GIZ Ghana Calls For Job Applications

May 20, 2026 11:25 am

GIZ Ghana Calls For Job Applications

GIZ Ghana is seeking a Local Governance Advisor to support the EU co funded SKBoWa project in the Upper West and Savannah Regions. If you have experience with cross border dynamics, sensitivity to cultural and political contexts, and the ability to promote networking among local authorities, this role offers the opportunity to strengthen district level planning, budgeting, and service delivery through participatory and inclusive approaches.

Why GIZ?

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is a public benefit federal enterprise working in more than 100 countries worldwide. We work on behalf of the German Government, supporting public and private sector clients across economic development, employment, energy, environment, peace, and security. Our three priority areas are Energy and Climate, Training and Sustainable Growth for decent Jobs, and Peaceful and Inclusive Societies with a focus on good governance.

The Project: SKBoWa

The EU co funded SKBoWa project enhances human security conditions in border regions spanning Burkina Faso, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana. Operating in the Upper West and Savannah Regions, the project focuses on local governance, social cohesion, and economic development. It fosters collaboration among districts bordering Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire while aligning with regional EU actions and German coordinated projects. Partnerships include the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development (MLGDRD), the Ghana Boundary Commission, and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). The project strengthens institutional capacities, improves local actors’ abilities for security and social cohesion, and enhances economic opportunities for vulnerable groups.

Your Mission for the GIZ Ghana Job

You will support local governments in border regions to strengthen district level planning, budgeting, and service delivery through participatory and inclusive approaches, including Community Action Planning. Your role also promotes collaboration with neighboring authorities, provides technical guidance on multisectoral planning processes, and contributes to project planning, reporting, and documentation of key achievements and lessons learned.

Key Responsibilities

Your role spans technical design, capacity building, cross border collaboration, stakeholder facilitation, work planning, and documentation. Here is what you will tackle:

Technical Design & Implementation

You will design and advise on implementation of technical activities that strengthen local governments’ capacity to plan, budget, and deliver services at district and local levels in border regions.
Ensuring interventions respond to real challenges faced by sub national authorities.

Cross Border Collaboration

You will support local public servants in promoting engagement and joint planning with neighboring local authorities in Ghana and outside Ghana.
Facilitating cross border dialogue on shared challenges such as security, trade, and resource management.

Participatory Planning

You will provide technical expertise and leadership to promote participatory and inclusive planning approaches.
Integrating multisectoral strategies into district level planning and budgeting processes, including Community Action Planning.

Stakeholder Facilitation

You will facilitate interaction, collaboration, and collective action between local governance and decentralization stakeholders in a cross border context.
Bringing government, civil society, and community representatives together.

Strategic Identification

You will identify strategic approaches to multi stakeholder dialogue, government and civil society engagement, and local government responsiveness to citizen needs.
Spotting entry points for improved governance.

Work Planning & Reporting

You will engage in annual work planning and contribute to quality operational plans, budgets, and reports.
Ensuring project activities stay on track and within budget.

Documentation & Learning

You will document project implementation achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
Sharing findings through regular program reports.

What You Bring to the Role

Education & Experience

A master’s degree in Development Studies, Public Administration, Development Planning, Governance, or a related field.
At least six years of professional experience in the Local Governance and Decentralization sector in Ghana.
In depth understanding of local government and its challenges, especially at the sub national level.

Sensitivity & Diplomacy

Sensitivity to cultural and political dynamics, with the ability to exercise discretion, judgement, and confidentiality when dealing with politicians and officers at every level.
Political neutrality and a keen awareness of diplomatic issues, handling them appropriately and professionally.

Project Management

Experience managing a complex workload, preparing plans, and meeting deadlines and milestones.
Ability to promote networking and collaboration among different entities, stakeholders, and their leaderships.

Cross Border & Regional Knowledge

Experience with cross border dynamics in the Local Governance context or working experience in districts sharing an international border.
Knowledge of the region and local languages of the Upper West and Savannah Regions.

Why This Role Suits You

Border Focus: You will work on governance challenges unique to districts sharing international borders.
Participatory Approaches: You will promote Community Action Planning and inclusive planning methods.
Multi Country Collaboration: You will engage with neighboring authorities in Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire.
Diplomatic Responsibility: You will navigate political sensitivities with discretion and neutrality.

Key Details to Remember

Role: Local Governance Advisor
Project: SKBoWa (EU co funded)
Location: Accra (with travel to Upper West and Savannah Regions)
Experience Required: Minimum 6 years in Local Governance and Decentralization
Education Required: Master’s degree in related field
Special Skills: Cross border dynamics, local languages of Upper West and Savannah, political neutrality

How to Apply for this GIZ Ghana Job

If you possess the qualifications and drive to excel as a Local Governance Advisor, we want to hear from you. Follow these steps:

Prepare a detailed Curriculum Vitae and a one page cover letter.
Use the job code SKBOWA/14/05 – Your Name as your email subject line.
Send your application to: recruitment-ghana@giz.de

Closing Date: The closing date is May 28, 2026. If you do not hear from us within four weeks after the deadline, please consider your application unsuccessful.

GIZ is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. All qualified candidates regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, race, and religion are encouraged to apply.

NOTE:

Please be aware that employers typically receive a high volume of applications for each position and will only shortlist the most qualified candidates. Please note that NewsNowGh.com is not involved in the employer’s recruitment decisions and does not guarantee that applicants will be shortlisted or selected for any role.