The project Innovating Horticulture in Eastern Africa will be implemented in Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya between the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (through GIZ) and the Gates Foundation. The aim is to support the development of the horticulture sub-sector in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and East African Community (EAC) trading blocks.
Bund-Länder-Programm (BLP) Project Saxony-Uganda aims at Improving the use of traditional medicinal plants in Uganda. For the majority of the Ugandan population, traditional natural medicine (TNM) is the usual and affordable means of accessing primary medical care. Medicines derived from plants play a prominent role in this context. The identity and purity of the species used, as well as recommendations for use and efficacy, are based on oral tradition. High demand is contrasted by a lack of data on the efficacy of herbal substances. The project aims to develop an exemplary value chain for the commercial use of traditional medicinal plants, including product development/design and, where applicable, the approval process, from the producers of the plant material to (intermediate) traders and end customers. In the long term, the income opportunities of poorer population groups, especially women from rural areas shall be improved through the standardised and scientifically monitored cultivation of selected traditional medicinal plants and their sustainable commercial use.
Agricultural Development (AgDEV), in partnership with governments across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, aims to drive inclusive, country-led agricultural transformation by empowering small-scale producers (SSPs). This is achieved through investments in scalable innovations that improve incomes, nutrition, and resilience in agri-food systems, while also promoting gender equity and economic growth. A key player in this initiative is the Gates Foundation’s Agriculture Delivery Systems (ADS) team, which focuses on region-specific innovations and support systems to boost productivity and resilience among SSPs. Their strategy targets breakthrough innovations, risk mitigation, and resolving systemic challenges in agriculture.
As part of this broader vision, the Gates Foundation is proposing an investment to strengthen the COMESA-EAC Horticulture Accelerator (CEHA), a regional technical assistance platform supporting five East African countries. These nations see horticulture as a strategic growth area for job creation, especially for women and youth, enhancing exports, and improving nutrition. The investment will support governments in refining horticulture priorities, mobilizing financing, and removing policy and regulatory barriers to enable private-sector innovation. Interventions such as biofertilizers and irrigation will be scaled, and complementary efforts by partners like GIZ and financing mechanisms like the MCF will be aligned to amplify impact. The ultimate goal is to double the horticulture sector’s value from $4 billion to $8 billion by 2031, advancing food security and inclusive economic growth across the region.
GIZ PRUDEV is recruiting a Junior Advisor to support the implementation of its programme.
Knowledge, skills and competences
- Practical experience in proposal advisory services, including development, assessment, and review.
- Strong computer proficiency (e.g., MS Office) and familiarity with online collaboration tools like MS Teams.
- Excellent English communication skills (written and oral) with the ability to transfer knowledge effectively.
- Adaptability to upskill as required and openness to sharing knowledge in diverse team settings.
- Willingness to travel extensively within Uganda.
- Strong organisational and analytical skills and ability to work well under pressure and with minimal supervision. A self-starter.
Responsibilities
A. Key Responsibilities
The Advisor will ensure;
- Assist in planning, implementing and supporting the implementation of project measures to build capacity in the Horticultural subsector.
- Coordinating and supporting the implementation of project measures to improve the use of traditional medicinal plants in Uganda.
- Support programme management and administration.
The Advisor performs the following tasks:
B. Tasks
1. Assistance in planning and implementation of project measures
- Supporting the project Advisor in establishing sound and transparent relations with programme counterparts.
- Assist to provide technical assistance and guidance to designing, implementing and monitoring of measures in line with the two activities results logic, indicators and the available budget.
- Review partner concept notes and proposals, including budgets, and propose measures for implementation.
- Follow up on the implementation, documentation and monitoring of activities and measures.
- Support partners and consultants in accounting for measures in line with the GIZ regulations and in cooperation with the Technical Advisor and administrative programme staff.
- Maintain equitable, transparent and fair delivery of support services to all partners.
2. Support to programme management and administration
- Support to documentation of project activities in line with GIZ, Gates and BLP standards, support project reporting.
- Support communication and stakeholder management within the programme.
- Support the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework of the programme.
- Support to programme management as necessary.
- Adherence to GIZ regulations, incl. among others finance, administration and procurement.
Other Duties/Additional Tasks
- Attends meetings on behalf of the programme.
- In absence of any team member, take over additional responsibilities temporarily.
- Undertakes further training related to his / her position and duties, as required
- Perform other duties and tasks at the request of management.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Economics, Development Studies or related field.
Details of experience
- 1 year working experience in development.
- Experience in support to project management and communication.
- Experience in working for Non-Governmental Organisations, International Organizations and/or Donor Agencies, Government agencies and CSOs.
How to apply
How to Apply
- Applications and CVs should be in one document and a maximum of 5 pages only and sent electronically, quoting the position and reference number.
- Please include name and contact of three references. One official reference from your current workplace is a MUST.
- Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply to the Head of Human Resources by email to vacancy@futureoptions.org until 11:59pm on Sunday 4th January 2026.
- Please note: This is a national position. Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Disclaimer: GIZ DOES NOT charge any kind of FEE(s) at whichever stage of the recruitment process.
Application deadline: 2026-01-04
