GIZ Albania_Job Vacancy; Advisor – Private Sector Engagement & Grant Scheme

Program: Circular Economy for Sustainable Urban Development in Albania

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The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) is a federal enterprise that supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development.

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Program Background

In July 2022, the EU opened accession negotiations with Albania and is examining the extent to which Albanian law needs to be adapted to EU legislation. Although 70% of household waste is collected, only 17% is recycled. More than 50% of the waste is of organic origin, but is not used to create added value, but is disposed of in landfills or unregulated dumpsites. The collected wastewater is mostly discharged untreated into influent waters, resulting in massive pollution of groundwater, rivers, and the Adriatic Sea.

For the transition from a linear waste and wastewater management to a sustainable circular economy, a better basic understanding of circular economy principles, their implementation in concrete measures by efficient national and local authorities, a better participation of the private sector, but also an improved environmental behaviour of the population is essential.

The module objective is: The legal and financial foundations for the transition to a sustainable circular economy for waste and wastewater management have been created.

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GIZ Office Albania seeks the following staff:

Advisor-CE Private Sector Engagement & Grant Scheme

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A.???? Responsibilities

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to join our team as a Circular Economy Private Sector Engagement Advisor. The primary objective of this role is to increase private sector involvement in circular economy (CE) activities and foster green and sustainable business models within the CE framework. By strengthening the exchange and coordination between the public and private sectors through workshops and conferences, you will engage the private sector in circular economy initiatives and address concerns of the public sector regarding collaboration.

Based on an analysis of the private sector's potential in terms of production and recycling of material flows you will organize idea competitions to identify start-up companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMSEs) that can contribute to CE & Green Growth through innovative approaches. Furthermore, you will provide business coaching and involve universities and civil society organizations (CSOs) to support the development of these identified entities. Key milestones of this position include the establishment of a start-up platform for CE and the creation of green jobs, particularly for female entrepreneurs.

As a grant scheme specialist, you drive the processes of managing sub-granting schemes in line with the GIZ and EU regulations. You have experience and/or a highly developed affinity for finance and administrative matters, both on substance and GIZ administrative rules and procedures related to grant agreements, local subsidies, and procurement processes.

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·???????? You manage to increase the engagement of private sector actors in the implementation of circular services like repair, re-use, upcycling, and recycling of valuable materials.

·???????? You manage the implementation of green incubation and acceleration projects of the Circular Economy project in line with EU and GIZ rules and regulations.

·???????? You provide support for businesses / MSMEs, non-profit organisations (CSO) and research capacities by coaching in order to promote innovative and gender responsive green products, services and circular business models.

·???????? You manage sub-granting schemes for the development of innovative green products, services and business models which decouple economic growth from intensive virgin material consumption to stimulate green job creation.

·???????? You facilitate that especially women are entering new employment (green jobs) in circular economy companies (module indicator) and you developpe a green job masterplan.

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?In this capacity you perform the following tasks:

?A.???? Tasks

In terms of Private Sector Engagement:

·???????? Develop and implement strategies to increase private sector involvement in circular economy activities like repair, re-use, upcycling, and recycling of valuable materials.

·???????? Facilitate workshops, conferences, and other collaborative platforms to promote dialogue and coordination between the public and private sectors; Address concerns and build trust among stakeholders, fostering effective partnerships and collaboration.

·???????? Identify opportunities for private sector engagement and develop tailored approaches to encourage their participation; Assess existing gaps, challenges, and opportunities for private sector involvement in circular economy initiatives.

·???????? Develop recommendations and action plans to unlock the private sector's potential and enhance their contribution to the circular economy.

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In terms of Circular Economy Platform:

·???????? Organize idea competitions to identify start-up companies and small and medium-sized enterprises with innovative approaches to CE.

·???????? Evaluate and select promising entities based on their potential impact, scalability, and alignment with CE principles.

·???????? Provide business coaching, mentorship, and support to selected entities to refine their business models, develop sustainable strategies, and scale their operations; Collaborate with universities and CSOs to involve their expertise and resources.

·???????? Establish and manage a dedicated PSP platform for CE, serving as a hub for networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing.

·???????? Create an online platform that showcases CE approaches, their innovative solutions, and success stories; Develop and implement strategies to ensure the sustainability and long-term impact of the platform.

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?In terms of Sub-Granting Schemes

·???????? As compliance focal point, you take care that grant agreements, local subsidies, and procurement contracts are implemented as per GIZ & EU rules and regulations; You closely collaborate with the finance manager of the program.

·???????? You act as a sounding board and source of knowledge for upcoming questions and challenges from technical advisors related to implementation of grant agreements, local subsidies, and procurement contracts.

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In terms of Green Jobs and Female Entrepreneurship:

·???????? Design and implement initiatives to create green job opportunities within the CE / Green Job Masterplan, with a specific focus on empowering female entrepreneurs.

·???????? Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to identify skill gaps and training needs for green jobs in CE sectors.

·???????? Develop programs and partnerships to provide training, mentorship, and support to female entrepreneurs in CE.

·???????? Monitor and evaluate the impact of these initiatives, tracking the number of green jobs created and the empowerment of female entrepreneurs.

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B.??????? Required qualifications, competences, and experience:

?·???????? Education/training: Master’s Degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration (public management, business management, digital transformation, etc.), Finance, Accounting, Economics or similar

·???????? General professional experience: At least 5 years of professional experience in a comparable position or / in finance/banking with proven experience in private sector engagement, in designing, implementing, and managing grant schemes or funding programs, preferably in the context of circular economy projects, sustainable business models, or entrepreneurship

·???????? Languages: Fluent in Albanian, excellent business language skills in English required

·???????? Specific professional experience: Strong knowledge of circular economy principles, trends, and best practices. Experience in organizing workshops, conferences, or similar events involving multiple stakeholders. Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills. Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

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B.?? Contract conditions

?·???????? Full-time employment

·???????? Program office in Tirana

·???????? Assignment period: until 30.06.2026

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?Please forward your application until 19th of September 2023, to GIZ Office Albania by E-Mail: [email protected] including the following information: Application letter, CV in English (Euro Pass format), references.

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?GIZ wants to increase the proportion of people with disabilities in the company. Therefore, we look forward to receiving appropriate applications!

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?Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews. Short-listed candidates will be asked to bring certified copies of their diplomas and work certificates.

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GIZ is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all interested groups with-out any discrimination!

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