Technical Advisor - Joint Innovation Facility and Ecosystem Support (SPARK) - Readvertisement

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 Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federal enterprise that implements German development policy around the globe. By providing international cooperation services for sustainable development, GIZ is dedicated to building a future worth living around the world. With over 50 years of experience in a wide variety of areas, including economic development and employment, energy, and the environment as well as peace and security; GIZ also stands for and works towards the realization of human rights in thedigital space.  GIZ implements the regional project 'SPARK' which aims at strengthening African technology ecosystems for gender-responsive, climate-smart, and research-based innovation on behalf ofthe German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). With a strong focus on gender and climate priorities, the project reinforces the link between applied research and entrepreneurship. While the project has roots in pan-African Startup andTech-Ecosystem Support focus areas are:boost cooperation with innovation ecosystem actorsoffer ventures more fit-for-purpose financing opportunitiesImplementing the Joint Innovation Facility, funding co-creative innovation projectsThe project has a pan-African scope, and the teams will operate out of Nairobi, Kenya.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The role combines two core areas of work, each taking about 50% of the time:Startup & Ecosystem Support – strengthen connections between startups, intermediaries, and private sector actors; support innovation hubs and ecosystem partners; foster gender-responsive and climate-friendly entrepreneurship via effective stakeholder management andco-created activites. Joint Innovation Facility (JIF) Success Management – co-manage and implement a non-dilutive fund that drives climate-positive, commercial viable and scalable solutions, fosters Africa-Europe/Africa-Africa partnerships.TasksStartup & Ecosystem SupportDevelop engagement strategies with innovation hubs, and ecosystem intermediaries.Build a partner portfolio and facilitate sustainable programs.Identify needs and opportunities across SSA within startup ecosystems and design responsive activities.Provide advisory support to startups, intermediaries, and other innovation actors.Co-create and implement (end to end) activities in collaboration with regional and global initiatives.JIF Grant & Investment ManagementManage the engagement life cycle of projects funded by JIF: e.g. function as a successmanager/facilitator, support on sustainability and to secure follow-up investments. Oversee grants and investments exceeding €200K, ensuring progress, compliance, impact and reporting.Manage complex multi-stakeholder initiatives and consortia including the EU and member states.Build and manage a database of sectoral communities to guide strategic decisions.Liaise with and support high potential climate-tech and digital transformation projectsCollaboration & RepresentationFoster partnerships across African and European innovation ecosystems.Represent the project at regional and international events.Develop co-creation formats (events, workshops, exposure projects).Draft reports, presentations, and communication materials.QualificationsEducationUniversity degree in economics, business, innovation management, investment, or related field.Professional Experience5–10 years of experience in startup support, innovation management, venture building, or grant/investment facility management.Proven track record of managing grants or investments exceeding €200K.Strong experience with innovation ecosystems across Sub-Saharan Africa.Expertise in climate-tech, sustainability, or digital transformation.Experience with Africa-Europe collaboration is an advantage.Skills & CompetencesStrong team player with self-motivation and creativity.Excellent project management and organizational skills.Ability to balance strategic foresight with attention to detail.Skilled at navigating uncertainty and dynamic environments.Strong advisory and communication skills.Business fluency in English; German/French an advantage.Duty station: NairobiContract Duration: Initial Contract to run until 31.12.2027Submission of ApplicationVacancy Reference Number: GIZ/SED/04/12/2025Equal 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.EthicsGIZ 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

Project management, Market research, intelligence, Grant and fund management

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree