VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federal enterprise with worldwide operations. GIZ supports the German Government in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. GIZ has been working as a development partner of Bangladesh since 1972 under bilateral agreement. Currently, we are working in the areas of renewable energy, adaptation to climate change, private sector development and technical education, biodiversity, as well as good governance and displacement.

GIZ Bangladesh is currently seeking applications for the position of Advisor- Forestry & Biodiversity from candidates under "Connect’’ Project. This position will play a key role in actively engaging with local fishing communities, working to enhance their awareness of sustainable fishing practices, and providing crucial support for the development and adoption of alternative livelihoods. Beyond this, the Advisor will be instrumental in building strong and collaborative relationships with community members, facilitating essential training sessions covering topics like business development and value chains, and fostering the growth of small-scale entrepreneurial initiatives.

Number of Position: 01
Job Location: Cox’s Bazar
Contract Duration:
Initially one year (with possibility of extension)
Band: 04

A.      Responsibilities

  • Managing an area of responsibility that forms part of the programme objectives, team agreements and/or agreements with the superior.
  • Assisting project/programme initiatives to provide professional advisory services to and cooperate with a broad range of target groups.
  • Advise supervisor on all tasks when implementing GIZ rules and regulations.
  • Advise supervisor in the field of project planning, steering and monitoring.
  •  Independently implement goals and requirements set by the line manager.
  • Make decisions which have a short-term effect within a limited project area/ unit.
  • Assist supervisor to identify day to day problems and suggest appropriate solution.

The position holder is responsible for the following tasks:

B.     Tasks

  • Engaging local fishing communities, raising awareness on sustainable fishing practices, and supporting the implementation of alternative livelihoods.
  • Building strong relationships with community members, facilitating training sessions (business development, value chains), and promoting small level entrepreneurial developments
  • Build and maintain relationships with coastal and fishing communities to support project’s goals.
  • Conduct or accompany community meetings, workshops, and sensitization campaigns on sustainable fishing, marine conservation, and alternative livelihoods.
  • Serve as a liaison between fisheries management authorities, NGOs, and local fishers.
  • Gather feedback from communities on fisheries and socio-economic issues and report to relevant stakeholders.
  • Assist in promoting small level entrepreneurial developments with local fishermen
  • Support training and capacity-building initiatives for local fishers an.
  • Promote alternative livelihoods and income diversification strategies where needed.
  • Work with local leaders, cooperatives, and fishing associations to encourage participation and ownership.
  • Maintain accurate records of outreach activities and prepare regular reports for management and donors.
  • Contribute to data collection efforts related to community engagement, compliance, and social impacts.

C.  Required qualifications, competencies and experience

Academic qualifications

  • Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Community Development or a closely related field. A Master's Degree is preferred, but applicants with extensive relevant work experience will be considered equally.

Professional experience

  • Minimum 5 years of professional working experience in the field of community engagement or fisheries-related projects.

Other knowledge, additional competences

  • Understanding of small-scale fisheries dynamics, local fishing practices, and coastal livelihoods.
  • Ability to work with diverse community groups, including women and youth.
  • Familiarity with participatory approaches and community-driven development is an asset.
  • Experience of working with NGOs, government fisheries departments, or donor-funded projects.
  • Knowledge of fisheries policies, marine protected areas (MPAs), or co-management systems.
  • Conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
  • Report writing and basic data management skills.
  • Capable of managing multiple priorities independently, demonstrating a problem-solving mindset with strong attention to details.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools. Hands-on experience with digital data systems, various communication tools, and modern IT systems is essential.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in both Bengali and English, with a proven ability to engage effectively across diverse cultural environments.
  • Willingness to travel regularly to project sites, including rural or underserved areas, and work in remote coastal or island communities.

 

We only accept electronic applications.
If you meet the above requirements, please, apply through the link below:
Apply here

Please submit your CV in .pdf format (word document will not be accepted)

Last Date of Application: 10 July 2025

No phone calls please. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
All applications will be treated according to the merit and with strict confidentiality.

GIZ is an equal opportunity employer.
Women and persons with disability are especially encouraged to apply and they will be selected in case of equal qualification with other candidates.