Snr Technical Advisor: Scaling Soil Health in Africa

GIZ.; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

An international development organization seeks a Senior Technical Advisor to advance Africa's soil health transformation. The role involves coordinating with AUDA NEPAD, managing grants, and facilitating partnerships. Candidates should have at least 15 years of experience in agriculture or related sectors and possess an advanced degree in a relevant field. This position is based in Midrand, South Africa, offering an inclusive and respectful work environment until 31 December 2027.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in agriculture or related sectors.
• Understanding of continental or regional agricultural policies, including CAADP.
• Experience managing donor-funded programmes with budget oversight.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate grant implementation and strengthen cooperation with AUDA NEPAD.
• Prepare progress reports and ensure accountability in budget management.
• Support stakeholder engagement and maintain communication with GIZ projects.

Skills

Strategic insight

Multi-stakeholder engagement

Coordination

Partnership facilitation

Education

Advanced degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Economics or related field

Job description

Take on a pivotal role in advancing Africa’s soil health transformation as the Senior Technical Advisor: Enabling Environments for Scaling Soil Health in Africa – Seconded to AUDA NEPAD (Midrand | Until 31 December 2027)

This role supports AUDA NEPAD in driving the African Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan. You will help strengthen coordination across the continent and support partners in building enabling environments that advance sustainable soil health solutions. You will report to the AU Cluster Coordinator.

Why You

You bring strategic insight with a calm and steady approach to coordination. You understand Africa’s agricultural policy landscape and work well in complex environments. You know how to facilitate strong partnerships and you care deeply about long term soil health, sustainable practice and farmer centred solutions.

What You Need to Succeed

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Soil Science, Economics, Public Policy or a related field
• Expertise in continental or regional agricultural policies including CAADP
• Understanding of multi stakeholder engagement and cross sectoral approaches

Professional Experience

• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience
• Experience with CAADP processes at continental, regional or national level
• Experience working with AU institutions. Experience with AUDA NEPAD is an advantage
• Minimum 7 years in agriculture, soil health, rural development or related sectors
• Experience implementing donor funded programmes with reporting and budget oversight
• Experience managing consultancy assignments, sub grants and technical partnerships
• Experience engaging with governments, RECs, farmer organisations, private sector and development partners

What You Will Be Doing

In this role you will coordinate the implementation of the grant agreement and strengthen cooperation between AUDA NEPAD, Member States, RECs and partners working on the AFSH Action Plan. You will support alignment with CAADP processes, guide stakeholder engagement on the 5 intervention areas and ensure strong links with GIZ projects including the Global Project Soil Matters. You will also prepare operational plans, support missions and maintain clear reporting across all activities.

Responsibilities

• Support coordination of the grant agreement
• Support timely implementation and budget management
• Prepare progress reports for GIZ
• Support aligned reporting across Development Partners
• Strengthen cooperation with AUDA NEPAD programmes and relevant initiatives
• Align activities with CAADP implementation support
• Cooperate with GIZ projects including the Global Project Soil Matters
• Support AUDA NEPAD resource mobilisation

Tasks

• Prepare operational plans with AUDA NEPAD experts
• Follow up on implementation progress
• Plan and support missions, workshops and engagement events
• Document and share mission results
• Prepare project progress reports
• Support expert assignments, sub grants and consultancy arrangements
• Maintain exchange with GIZ seconded staff
• Coordinate with the Global Programme Soil Matters Steering Unit
• Support Soil Matters country measures
• Engage stakeholders for all 5 intervention areas

Additional Information

This position is based in Midrand South Africa. GIZ offers an inclusive environment rooted in respect and equal opportunity. Applications from persons with disabilities are welcome. The contract runs until 31 December 2027.

Application Process

• Applications must meet all qualification and experience requirements
• Submit a motivation letter of no more than 2 pages
• Submit a CV of no more than 4 pages and include your nationality
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
• Applications without a motivation letter will not be considered
• Applications that exceed the page limits will not be considered

Closing date for applications: 12 January 2025