Advisor – Cassava Value Chain

Job Description

Overview 

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 provider of international cooperation services for sustainable development and international  education work, we are dedicated to building a future worth living around the world. GIZ has over 50  years of experience in a wide variety of areas, including economic development and employment,  energy and the environment, and peace and security. GIZ has been working in Sierra Leone since 1963  with now more than 100 national and international personnel working in projects implemented together  with our Sierra Leonean partners funded by the German Government, the EU, and others. 

The GIZ project “Youth Employment Promotion through Socio-Ecological and Economic Transformation  of selected Rural Value Chains” (EET) aims at strengthening MSMEs in selected value chains in Sierra  Leone with respect to business and job creation aspects, particularly for women and youth. To this end,  the project works in five main fields of action:  

1. Support for MSMEs in selected agricultural value chains: Through a holistic value chain  approach, tailored training and coaching as well as different financial support modalities,  MSMEs in several agricultural value chains will be strengthened, production facilities optimized,  and new products and supply chains developed. Supported value chains are the cassava,  vegetables, poultry and cocoa/coffee value chains. The focus is on the creation of jobs for  women and young people.  
2. Strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem: Under this output, ministries and the central bank  will be advised on improving the general framework conditions for MSMEs and economic  growth as well as an improved access to finance for MSMEs.  
3. Women economic empowerment: Women organisations and female entrepreneurs will be  strengthened through training and mentoring along the 3R approach focusing on improved  access to rights, representation and resources. 
4. Improved Market access: Access to markets for agricultural producers, with a particular focus  on women and young people, has been improved.  
5. Inclusive TVET Systems: The vocational training system is more gender-responsive and better  aligned with the needs of the labour market. 

We are advertising three “Advisor – Cassava Value Chain” positions that will be based in our regional  office in Makeni. 

The Advisor – Cassava Value Chain will support the Regional Office in Makeni under the Socio Ecological and Economic Transformation (EET) project in Sierra Leone. You will work closely work with  the project team in Makeni as well as with the Cassava Value Chain advisor and the regional cassava  advisor in Bo, to enhance the competitiveness of the cassava value chain. This will involve providing  technical expertise, implementing strategies, and ensuring the inclusion of key stakeholders, particularly  women and youth, in value chain development. Your role will be pivotal in improving the business  environment and fostering private sector growth in the region. 

This position requires an expert who can lead technical interventions, coordinate and cooperate with  partners, and contribute to the overall success of the EET project in the region. 

You are responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex tasks within the cassava value  chain, requiring a high level of technical expertise and advisory skills. This includes strategic planning,  budget management, coordination and implementation of activities along the value chain, as well as  the monitoring, evaluation, and communication of project outcomes. All activities must be carried out in  compliance with GIZ and EU rules and regulations. The role requires a high degree of independence,  initiative, and discretion within defined guidelines.

1. Responsibilities 

• You will provide technical advice on the development and improvement of the cassava value  chain, along all stages of the value chain from sourcing quality inputs to production, processing  and marketing. 
• You will build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including farmers,  cooperatives, MSMEs, government partners, private sector and civil society organisations. • You will design and implement capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening the technical  

and business skills of beneficiaries and stakeholders involved in the cassava value chain. • You will develop and promote inclusive strategies that support the active participation and  economic empowerment of women and youth in the cassava value chain.  

• You will support your Line Manager in budget planning and expenditure monitoring of cassava related activities. 
• You will be responsible for the planning, implementing and monitoring of change projects in the  cassava value chain, ensuring quality implementation and alignment with project objectives. • You will contribute to internal and external communication activities by drafting social media content, success stories, and by engaging with partners and stakeholders to ensure visibility  and transparency. 
• In addition, you will contribute to regular reporting on cassava value chain activities, outcomes  and lessons learned to commissioning parties and any relevant partners. 

1. Tasks  

Specific tasks of the Advisor – Cassava Value Chain include, but are not limited to:  Technical Support and Advisory Services: 

▪ Ensure cassava value chain activities are strategically aligned with the overall objectives  of the EET project in coordination with line management. 

▪ Mapping of existing stakeholders in the cassava value chains identify key actors,  opportunities, and gaps. 

▪ Identify opportunities to improve cassava production, processing and marketing through  innovative solutions, skills adaptation, access to finance and markets. 

▪ Support the preparation of an annual operational plan for the regional office and the office  in Freetown in line with the overall project. 

▪ Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with government institutions, private sector and civil society organisations relevant to the cassava value chain. 

▪ Collaborate with partners to design and implement change projects that align with the  overall strategic direction of the project.  

▪ Provide technical support to District Authorities and MSMEs on fostering private sector  development and improving the business environment in the region, specifically the  cassava value chain. 

▪ Advise local partners and stakeholders, including farmers, cooperatives and MSMEs on  best practices to improve productivity, efficiency and sustainability in the cassava value  chain. 

▪ Advising women-led enterprises and women organisations/cooperatives on promotion of women economic empowerment.  

▪ Support the monitoring and evaluation of interventions in the cassava value chain. ▪ Participate in a regular technical exchange with other Cassava Value Chain Advisors and  the regional technical cassava value chain advisor.  

Stakeholder Engagement – Task: 

▪ Support communication and coordination with project partners, local communities, and  relevant government agencies including MAFs, SLARI, District and city councils. ▪ Participate in meetings and workshops with relevant stakeholders to discuss project  progress and possible changes. 

Reporting and Documentation – Responsibilities: 

▪ Prepare regular reports on the progress of change projects activities and interventions. ▪ Document success stories, challenges, and lessons learned from the field. 

▪ Participate in monthly project meetings as well as regional office bi-weekly  update and planning meetings 

▪ Where possible, participate in quarterly operational planning meetings 

1. Administration and team linkages: 

▪ Technical interlocution with advisors for Vegetable and Poultry  

▪ Technical interlocution with the Development Advisor, Head of components and  commission manager. 

▪ Ensure compliance with GIZ processes and rules (PuR) and code of conduct.  

1. Required qualifications, competences, and experience  

• Completed university degree in Agricultural Studies or comparable degree programs, a  Master’s Degree would be an added advantage.  
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills as well as high advisory competence • Experience in project management, including planning, implementing and monitoring projects  in the context of international development cooperation. 
• Experience in the agricultural value chain development, particularly in cassava or similar  crops. 
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint. • English, also in reading and writing level C2, is a must.  
• Knowledge of local languages in northern Sierra Leone is an asset. 

 Other Requirements: 

▪ Willingness to travel to rural areas and work in field conditions. 

▪ Commitment to promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. ▪ Commitment to promoting the empowerment of women and youth MSMEs in the value  chains. 

▪ Commitment, team spirit, reliability, diplomatic skills, gender competence and  intercultural understanding 

Mode of Application: 

Suitable candidates are invited to apply not later than 15.10.2026 with this ref: Advisor – Cassava  Value Chain in the EET Project – Makeni. 

Applications include: 

– Cover letter 

– CV (including work experience and references) 

– Copies of certificates  

and have to be submitted to the email address recruitmentsl@giz.de. Only applicants shortlisted will  be contacted for an interview. GIZ-Sierra Leone is an equal-opportunity employer, and therefore women  are strongly encouraged to apply.