Event Management Specialist

Job Description

About GIZ 

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH implements  projects and programmes based on a bi-lateral agreement between the Governments of  Germany and Sierra Leone .As a service provider in the field of international cooperation for  sustainable development and international education work, we are dedicated to shaping a future  worth living around the world. We work with businesses, civil society actors and research  institutions, fostering successful interaction between development policy and other policy fields  and areas of activity. In Sierra Leone, the GIZ has been working since 1963 in the following  areas: Employment promotion and agriculture, strengthening the health care system, resource  governance and sustainable energy access.  

GIZ is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals regardless  of gender, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, age, or any other protected characteristic. We  embrace diversity and believe that inclusivity in the workplace is essential to our success and  are committed to creating a work environment where all employees are valued and respected.  Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.  

Country Office 

A GIZ Country Office is responsible for coordinating, implementing, and monitoring  administrative activities to ensure the proper functioning of GIZ’s programs and projects within  the framework of GIZ’s Processes and Rules (P+R). It provides a range of services including  financial management, processing payments, managing receivables and payables, conducting  internal controls, and supporting external audits. Additionally, the office handles various  logistical processes such as vehicle registration, customs clearance, and travel arrangements. It  aims to streamline operations and improve operational efficiency while ensuring compliance  with relevant guidelines and standards. 

We are advertising the position of “Event Management Specialist” 

Purpose of the Position 

The Event Management Specialist serves as the Centre of Competence for event management  within GIZ Sierra Leone. The position provides professional advisory services to all projects in  planning, organizing and implementing workshops, conferences, training, meetings and official  events. 

The Specialist conducts continuous market research, develops and maintains a network of  hotels, conference venues and accommodation providers throughout Sierra Leone, prepares the  technical basis for procurement processes, and ensures the successful implementation of both  external and in-house events in accordance with GIZ policies, quality standards and budget  requirements.

Key Responsibilities 

1. Advisory Services 

• Serve as the primary advisor to all GIZ projects on the planning and organisation of  workshops, conferences, meetings, trainings and official events. 
• Develop event concepts tailored to the objectives, target groups, logistical requirements  and available budgets of each project. 
• Recommend suitable venues, accommodation and service providers based on event size,  accessibility, security, quality, operational requirements and value for money. • Advise projects on conference logistics, seating arrangements, participant flow, event  design, branding, decoration and the creation of professional and welcoming learning  environments. 
• Support projects throughout the complete event cycle, from concept development to  implementation and post-event evaluation. 

2. Market Research and Supplier Management 

• Conduct continuous market research of hotels, conference venues, guest houses and  accommodation facilities in Freetown, Bo, Makeni, Kenema and other operational  districts. 
• Build and maintain a comprehensive network of hotels, conference venues and event  service providers throughout Sierra Leone. 
• Evaluate suppliers based on quality, service standards, capacity, accessibility, security,  pricing and operational suitability. 
• Maintain an up-to-date supplier database and regularly assess market developments and  service quality. 
• Identify suitable accommodation options for government partners and workshop  participants while ensuring cost-effectiveness and appropriate quality standards. 

3. Procurement Preparation 

• Prepare the complete technical documentation required for procurement processes,  including market assessments, technical specifications, evaluation criteria and shortlists  of suitable service providers. 
• Work closely with the Procurement Unit, which conducts the formal procurement  process based on the prepared documentation. 
• Provide technical support during bid evaluations and supplier selection where required. • Contribute to the development of framework agreements and long-term partnerships  with hotels and conference venues. 

4. Event Planning and Implementation 

• Plan, coordinate and implement workshops, conferences, trainings, meetings and  official events throughout Sierra Leone. 
• Organise all logistical arrangements, including venue preparation, accommodation,  catering, conference equipment, participant management, transportation and event  schedules. 
• Coordinate and manage all internal Country Office events, including management  meetings, staff events, official visits and internal workshops. 
• Act as the focal point during events, ensuring smooth implementation and immediate  resolution of operational issues.

• Monitor supplier performance and ensure that agreed quality standards are consistently  achieved. 

5. Quality Management and Continuous Improvement 

• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, templates, checklists and quality  standards for event management. 
• Document lessons learned and continuously improve event management processes. • Maintain statistics, supplier evaluations and management reports. 
• Ensure compliance with GIZ administrative, financial and procurement regulations  throughout all event-related activities. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality Management, Tourism  Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Public Administration or another  relevant field. 
• Additional professional qualifications in event management or hospitality management  are considered an advantage. 

Professional Experience 

• Several years of progressively responsible professional experience in event  management, conference management, hospitality, tourism or a comparable field. • Demonstrated experience in planning, coordinating and implementing workshops,  conferences, trainings and official events. 
• Experience in advising internal or external clients on event concepts and logistical  solutions. 
• Experience in conducting market research and evaluating hotels, conference venues and  accommodation providers. 
• Experience in preparing technical documentation for procurement processes or  supporting tender procedures is an advantage. 
• Experience working with international organisations, development partners, NGOs or  the private sector is considered an asset. 

Technical Competencies 

• Excellent knowledge of event planning, conference management and workshop  logistics. 
• Ability to translate programme objectives into practical, high-quality and cost-effective  event concepts. 
• Sound understanding of venue selection, conference layouts, seating arrangements,  participant flow and event presentation. 
• Strong analytical skills to assess markets, suppliers and service quality. • Excellent planning, coordination and organisational skills. 
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously while meeting deadlines. • Strong customer orientation with a service-driven mindset. 
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; knowledge of ERP systems (e.g. SAP  S/4HANA) is an advantage.

  Personal Competencies 

• High level of initiative and accountability. 
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgement. 
• Creativity combined with practical implementation skills. 
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. 
• Professional appearance and confidence when representing GIZ towards hotels,  conference venues and external partners. 
• Flexibility and willingness to undertake regular duty travel throughout Sierra Leone. Mode of Application: 

Please send ONLY a cover letter, CV and copies of education certificates to  recruitmentsl@giz.de by 20/07/2026. No applications will be accepted after this deadline. 

Applications will be reviewed when received. Early applications are strongly encouraged, your  application e-mail subject, please write: “Event Management Specialist’ 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.