THE EMBASSY OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY IN LUSAKA is advertising a full-time job as a Desk Officer in the area of Development Cooperation. The position is offered for one year, starting on 1st November 2026, with the option to be extended on the basis of a permanent contract.

Responsibilities or duties

Monitoring of specific projects (including on-site inspections) as well as administering funds for Humanitarian Aid. Representing the German Embassy with regards to issues on climate change/environment/green economy (and possibly others) in close cooperation with GIZ, BGR and KfW and under guidance of the cooperation team at the Embassy. Liasing with German NGOs (e.g. voluntary service “Weltwärts”, Senior Expert Services/SES) and their Zambian partners. Assisting with the preparation of visits from German government officials and Members of the German Parliament, including program planning together with German implementing organizations and cooperation partners.

Qualifications or requirements

Master´s degree in public administration, international relations, political science, international/development cooperation, social science, law or cultural sciences. Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English. To be able to use PC applications and online conference tools (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom, Webex, MS-Teams). Excellent knowledge of Zambia and its administrative system. Good manners, very good communication skills, intercultural competence. To be reliable, discreet, able to work independently and have a high team spirit.

Experience needed

Minimum of 3 years relevant professional experience in the area of international cooperation in international organizations, NGOs or embassies.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

[Knowledge of German language and/or its cooperation system would be an asset]. Regular working hours amount to 40 hours per week. Remuneration is paid according to the Embassy´s current salary grid. The employment contract is based on Zambian labor law. Applicants without Zambian nationality are required to provide proof of their Zambian permanent residence and work permit. Successful candidates have to undergo a health examination as well as a security check before being employed. Your documents will be treated in accordance with the guidelines of data protection laid down in article 13 of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Only candidates who fulfill the above-mentioned criteria will be invited for an interview. Applications sent to the Embassy will not be returned.

• Monitoring of specific projects (including on-site inspections) as well as administering funds for Humanitarian Aid.
• Representing the German Embassy with regards to issues on climate change/environment/green economy (and possibly others) in close cooperation with GIZ, BGR and KfW and under guidance of the cooperation team at the Embassy.
• Liasing with German NGOs (e.g. voluntary service “Weltwärts”, Senior Expert Services/SES) and their Zambian partners.
• Assisting with the preparation of visits from German government officials and Members of the German Parliament, including program planning together with German implementing organizations and cooperation partners.

• Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English.
• Ability to use PC applications and online conference tools (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom, Webex, MS-Teams).
• Excellent knowledge of Zambia and its administrative system.
• Good manners, very good communication skills, intercultural competence.
• Reliability, discretion, ability to work independently and high team spirit.

• Master´s degree in public administration, international relations, political science, international/development cooperation, social science, law or cultural sciences.
• Minimum of 3 years relevant professional experience in the area of international cooperation in international organizations, NGOs or embassies.
• Knowledge of German language and/or its cooperation system would be an asset.