Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Advisor

Reports to: Senior Portfolio Manager

Duration: 12 months with the possibility of extension

BACKGROUND

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is an international cooperation (IC) enterprise for sustainable development with worldwide operations. Its corporate objective is to improve people’s living conditions on a sustainable basis.

GIZ’s activities in South Africa, Lesotho and eSwatini are managed through its country office in Pretoria, South Africa and focus on the Just Energy Transition Partnership (Energy, Climate Change, Skills & Employment), Governance including the prevention of gender-based violence, Private Sector Development and Health amongst others.

GIZ promotes a corporate culture of action always based on universal ethical values and principles. Integrity, respect for human dignity, diversity and non-discrimination are at the heart of this culture.

GIZ South Africa, Lesotho & Eswatini is committed to these values and to a transparent and self-critical approach to development cooperation. It is our aim to streamline GIZ’s diversity, equity and inclusion activities in South Africa, Lesotho and eSwatini.

 

The position of the DEI Advisor will be allocated to GIZ’s country office in Pretoria, South Africa to ensure a portfolio-wide approach, including all clusters, projects and units.

  1. RESPONSIBILITIES:

The DEI Advisor is responsible for the following tasks:

  • Responsibility for the implementation of GIZ’s DEI activities in South Africa, Lesotho and eSwatini.
  • Developing a DEI strategy for GIZ South Africa, Lesotho and eSwatini based on existing initiatives and new activities including a monitoring system to measure progress.
  • Monitoring and Reporting: Collecting and analyzing data on diversity metrics, preparing reports, and proposing actions to address identified gaps or challenges.
  • Designing, facilitating and/or delivering DEI trainings, workshops and resources to enhance awareness of cultural competence, unconscious bias, and inclusive practices among employees., including the technical and financial management of service providers and/or consultants
  • Providing recommendations to clusters, projects, country office units and the extended management team on DEI activities and the creation and implementation of practices aimed at attracting, retaining, and developing a diverse workforce
  • Acting as a consultant and resource for employees and managers on DEI issues
  • Raising awareness on DEI amongst GIZ’s staff in South Africa, Lesotho and eSwatini through open discussions, workshops and individual advice. Liaise with relevant resources within GIZ (i.e. Stop it!; HR or Compliance Unit).
  • Collaborate with relevant GIZ staff initiatives and internal working groups on DEI including gender focal persons within GIZ and relevant stakeholders and networks at GIZ’s Headquarter (Cultural Diversity Initiative, Equal Opportunities Officers, Inclusion Officers etc.)
  • Exercising all responsibilities according to GIZ’s corporate principles.
  1. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND EXPRERIENCES

Qualifications:

  • A post-graduate university qualification in Social Sciences or any other field related to DEI.

Professional experience:

  • Proven work experience in an international environment and strong knowledge of the South African / Lesotho social environment;
  • Proving work experience in managing and/or developing DEI activities in an international corporate environment;
  • Experience in managing contracts of service providers/consultants;
  • Interest in working with a diverse corporate setting in a structured, methodical manner and the ability to influence organizational culture positively;
  • Excellent writing and communication skills in English. The ability to communicate in multiple South African languages is advantageous;
  • Good research and presentation skills, with good knowledge of MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, MS Teams and associated functionalities and techniques for presentation.
  1. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  • This position is Hatfield, Pretoria based
  • The assignment comprises a fixed-term employment contract for 12 months with the possibility of extension. The preferred starting date is 17 March 2025.
  • At GIZ, you will be offered an atmosphere that is characterised by diversity, respect and genuine equal opportunities. GIZ is a signatory to the Diversity Charter. Recognition, appreciation and inclusion of diversity are important to us. All employees shall be valued – regardless of gender, gender identity, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, social background, age or sexual orientation.
  1. APPLICATION PROCESS

Suitable candidates should apply by submitting a motivation letter (max. 2 pages) detailing why they should be the preferred candidate. This should be accompanied by a detailed CV (max. 2 pages) indicating their nationality.

Applications should be submitted to: recruit-pretoria@giz.de, with the email subject line “Application for the DEI Advisor” for the attention of Head of Unit: Human Resource.

We expressly welcome applications from women and historically marginalized groups.

Closing date for applications: 09 February 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applications without a motivation letter and CVs longer than 2 pages will not be considered!