Advisor – IYBA

Job Description

About GIZ 

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federally owned  enterprise supporting the German Government in achieving its objectives in international cooperation  for sustainable development. 

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.  

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 Project IYBA Business West Africa is a regional project funded by the European Union and the  BMZ, and implemented by GIZ, aimed at promoting the economic inclusion of young people in West  Africa. The project supports young entrepreneurs and MSME in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Sierra Leone,  Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, particularly those focusing on climate-friendly production.  They receive: 

• Needs-driven service offerings and training on green and circular business models to help them  establish a foothold in the economy 
• Advisory services on more efficient and environmentally friendly production techniques,  equipment to enable the launch of their business, and assistance in establishing contacts with  potential business partners  
• Access to suitable financial products and services through the support provided in drawing up  business plans and establishing contact with financial service providers.

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TASKS 

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop, coordinate, and implement project activities under two outputs of the IYBA Business  Programme in Sierra Leone, with a focus on strengthening the capacities of MSMEs (especially  those in the green and circular economy) and improving MSMEs’ access to financial services  
• Design, implement and monitor capacity-building initiatives for MSMEs, including training,  coaching, mentoring and entrepreneurship support programmes (e.g. SME Loop or similar  approaches) 
• Support MSMEs in enhancing their entrepreneurial, financial, managerial and commercial  capacities, with particular emphasis on business planning, financial management, and overall  business development 
• Promote the integration of green and circular economy principles into MSME business models  and coordinate the provision of technical assistance for the adoption of sustainable technologies  and solutions 
• Design, organise, and facilitate training programmes, technical workshops, and awareness raising initiatives to strengthen the capacity of financial institutions to finance green and  circular economy businesses 
• Facilitate linkages between MSMEs and financial service providers, investors, and other  financing partners through matchmaking initiatives, investment forums, business events, and  B2B/B2G networking activities 
• Contribute to knowledge management by documenting and disseminating good practices,  lessons learned and project achievements 
• Represent the project towards institutional, technical, and private-sector partners within the area  of intervention, and perform any other duties assigned by management in support of the  project’s objectives 

Qualifications 

• A university Degree in Economics, Finance, Management, Business Administration,  Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Development, or a related field 
• At least five (5) years of professional experience in private sector development, MSME  development and finance, or entrepreneurship promotion 
• Proven experience in designing and implementing capacity-building programmes for MSMEs  and private sector actors, including training, coaching, mentoring, entrepreneurship support,  and business development services 
• Sound knowledge of the MSME ecosystem, business support organisations, and financial sector  in Sierra Leone, with a good understanding of access to finance, investment, business growth,  and financial inclusion 
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder partnerships and coordinating  effectively with public institutions, financial institutions, private sector organisations,  development partners, and other technical stakeholders 
• A good understanding of green and circular economy principles, sustainable business models,  or green value chains is an asset 
• Knowledge of French is an asset 

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Mode of Application:  

Suitable candidates are invited to apply not later than 10th August 2026 with this ref: Advisor – IYBA  

Applications include:  

• Cover Letter  
• CV (including work experience and references)  
• Photocopies of Certificates  

Applications should be addressed to: 

Human Resources Specialist 

GIZ Sierra Leone & Liberia Regional Country Office 

The Valley Residence  

78 Cape Road Aberdeen 

Freetown 

The above MUST 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.