the regional partner. The overall objective of the programme is to accelerate the transition to a circular economy in East and Southern Africa, focusing on two priority value chains: plastics and packaging as well as electronic waste (e-waste). The programme is structured around three specific objectives:

1.    Enabling policy framework for circular economy, incl. regional learning on best practice policies, advice to policy-makers to mainstream circular economy in policy frameworks and strengthening public capacities to implement Extended Producer Responsibility.

2.    Enhancing the participation of formal and informal workers and SMEs (incl. women and youth) in circular economy models, incl. integration of CE in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), inclusive trainings for different groups of workers, and knowledge exchange between companies.

3.    Improved access to financing by circular economy businesses, incl. provision of matching grants and match-making with financial institutions as well as incubation and advisory services to small and medium enterprises für circular economy practices.

In this context, the project is seeking a suitable candidate for the following position:

Plastics and Packaging Value Chain Advisor, Band 4 (based in Lusaka)

REF: GIZ_ Switch2CE_PPVCA

Main tasks and responsibilities

As Value Chain Expert for Plastics and Packaging, you will provide technical expertise and strategic guidance on the plastics and packaging value chain to programme partners and team members across the region, including colleagues from GIZ and Expertise France. This includes team members in Zambia, but also (part-time) staff based in selected other countries in the region like e.g. Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia or South Africa.

The focus will be on value-chain specific business activities and needs as well as technical aspects of plastic prevention, reuse or recycling. In addition, value-chain specific policy approaches, training offers etc. will also be of relevance. You will e.g.

• Review consultant deliverables and providing technical feedback
• Provide guidance on relevant stakeholders in the plastics/ packaging value chain in selected COMESA member countries and South Africa
• Advising COMESA staff on value-chain specific aspects in planning and conducting stakeholder dialogues and conferences
• Provide inputs to the elaboration and implementation of calls for selecting companies to receive matching grants
• Support the creation and dissemination of knowledge products and technical materials relevant to the plastics/packaging value chain
• Technically support the implementation of financial and technical support measures by business development service providers and matching grant providers
• Collaborate with an international value chain expert (based in Germany) to integrate global best practices and innovations into programme activities

Qualifications and Requirements

•  Bachelor’s degree in any relevant field such as Environmental Management, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Economics, or any related discipline
• A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Management, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Economics, or any related discipline
• All academic certificates mush be verified by Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA)

Professional experience

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in circular economy or in the plastics/ packaging value chain
• Excellent knowledge of the business landscape in the plastics/ packaging or recycling sector
• Prior experience in development cooperation is considered an asset.

Other knowledge and additional competences

• Regional working experience in East and/or Southern Africa is desirable
• Proven ability to work in an intercultural environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English

The successful candidate will be expected to start employment with GIZ, on a fixed term contract.

Application deadline: 18 May 2025

Please understand, that we can only accept and process applications via our E-recruiting system. Applications should meet the following criteria:

• Cover letter quoting the reference: REF (GIZ_ Switch2CE_PPVCA) 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.