Brief Description of the Project
On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the GIZ Regional Programme “Improving the Prevention of Female Genital Mutilation” aims to support national, regional, and local actors working on the prevention of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the Horn of Africa. The project's target groups are girls and women at risk of FGM and GBV in selected regions of Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan, where FGM is particularly prevalent. This includes Afar and the Somali region in Ethiopia, as well as Somaliland, Puntland, Jubaland (Kismayo), and Banadir (Mogadishu) in Somalia. In Sudan, the project targets Gedaref and Kassala.

 

The program operates around 3 main outputs:
1. Strengthening institutional capacities,
2. Increasing cooperation, and
3. Empowering community members to challenge their attitudes towards FGM and gender-based violence.

 

It involves supporting employees of governmental and non-governmental institutions in skills improvement, joint learning, and networking with other actors to develop strategies and approaches that promote social change. Additionally, the program aims to ensure that FGM remains a priority on the political agenda in the long term, promoting national coordination mechanisms such as Task Forces and National Alliances against FGM. Collaborating closely with community-based organizations is also a key priority, as they play a crucial role in dismantling the male-dominated structures that underpin FGM through local awareness-raising initiatives.

 

Owing to BMZ’s decision to implement technical cooperation in Sudan independently of the government, exchange with government representatives or institutions only takes place at technical level and no direct support or further sponsorship is possible at the moment. Our partners in Sudan consist of local and regional civil society organizations as well as international organizations. Any communication with actors at the local administrative level of the federal states, along with the involvement of other stakeholders, is continuously coordinated with the German Embassy and the responsible BMZ officers.
 

Core Responsibilities
Supporting the Head of Programme, the regional Advisor on FGM and GBV Prevention is responsible for coordinating project activities in Sudan across all three project outputs, with a focus on monitoring the political and humanitarian situation, managing stakeholder relationships remotely, and overseeing grants with implementation partners. Additionally, the role involves exchanging and aligning activities with various partners and leading coordination efforts in response to the situation in Sudan.

 

The position also entails the technical coordination of Output 2 on a regional scale, including the development of concept notes, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, and organizing regional activities with diverse stakeholders. Output 2 aims to intensify cooperation between relevant state and non-state actors to end FGM and other forms of GBV at the regional, national, and local levels. This involves not only enhancing the quality of collaboration within multisectoral coordination mechanisms, but also providing targeted support to youth movements and women- led groups, empowering them to better position their needs, amplify their voices, and influence decision-making processes within these mechanisms at all levels. Additionally, the project will establish new collaborations with religious authorities, universities, and research institutions. By doing so, the project will facilitate, catalyze, and enable inclusive partnerships aimed at the elimination of FGM and other related forms of GBV.

 

Beyond these responsibilities, the role contributes to overall project management by assisting with planning, steering, monitoring, and administrative tasks. The position also supports knowledge management, networking activities, and the development of initiatives in other implementing countries (Ethiopia and Somalia). Furthermore, the advisor assists the project manager in preparing annual reports and ensures compliance with GIZ rules and regulations.
 

 

Main Tasks
 

 

Coordination activities implemented in Sudan across all three project outputs:
 Oversee and coordinate project activities in Sudan, including closely monitoring the political and humanitarian situation on the ground.
 Manage stakeholder relationships in a remote setting.
 Oversee the management of grants with implementation partners in Sudan.
 Exchange and align activities with other partners, initiate and lead the coordination efforts in the response to the situation in Sudan and seek involvement and support across thematic expert networks.
 

 

Technical Coordination of Output 2 (regional scope):
 Responsible for the technical, substantive, and organizational implementation of the project’s measures and activities within the output.
 Develop concept notes, ensure strategic planning and establish appropriate monitoring and evaluation processes for Output 2.
 Initiate and lead the organization of regional activities with different stakeholders (state and non-state actors, international organizations, research institutes and universities, religious and faith leaders, other GIZ projects etc.)

 

Contribution to overall project management (regional scope):
 In consultation with the Head of Programme, undertake tasks related to planning, steering, and monitoring of the project, including occasional project administration tasks.
 Provide technical and substantive input on overarching issues in collaboration with commissioning parties/clients, partners, and other relevant actors.
 Support the achievement of the project's agreed objectives.
 Contribute to knowledge management and the development of activities in other implementing countries (Ethiopia and Somalia), while also providing support to other experts.
 Facilitate and support networking activities.
 Take responsibility for administrative tasks according to GIZ rules and regulations (PuR)
 Assist the project manager in the preparation of the annual reporting Required qualifications, competences, and experience

 

Qualifications
 MSc/MA Degree in Public Health, Social Sciences or related fields,
 Good knowledge of the international and regional efforts to eliminate FGM and other related forms of GBV, including the legislative, strategic and action framework,
 Good knowledge of the public health sector, current security and political situation, as well as legislative framework of Sudan regarding women’s rights, FGM and GBV,
 Proven organizational and coordination skills in an international context as well as experience in project management,
 Experience in participatory action planning and community engagement,
 Excellent command of English, fluency in Sudanese Arabic and preferably other Sudanese languages. Knowledge of Somali or Amharic is an asset.

 

Professional Experiences
 At least 10 years of relevant work experience in Sudan, specifically in the areas of FGM/GBV prevention and response and/or good governance and/or public health.
 Proven extensive network of key Sudanese CSOs actively engaged in FGM and GBV prevention and response,
 Work experience in the field of international development cooperation, as well as experience in the collaboration with state and non-state actors including universities, religious leaders,
 Proven experience in gender mainstreaming and work on women’s right-related topics,
 Experience in public relations / communication and/or impact monitoring is of advantage.

 

Other knowledge, additional competencies
 Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and high commitment to integrity and the promotion of human rights, and in particular women’s rights,
 Very good project management, organizational, M&E and analytical skills,
 Ability to work independently,
 Excellent inter-personal and communication skills,
 Very good working knowledge of ITC technologies (related software, phone, fax, email, the internet) and computer applications (e.g. MS Office, Skype, DMS).

Taking into account the guidelines from the Risk Management Unit, this position requires regular regional travel, which may include visits to high-risk areas. All such travel is conducted in strict accordance with the directives provided by the Risk Management Unit.

 

Application procedure:
Interested and qualified candidates shall submit their motivation letter along with their non-returnable recent CV via hreth@giz.de

 

Note:
Please make sure you mention the vacancy number and position title ‘Applicant full name | Regional Expert Advisor #104/2024’ in the subject line of your email application.
Please submit your application letter and CV in English.
Due to large number of applications, we categorise applications with the vacancy numbers.
Applications without vacancy numbers in subject lines will be categorized and will be disqualified.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
We encourage persons with disabilities to apply for the position. In case of equal qualification, persons with disabilities will be given preference.
Applications from qualified women are encouraged.
“Please refer to our brochure to learn more about GIZ’s attractive benefit package.”