Project Coordinator and Municipal Governance Expert (m/f/d)

GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH) is a federal enterprise of the German Government and a leading service provider in international cooperation for sustainable development. With over 50 years of experience and operations in around 120 countries, GIZ supports governments and partners worldwide in delivering impactful solutions across sectors such as climate, energy, governance, health, and economic development.

GIZ International Services (GIZ InS) is the international services division of GIZ, providing its expertise to governments, the EU, multilateral organisations, and private sector partners worldwide. Operating more than 200 projects in over 60 countries, InS delivers high-impact solutions that advance sustainable development globally.

GIZ International Services (InS) is currently preparing an Expression of Interest for an upcoming tender related to a European Union-funded technical assistance project titled "Bridging Inequalities through Greener Municipal Services." This project aims to support the South African government and selected municipalities in developing green infrastructure and public services, as well as in implementing climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

The project aims to strengthen the resilience and effectiveness of municipalities by integrating green, digital, and inclusive solutions into service delivery. It focuses on:

• Enhancing municipal performance and resilience, ensuring long-term sustainability.
• Facilitating green investments, including nature-based solutions, alternative energy, and water efficiency.
• Increasing gender-sensitive and inclusive climate resilience, strengthening civic participation and awareness of green economic opportunities.
• The technical assistance will support four municipalities along the North-South Corridor (KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo).

GIZ InS is initiating a call for senior expert candidates as we prepare for a forthcoming tender and proposal development. We are seeking qualified individuals for the following positions. Please note that the details of these positions, including qualifications, required experience, functions, and responsibilities, may be subject to change based on additional information received during the tendering process.

The tender procedure is anticipated to launch in late April (to be confirmed), with the provisional start date of the contract expected in August, if awarded.

Please note that recruitment is conducted in anticipation of project award, and final engagement will be contingent upon successful contract award and project commencement.

• Support the Team Leader in planning, coordinating, and implementing project activities, including daily team management, activity scheduling, logistics for missions/workshops across 4 municipalities.
• Support administrative oversight, including budgeting, identification of non-key experts, and incidental expenditure tracking
• Ensure integration of financial and technical planning across targeted municipalities.
• Provide expertise in infrastructure development, environmental management, and municipal financing.
• Facilitate engagement between local government, private sector investors, and community stakeholders.
• Support monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on project progress, including contribute to inception/progress/final reports, track indicators/Logframe.

• Master's degree in one or more of the following: Project Management, Public Administration, Engineering, Economics, or related fields.
• Instead of a Master's degree, five additional years of professional work experience will be required.
• Understanding the South African legislative environment in local government would be an advantage.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in local government / financial management/engineering / social science/ economics/ legal/ auditing/or related discipline;
• At least 10 years of experience in project coordination and technical assistance for municipal services.
• At least 4 years of experience in infrastructure planning, development, and financing.
• At least 3 years of experience in environmental and climate change management.
• Strong understanding of South Africa's local government sector and environmental legislation.
• Experience in public and private sector project management is an asset.
• Fluency in English.

This job is suited to a full or a part-time position.

The willingness for frequent business trips is required.

Please understand, that we can only accept and process applications via our E-recruiting system. Following the confirmation of your successful application, kindly check your spam / junk mail folder on a regular basis, since some provider classify emails from our recruiting system as spam.

Your professional and personal development is important to us. At GIZ, you will be offered global work opportunities and an atmosphere that is characterised by diversity, respect and genuine equal opportunities. Gender equality promotion is a matter of course for us. Our benefits are also impressive in terms of work-life balance and family friendliness. Flexible working hours that fit your life situation, comprehensive onboarding and internal health management are an integral part of our corporate culture, along with the opportunity to use childcare facilities and parent/child offices.

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.

We support equal opportunities and welcome applications from people with disabilities.