Governance, Decentralization and Municipal Development Expert (m/f)

GIZ International Services (InS) is recruiting internally one Governance, Decentralization and Municipal Development Expert (m/f), based in Nampula

Deadline for the submission of applications: 07.06.2026 

The cover letter and CV preference in EuropeAid / European Commission format (EU format) should be in a single file.

General Introduction

Introduction

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a state owned organisation. We work worldwide in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. GIZ International Services (InS) is an integral division of GIZ. We offer the experience, the regional and technical know-how of GIZ in the global market and provide international clients with expertise in terms of economic and result-oriented services.

GIZ International Services is currently preparing for the Tender “Municipality-led development in Mozambique” funded by the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC).

This programme aims to strengthen selected municipalities in northern Mozambique to become drivers of inclusive and sustainable local economic development.

The project is structured around two main components:

• Governance and institutional strengthening: enhancing municipal governance, strategic planning capacities, and public service delivery, while fostering effective collaboration between public authorities, the private sector, and civil society.
• Local economic development and business environment improvement: supporting a more conducive environment for private sector development, investment, and job creation through resilient and sustainable economic growth initiatives.

Overall, the programme seeks to create sustainable employment and improved economic opportunities for local communities.

Core tasks

The Governance, decentralization & municipal development expert will support the strengthening of municipal governance systems, decentralization processes and institutional capacities at local level.

Main activities

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise on decentralization and municipal governance frameworks
• Support municipalities in planning, budgeting and service delivery processes
• Strengthen institutional capacities at municipal and provincial levels
• Support the design and implementation of participatory governance mechanisms
• Facilitate coordination between local authorities, central government and civil society
• Contribute to policy dialogue and reform processes
• Support development and implementation of governance-related tools and methodologies
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation and learning processes

Qualifications and specialist knowledge

Required:

Master’s degree in political science, public administration, governance or related field

• Excellent command of written and spoken English and Portuguese
• Minimum 6 years of professional experience in decentralization and local governance
• Proven experience working with municipalities and local authorities
• Experience in participatory approaches and citizen engagement mechanisms
• Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Experience in donor-funded programmes

Location
The assignment will be implemented in northern Mozambique, primarily in the provinces of Nampula and Niassa along the Nacala Corridor. Activities are expected to take place across a selection of target municipalities, with regular field presence and close collaboration with local authorities, private sector actors, and civil society stakeholders. The exact municipalities will be confirmed during the programme’s inception phase.

Disclaimer

Important information: This vacancy is part of a tender procedure by an internationaldonor. GIZ International Services (InS) is participating in the tender as a bidder and must therefore submit a binding staffing proposal as part of its offer. If you are interested in this position, please consider before applying: 

• GIZ has to select a candidate for this position before submitting the offer to the donor. The award decision by the donor will then take up to several months. An employment contract for the position can only be offered to the selected candidate if GIZ’s bid is successful. Otherwise, the position will be cancelled, and the recruiting process will be closed without any contractual obligation arising for either party. 

• Scope, tasks and requirements as well as the full-/part-time percentage of the position are determined by the donor and cannot be changed by GIZ.  

• Applications can only be considered if they fulfil all mandatory requirements entirely. 
• GIZ preference rules for internal candidates, follow-up candidates et al. do not apply for this position.  

How to apply Applications 

Interested candidates should send the updated CV in English preference in EuropeAid / European Commission format (EU format) and cover letter describing their motivation and qualifications for the position.

Notes

This is national position 

The project is currently foreseen to have a duration of 4 years.

This position is suited to a full-time position.

We encourage women and minority groups to apply for this position. GIZ is committed to equal opportunities and diversity of perspectives in the workplace. 

Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted.