Regional Value Chain Technical Advisor - Light Industry

Reports to: Programme Component Manager

Duration: Until 31 August 2026

Duty Station: Lesotho

BACKGROUND

The Government of Lesotho has received support from the European Union and the Government of Germany to implement the project: “Lesotho economic growth, job creation and Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) implementation support programme” that will support regional value chains. The objective is to improve access to identified regional value chains through capacity building of relevant stakeholders in Lesotho and other selected SADC countries to create an enabling environment for private sector development in selected regional value chains and improved capacities of MSMEs to manage selected value chains within the framework of EPA.  The two value chains that have been identified are: agro- processing focusing on natural ingredients, cosmetics, herbs and spices; and light industry associated with goose and duck feathers to produce textiles and clothing such as down pillows and bedding. In addition, digital services are set to be a supporting measure to the two mentioned value chains. The project will be implemented by GIZ.

The programme “Cooperation for Enhancement of SADC Regional Economic Integration (CESARE)” supports the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in promoting trade between its 16 Member States. As part of this, the trade component works with the SADC Secretariat in a variety of areas ranging from the elimination of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to trade; support for negotiations on trade in services; trade facilitation measures and support to the SADC industrialization agenda including the development of regional value chains.

RESPONSIBILITIES - see full job description download below

  • Undertake a thorough analysis of the feasibility, operation viability and measurable outcomes and related outputs of the value chain, including identification of concrete project activities, financial resources and recommendations for light industry interventions;
  • Explore forward and backward linkages of the identified sectors within the SADC region and assess potential for future activities or scaling up of the current value chain initiatives
  • Provides technical and policy advice and train stakeholders in technical/ operational/ sustainability aspects of the light industry activities implemented by the project; plan, organize and participate in capacity development activities;
  • Provide detailed inputs to the reporting and evaluation of the project including on the assumptions and risks,
  • Support the planning and monitoring of an efficient use of project resources;
  • Advocates strategic partnerships, best practices and policy dialogue in support of enhanced governance for the light industry value chain;
  • Interacts with relevant ministries, departments and other relevant stakeholders to improve cross-sectorial policies and strategies concerning the light industry sector and sustainable development;
  • Coordinates partnerships with non-government stakeholders, in particular with civil society organizations, donors, farmers' organisations and the private sector, around specific policy issues;

Deliverables/Outputs

  • The deliverables are to be discussed and agreed upon with the supervisor making reference to the key project documents as well as the project work plan.

APPLICATION PROCESS 

Suitable candidates should apply by submitting:

  • A motivation /Cover letter (concisely 1 page) stating why they should be the preferred candidate, the value added they will bring to the project and their desired salary range.
  • This should be accompanied by a detailed CV and indicating their nationality.

Applications should be submitted to: recruit-pretoria@giz.de, with the email subject line “Regional Value Chain Technical Advisor – Light Industry” for the attention of Head of Human Resource.

NB:      Interviews will be held virtual and/or in Maseru, Lesotho offices.

Applications from Southern African Development Community (SADC) regions are encouraged to apply.

Closing date for applications: 29 March 2024.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be informed.

Applications without a motivation letter will not be considered!