Regional Advisor – Cassava Value Chain

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 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. 

GIZ SL 1 
  

5. Inclusive TVET Systems: The vocational training system is more gender responsive and better aligned with the needs of the labour market. 

The regional advisor for the cassava value chain will be based in the project office in Bo and support the strategic development and implementation of cassava value chain interventions within the EET  project. In addition to implementing activities in Bo, the advisor will support project management on  cassava-related strategic decisions and provide technical guidance to project activities in Makeni. 
The advisor will coordinate and support the national cassava value chain advisors based in Bo and  Makeni to strengthen the competitiveness, inclusiveness, and sustainability of the cassava value chain.  The role contributes to private sector development, improved market systems, and the economic  empowerment of women and youth. 
The position requires a highly experienced professional with strong technical expertise, advisory skills,  and the ability to work independently in a complex stakeholder environment. 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 

▪ Provide strategic and technical leadership for the development of the cassava value chain,  covering production, processing, and market development. 
▪ Coordinate and support the national cassava value chain advisors in Bo and Makeni. ▪ Coordinate and provide technical guidance to project grantees implementing cassava value  chain activities on behalf of the project. 
▪ Advise project management on cassava-related strategies and priorities. 
▪ Build and maintain partnerships with government institutions, private sector actors, farmers’  organisations, and civil society. 
▪ Promote inclusive approaches that strengthen the participation and economic empowerment of  women and youth. 
▪ Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of cassava-related interventions and change  projects. 
▪ Support budget planning, expenditure monitoring, and reporting in compliance with GIZ and  donor requirements. 
▪ Contribute to project communication, knowledge sharing, and documentation of results. 

1. Tasks  

Specific tasks of the Advisor – Cassava Value Chain include, but are not limited to: 
Technical Support and Advisory Services: 
▪ Ensure cassava activities are aligned with overall project objectives. 
▪ Identify opportunities to improve productivity, processing, market access, and private sector  engagement. 
▪ Provide technical advice to partners, including district authorities, cooperatives, and MSMEs. ▪ Facilitate technical exchange and coordination among cassava advisors and key stakeholders. ▪ Support monitoring and evaluation of cassava value chain interventions. 
Communication and Reporting: 
▪ Maintain effective communication with project partners and internal teams. ▪ Contribute to programme visibility through communication materials and activity  documentation. 
▪ Support regular reporting in line with BMZ, EU, and GIZ requirements. 
▪ Ensure compliance with GIZ processes and regulations.
GIZ SL 2 
  
Supervision Received and Exercised  
Receives general direction from the EET Head of Component.  

1. Required qualifications, competences, and experience  

Qualifications 
▪ Advanced university degree in agriculture, agribusiness, rural development, or a related field. ▪ Several years of relevant professional experience in agricultural value chain development,  preferably in cassava or similar crops. 
▪ Experience in project management within international development cooperation. ▪ Strong analytical, strategic, and advisory skills. 
▪ Excellent stakeholder management and partnership-building skills. 
▪ Excellent written and spoken English (minimum C2 level). 
▪ Strong command of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint,  Outlook, and MS Teams. 
Other knowledge, additional competences  
▪ Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multicultural environments. ▪ Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive, results-oriented work approach. ▪ High level of reliability, diplomacy, and intercultural sensitivity. 
▪ Commitment to gender equality and inclusive development. 
Mode of Application: 
Suitable candidates are invited to apply not later than 12.06.2026 with this ref: Regional Advisor – Cassava Value Chain in the EET Project. 
Applications include:  
– Cover letter 
– CV (including work experience and references) 
– Photocopies of certificates  
To be submitted to the email address recruitmentsl@giz.de. Please state your preferred workstation,  Bo or Freetown, in your cover letter. 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.
GIZ SL 3