The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the implementing agency of the Federal Republic of Germany for technical and international cooperation, is offering a position for an Urban Planning and Community Advisor for Climate Resilient Urbanisation. The successful candidate will be based in Mansa and will support the urban planning and development capacities of local government and selected municipalities in Luapula Province. The programme, Just and Climate Resilient Urbanization and Decentralisation (CitiZen+D), aims to ensure that selected municipalities in Zambia are better equipped to implement approaches for just and climate-resilient urban development.
The CitiZen+D programme operates in partnership with the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, and the municipalities of Livingstone, Choma, Mazabuka, Mansa, and Samfya. The programme's objective is to strengthen the planning capacities of municipalities for just and climate-resilient urban development, improve the financial capacities of selected municipalities, enhance the participation of civil society actors, and improve the technical dialogue between state and civil society actors. The Urban Planning and Community Advisor will play a key role in supporting local authorities in developing comprehensive local area plans that align with climate-resilient development objectives.
The ideal candidate for the position will have a Bachelor's degree in urban planning, Geography, or a related field, with a Master's degree or equivalent being an added advantage. Applicants must be affiliated with the Zambia Institute of Planners (ZIP) and have a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in participatory urban planning, urban development, community engagement, or related fields. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder processes, facilitating community-centred planning approaches, and integrating climate vulnerability assessments and adaptation strategies into spatial planning processes.
The Urban Planning and Community Advisor will be responsible for supporting local authorities in developing comprehensive local area plans, championing the integration of nature-based solutions and climate-resilient approaches into planning frameworks, and building local capacity for sustainable planning practices. The advisor will also participate in strategic planning processes, provide technical input on planning components of broader development strategies, and support dialogue between local authorities and communities.
The position requires advanced proficiency in GIS software and digital planning tools, as well as experience with spatial databases, planning information systems, and data visualization tools. The successful candidate will have fluency in English and knowledge of local languages will be a plus. The position is offered on a fixed-term contract, and the application deadline is 11 October 2026.
To apply for the position, candidates must submit a cover letter and CV through the E-recruiting system. The cover letter should outline the candidate's motivation for applying and experience in the position, and the CV should not exceed three pages. Certificates, qualifications, and references should not be attached to the application. The successful candidate will be expected to start employment with GIZ immediately.
The CitiZen+D programme aims to support the Government of Zambia in advancing climate-resilient urbanization, and the Urban Planning and Community Advisor will play a crucial role in achieving this objective. The programme's focus on strengthening planning capacities, improving financial capacities, and enhancing participation of civil society actors will contribute to the development of just and climate-resilient urban areas in Zambia.
Key points
- The Urban Planning and Community Advisor will support local authorities in developing comprehensive local area plans that align with climate-resilient development objectives.
- The successful candidate will have a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in participatory urban planning, urban development, community engagement, or related fields.
- The position requires advanced proficiency in GIS software and digital planning tools, as well as experience with spatial databases, planning information systems, and data visualization tools.
