Digital Trade Advisor - Digital Economy, E-Commerce, E-Payment and Public E-Services Programme (DEEP)

ABOUT THE COMPANY

GIZ, the German Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH, provides services in the field of international technical cooperation worldwide. In Kenya, it has been active since 1964, and up to now implements programs in a wide variety of areas, including economic development, green energy and water, governance, food security, and peace and security. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is GIZ’s main commissioning party. However, GIZ as well works closely with the private sector, fostering successful interaction between development policy and foreign trade.

JOB SUMMARY

The Multi-Donor Action “DEEP: Digital Economy, E-Commerce, E-Payment and Public E- ervices Programme (EU–EAC DEEP)” forms part of the pan-African “Safe Digital Boost for Africa” (SDBA) action in Sub-Saharan Africa. The programme is jointly co-financed by the European Union, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia. It is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) as part  of the BMZ-funded project “Support to East African Market-Driven and People-Centred Integration (SEAMPEC)”, together with Expertise France (EF) and the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV). The action (programme) inter alia aims to enable, expand, improve and make more inclusive cross-border digital trade in the East African Community (EAC). This will be achieved by building consumer trust in ecommerce within the EAC through establishing a regional trust mechanism applicable within partner states and by improving private sector readiness to conduct cross-border digital trade. GIZ seeks a Digital Trade Advisor to implement the following responsibilities and tasks:

RESPONSIBILITIES

A.      ResponsibilitiesThe technical professional is responsible for: Implementing daily operational aspects of all issues related to the EU-EAC DEEP within the relevant fields of engagementProviding technical and policy advisory and further developing the area of responsibility in relation to ecommerce trust and private sector development in the EACCoordinating relevant regional and national stakeholders and establishing and maintaining a network of relevant private sector, public sector and business association stakeholders in Kenya and regionallyMaintaining a good flow of communication and information between all involved institutions, counterparts and GIZ  Ensuring close coordination of activities with other related DEEP components and digital trade projects within GIZFacilitating project management processes/implementation Ensuring that the logistical and administrative elements of the project run smoothly and are aligned to existing processes Support in the management of consultants and other third-party service providers The technical professional performs the following tasks:B.      Tasks1.      Technical AdvisoryMaintains and develops collaboration between EU-EAC DEEP components and partners in all EAC partner statesContributes to technical advisory to relevant partners and stakeholders on creating an enabling environment for digital trade in the EAC by building trust frameworks and developing the private sectorGathers and disseminates relevant information on related aspects of the project, such as publications, studies and policy documents Aligns specific needs in the EAC with overarching goals of the EU and EAC in relation to ecommerce trust and private sector developmentManages digital trade stakeholders from public, private sector and development partners Develops the technical capacity of partners in ecommerce trust frameworks and mechanismsProvides thematic and conceptual input to sessions, events, capacity building programmes and study tripsRegularly consults with the GIZ officer responsible for the project´s service package in Kenya and cooperation on all project activities 2.  Coordination & Stakeholder EngagementCoordinates with the EAC organs and institutions (such as EAC Secretariat, EAC Competition Authority, EABC and E-Commerce Engagement Platforms, EEPs), Partner State ministries and regulators, private sector associations, and development partners.Organizes and supports facilitation of regional and national consultations, technical workshops, training sessions, and exchange forums.Supports partners and GIZ in the setting up and implementation of strategic partnershipsServes as a technical focal point for engagement between regional bodies and national level factors.Supports partnerships and collaborative initiatives that promote trust in digital markets and inclusive private sector participation, such as online communities and support to sector convenersHelps identify the needs of private sector and their associationIs jointly responsible with the partner institution for preparing, implementing and documenting training events, workshops, forums, team meetings and other project activities3. Communication and networkingDevelops and maintains contact with all important stakeholdersEnsures knowledge management i.e. collects, processes and distributes relevant information, monitors communication and interaction between private sector, government institutions, civil society and partners through analyses of the media, direct dialogue, participation in meetings and seminars etc.Supports in the visibility, communication and development of PR materials relating the project and field of responsibilityIdentifies appropriate events for engagement and assists in the management of events for the programRepresents the project in workshops, conferences and seminarsGenerates content relating to activities carried out by the projectEnsures that knowledge generated by the Initiative is captured and disseminated appropriately  Actively supports the preparation of fact sheets, presentations, articles for GIZ intranet and other publications for presenting the project to the public  4.     AdministrationTakes responsibility for administrative tasks according to GIZ rules and regulations (PuR), including assisting in and autonomously preparing bookings, bidding procedures, contracts of experts/external consultants and ensuring documentation of the procedures Prepares logistical aspects of project activities (meetings, workshops etc.) Handles invoices, office procurements, and event-related purchasesParticipates in formulating project action plans and helps synchronise the planning and budgeting system Monitors the availability of accessories and stock and carries out procurement in accordance with guidelines 5. Project Management, Monitoring and EvaluationSupports all monitoring and evaluation activities related to the initiative, including implementing, and reviewing monitoring and evaluation plans, tools, and data collection platforms.Ensures the adherence to the M&E plan throughout the project cycle.Collaborates with relevant stakeholders and partners to support and guide data collection in the fieldCollects, analyses, and presents progress data in a timely manner as required during project implementation.Coordinates and assists in preparing and conducting project activities and carries outrelated tasksContributes to various monitoring reports, including annual/quarterly reports.Travels to project sites in close collaboration with field partners when and where requiredResponsible for the supervision and coordination with expert consultants for third-party monitoring, ensuring that their work is of high quality and produced within agreed upon deadlines.Ensures that all the implementation and consultants reports are filed correctly in the knowledge management system 6.  Other duties/additional tasksPerforms other duties and tasks at the request of management C.      Required qualifications, competences and experienceQualificationsBachelor’s degree or higher in economics, international trade law, social sciences, Business administration and management, digital economy or related field. Advanced degree will be preferable. Professional experienceAt least 6 years’ professional experience in digital trade, consumer protection frameworks and private sector development in a comparable position.Other knowledge, additional competencesGood working knowledge of ITC technologies (related software, phone, email, the internet) and computer applications (e.g. MS Office)Strong understanding of ecommerce, digital trade and private sector developmentWillingness to travel regularlyFluent in English Willingness to upskill as required by the tasks to be performed – corresponding measures are agreed with management Submission of Application:Duty Station: NairobiVacancy Reference Number: GIZ/SED/01/03/2026Equal Employment OpportunityAt GIZ Kenya, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We actively seek individuals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills to build a stronger, more impactful global team.We provide an environment of respect and psychological safety, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all. Discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, disability, marital status, or any other protected status is not tolerated in any of our workplaces.People With disability are encouraged to applyEthicsGIZ is committed to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all individuals we interact with, including staff, partners, community members, and program participants. We uphold the highest standards in preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. Child abuse or any form of misconduct by or toward team members is strictly prohibited.All staff are expected to behave professionally, respect local laws and customs, and complete mandatory ethics e-learning courses upon hire.Data ConfidentialityIn accordance with GIZ’s data protection policy, all candidate applications are stored in our database for six (6) months and deleted thereafter.Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Information security, Stakeholder communication, Project monitoring and evaluation (M&E), Project implementation, Training delivery, Training program planning, Time management, Office tools (MS office, open office, etc.)

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree