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 shortlisted for the EU-funded tender: „Global Gateway Facility for Central America”, in Costa Rica . Activities will take place in the six SIECA member states: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.

The overall objective to which this action contributes is to Improve the structured and inclusive dialogue with non-state actors on regional integration, the implementation of the Association Agreement and unlocking EU investment opportunities in a Global Gateway perspective.

The purpose of this action is to strengthen the participation of civil society (private sector and civil society organisations) in the implementation of the EU-CA AA to support progress in the Trade and Sustainable Development agenda (labour rights, notably decent work, gender equality and economic empowerment/inclusivity) and related dialogue, and to contribute to unlocking potential for investment opportunities.

Gender-related aspects and in particular women’s economic empowerment will be given a particular importance.

• The Programme Director is accountable to the Contracting authority for coordinating the contract, delivering project results, and efficiently using available resources
• Responsible for the mobilization, coordination, and management of the project team, ensuring deadlines, quality, consistency, and appropriate content of outcomes
• Plan, coordinate, implement, monitor, and follow up on activities for the SIECA region, including annual and six-month plans for unforeseen expenditures
• Identify and organize project activities, prepare proposals, draft ToRs, coordinate actors, and provide technical support to the EU Delegations and Advisory Committee
• Define and disseminate management tools, provide training, monitor policies, coordinate development partners, and facilitate participatory planning processes
• Develop indicators and baselines, and conduct ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the program
• Advise on institution building, coordinate with other projects and development partners, analyze and prepare proposals for regional synergies, and organize events
• Ensure the quality and timely execution of work by experts and suppliers, and manage contractual processes, including unforeseen expenses and short-term expert engagements
• Provide technical and organizational support for Steering Committee meetings, training, capacity building, and participatory planning processes
• Conduct regional public policy analyses, monitor cooperation projects and public policy developments, and map opportunities for transformative impact
• Execute coordinating roles with the EU, Steering Committee, and beneficiary institutions, manage technical assistance, and organize joint events ensuring compliance with EU visibility strategies
• Monitor activities and expenditures, ensure proper implementation and quality control, and prepare periodic reports as required

Qualification and skills

• Advanced university degree (at least Masters) preferably in economics, international trade, political or social science, or related discipline
• Knowledge and understanding of the Central American regulatory and institutional environment, including the region’s integration process, as well as the social, political and economic context in the six countries covered by this project
• General knowledge of key issues related to market access, government procurement, technical barriers to trade, customs, intellectual property, Trade and Sustainable Development
• Proven technical knowledge and project management skills
• Knowledge of EU procedures and project management cycles will be considered an asset
• Proficiency/fluency of the Spanish and English language (oral and written)
• Proven drafting, synthesis and communication skills
• Proven capacity for interpersonal relations and working in a multidisciplinary team
• Proven capacity leading work teams
• Proven ability to engage, work and communicate with partners of different nature (e.g. institutions, international bodies, private sector, civil society)
• Advanced skills in the usage and application of technologies, software and digital tools, including Microsoft Office, presentation and communication tools
• Preferably with proven knowledge of the European Union’s development cooperation policies, instruments and strategies
• Preferably experience in knowledge management
• Preferably proven knowledge of evaluation and monitoring techniques and systems

General Professional experience

• Proven professional experience of at least 8 years in project and team management

Specific professional experience

• At least 6 years’ professional experience in institution-building processes, project management and public policies
• Proven experience in sustainable trade issues related to the EU and preferably to Central America
• Extensive work experience in the private sector on topics relevant to EU-Central America trade as well as business management
• Additional experience in the public sector will be an asset
• Proven experience in legal, economic and policy analysis
• Experience in alliances for effective development cooperation, preferably in multiple geographical regions
• Preferably professional experience at the Central American regional level
• Professional experience in strategic planning
• Preferred experience in EU cooperation programmes and projects
• Preferably experience in procurement of services
• Knowledge in the implementation of the European Union’s contractual procedures will be appreciated

The operational base for this contract and this position will be located in Costa Rica.

The intended start date is November 2024, and the period of implementation of the contract will be 48 months from this date.

This position is full-time.

Please send us an updated CV in EuropeAid format in English.