Technical Advisor: Skills and Knowledge – ICM
Reports to: Cluster Coordinator
Duration: Until 31 March 2026
BACKGROUND
The BMZ – financed programme “Transboundary Water Management in SADC” supports the implementation of regional strategies for Integrated Water Resource Management. In its fifth phase, one focus lies on supporting the national programme ReNOKA for Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) in Lesotho (ICM Action), which is co-financed by the EU. ReNOKA is a multi-stakeholder initiative that includes ministries, civil society and the private sector. ReNOKA aims to develop capacities of Basotho stakeholders and implementing rehabilitation and prevention measures at catchment level.
The ICM Action is following a harmonised approach by piloting catchment planning processes at all catchment levels, implementing climate resilient rehabilitation and prevention measures and strengthening the livelihoods of local communities. A key pillar is the Human Capacity Development (HCD) for ICM in terms of applicable skills and knowledge within the ReNOKA movement. Stakeholders are being capacitated on all levels to plan and rehabilitate land and water resources, establish and strengthen governing- and decision-making bodies as well as to improve the legal frameworks for ICM in Lesotho. As part of the ReNOKA approach, primary, secondary and tertiary as well as non-formal education and the school to work transition are elements of the ReNOKA HCD approach to build long lasting capacities for ICM in Lesotho. Related institutions are strengthened to institutionalise and replicate HCD measures sustainably and offer related services for ICM.
Against this background, the ICM Action is looking for a National Technical Advisor with a focus on the implementation of the ReNOKA Human Capacity Development approach and development of a ReNOKA HCD Strategy and its measures in-line with the priorities of Integrated Catchment Management.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The National Technical Advisor – Skills and Knowledge for ICM will be based in Maseru and report to the Programme Manager. The Advisor will oversee the development and sound implementation of sustainable capacity development measures according to the ReNOKA HCD approach for ICM groups, village and community watershed teams, councils as well as ministry- and implementation partners. The scope of work includes strategic interfaces and activities at the SADC level. The position requires a thorough understanding of and long-standing experience in human capacity development, the identification of capacity needs of specific target groups, the interface between education and training as well as the collaboration with stakeholders and third parties providing training and education services.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS
The National Technical Advisor – Skills & Knowledge for ICM is required to undertake the following tasks:
- In close collaboration with the Integrated Catchment Management Unit (ICU), GIZ and ReNOKA partners, oversee the implementation of the HCD approach, manage and advise on measures and partnerships related to trainings and education as well as develop and update learning formats including involvement in the development of a corresponding ReNOKA HCD Strategy
- Ensure coordination with other development partners in terms of HCD approaches for the water sector and act as a focal point for cooperation with academic institutions (e.g., NUL) at the interface of research, innovation and implementation
- Identify and steer ReNOKA partners (incl. NGOs and academia) in the implementation of the ReNOKA HCD approach and measures with a focus on implementation of ICM (measures) in Lesotho
- Provide advice and support for the development and integration of capacity development measures/ approaches in all ICM workstreams including the implementation of packages
- Support in a systematic integration of trained experts in ICM processes and collaborate closely with the Gender and Youth ICM Advisor to systematically engage IWRM master’s students and ReNOKA interns in the implementation of ICM activities
- Support scaling of ICM activities to additional sub-catchments in collaboration with regional teams and ReNOKA partners in terms of targeted human capacity development
- Support the M&E Specialist in the set-up of a sound monitoring and reporting system and data collection framework for capacity development activities including impact monitoring
- Document lessons learnt in form of knowledge products to be used in HCD measures, education and awareness raising activities in Lesotho and the region
- Preparation, conclusion, steering and finalization of financing and service contracts
- Preparation of concepts and activities for a second phase of the ICM Action
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCE
Qualifications
- At least master’s degree in natural sciences, equivalent in the field of environmental studies, Integrated Water Resources or Catchment Management (IWRM/ ICM), Geography or Social Sciences with a minor in natural resources management or similar fields of study.
Competencies and Professional Experience
- At least five years of professional working experience in the context of human capacity development with natural resources management focus
- Professional experience in the context of education
- Professional experience in steering consultancies and managing service contracts
- Proven ability to prepare reports and to draft project concepts/ proposals and terms of reference
- Proven ability to prepare and collect project documentations for administrative processes
- Demonstrated good interpersonal skills in communication, networking, teamwork and the moderation and facilitation of meetings and workshops
Other knowledge, additional competences
- Excellent command of English, both technical writing and verbal, is essential
- Confident use of MS Office, experience in processing data sets with the help of relevant statistical programs (Excel or similar); user experience of MS Sharepoint
- Process management skills
- Experience in the context of international development cooperation and/or working experience with development partner agencies
- Willingness to frequently travel to remote rural areas in Lesotho
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- This position is based at GIZ in Maseru, Lesotho
- The contract period for this position is until 31 March 2026 in line with the current commissioning period of the project
- GIZ offers a global network and an atmosphere characterized by diversity, respect and equal opportunities, including gender equality promotion
- GIZ is a signatory to the diversity charter which recognizes that all employees shall be valued regardless of gender and gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, social background, age, or sexual orientation
- There are possible training and personal development opportunities
- At GIZ, you will be offered 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 would like to increase the proportion of employees with disability. Applications from persons with disabilities are most welcome
- For more information on ICM Programme, please visit our project page: https://renoka.org
APPLICATION PROCESS
GIZ will only assess applications which meet the following criteria
- Suitable candidates should apply by submitting:
- A motivation letter (concisely 1 page) detailing why they should be the preferred candidate and the value they will bring to work of ICM Programme. and desired salary range
- This should be accompanied by a detailed CV and indicating their nationality
Applications should be submitted to: [email protected], with the email subject line “Application for Technical Advisor: Skills and Knowledge – ICM” for the attention of Head of Human Resource
NB: Interviews will be held in Maseru, Lesotho
Closing date for applications: 08th of July 2025
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Applications without a motivation letter will not be considered