Junior Technical Advisor – MSME Upgrading Support

Reports to: Component Lead – CESARE RVCL+

Duration: Until 30 September 2026

Duty Station: Maseru - Lesotho

BACKGROUND

The Government of Lesotho received funding from the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to implement the project: “Lesotho economic growth, job creation and Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) implementation support programme” also known as RVCL+. The project is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für International Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The main objective of the project is to support the implementation of the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in Lesotho and to enhance regional and international trade through the development of regional value chains in agro-processing and in light industry. This will be achieved through capacity building of the Ministry of Trade Industry and Business Development (MTIBD) and the private sector to benefit from the EPA and seize trading opportunities, 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 SADC- EU EPA.

RVCL+ is a component of the programme “Cooperation for Enhancement of SADC Regional Economic Integration (CESARE)” which supports the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in promoting trade between its 16 Member States. CESARE 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.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Junior Advisor for MSME support will be based in Maseru and report to Component Lead. The Junior Advisor will be instrumental in supporting the implementation of the RVCL+ business upgrading and linkage strategy, for MSMEs in the two selected value chains.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

The Junior Advisor will:

  • Coordinate the deployment and work of STEs at MSME and institutions level
  • Monitor the implementation of interventions at MSME level
  • Collect data and information regarding interventions at MSME level and develop and maintain a database of supported MSMEs
  • Support the development of TOR to deploy STEs.

The Junior Advisor’s tasks will be to:

  • Support the implementation of the business upgrading and linkage strategy and monitor the implementation of interventions together with RVCL+ Technical Advisors.
  • Prepare short reports on the implementation of upgrading interventions in line with the project outcome and output indicators.
  • Contribute to the development of annual operational plans, quarterly plans and other plans as requested.
  • Contribute to the various programme reports including EU and BMZ annual implementation reports, and other reports as requested.
  • Assist with research activities and studies
  • Provides regular updates to the team on the progress of activities in the area of support
  • Support collaboration with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Trade Industry and Business Development, MSMEs and other stakeholder groups
  • Carry out other related tasks assigned by the Component Lead.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND EXERIENCE

Academic background

  • A bachelor’s degree in economics, agriculture economics, business administration, law, trade policy or a similar area.

Professional experience

  • At least 1 year of professional experience working in the context of business development and trade and related institutional development.
  • Strong communication and networking skills
  • Excellent knowledge of English as a working language, and Sesotho is a requirement.
  • Strong social skills, including ability to establish rapport, motivate and inspire stakeholders
  • Ability to focus outputs.
  • Other knowledge, additional competences
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to work in a multicultural and multilingual environment
  • Very good working knowledge of ITC technologies and computer applications (e.g. MS Office)
  • Experience with international development cooperation would be an asset
  • Willingness to upskill as required by the tasks to be performed.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The duration of the assignment is until 30 September 2026. The position is based in the GIZ RVCL+ project in Maseru with a possible travel to the districts.

GIZ offers a global network and an atmosphere characterized by diversity, respect and equal opportunities, including gender equality promotion.

GIZ is a signatory to the diversity charter which recognizes that all employees shall be valued regardless of gender and gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, social background, age, or sexual orientation.

GIZ offers an international working environment (SADC, GIZ, EU) as part of a dynamic and multicultural team.

There are possible training and personal development opportunities

GIZ is committed to be an equal opportunities employer, therefore, women and people with disability are encouraged to apply.

APPLICATION PROCESS

GIZ will only assess applications which meet the following criteria:

  • Suitable candidates should apply by submitting a
    • A motivation 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 “Application for Junior Technical Advisor – MSME Upgrading Support” for the attention of Head of Human Resource.

        The deadline for applications is 14 February 2025.

 

Only shortlisted candidates who meet the above requirements will be contacted.