In this context, Africa InCORE supports several transport corridors on the continent to transform from transit transport corridors into green economic development corridors. To achieve this, Africa InCORE supports regionally integrated planning approaches, provides technical advisory for early-stage infrastructure project preparation, and supports investment mobilisation for transport, energy, ICT and industrial infrastructure projects across prioritized regional value chains. It has a strong emphasis on promoting private sector participation in the planning, financing and implementation of infrastructure projects along African corridors. Currently, Africa InCORE collaborates with AUDA-NEPAD in supporting the Central Corridor in Eastern Africa and the North-South Corridor in Southern Africa. The North-South Corridor is managed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) headquartered in Gaborone/Botswana.
For the support of its partnerships with the North-South Corridor, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is recruiting a Senior Advisor for Infrastructure and Corridor Development, to be based in Gaborone/Botswana with frequent travels in the region. GIZ therefore invites suitably qualified and experienced individuals to apply for the following position:
1. Regional Advisor for Africa InCORE
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Infrastructure/Transport
- Closing Date: 2026-10-30
Key Responsibilities
- Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the Position Holder is responsible for implementing the Africa InCORE technical assistance programme for the North-South Corridor in support of SADC, ensuring active liaison between GIZ AU’s Africa InCORE programme and its key stakeholders in the Southern African Region, including GIZ programmes such as the regional energy portfolio (ENGAGE) and the GIZ SADC portfolio.
- Supporting the development and implementation of strategies for transforming transport corridors into green economic development corridors.
- Providing technical advisory for early-stage infrastructure project preparation.
- Facilitating investment mobilisation for transport, energy, ICT, and industrial infrastructure projects across prioritized regional value chains.
- Promoting private sector participation in the planning, financing, and implementation of infrastructure projects along African corridors.
- Collaborating with AUDA-NEPAD and other relevant stakeholders in the North-South Corridor.
- Representing GIZ in meetings and events related to the North-South Corridor.
- Preparing reports and presentations on project progress and outcomes.
Requirements
- Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as engineering, economics, urban planning, or a related discipline.
- At least 8 years of professional experience in infrastructure development, corridor management, or a related field.
- Proven experience in working with international organisations, governments, and private sector entities in Africa.
- Strong knowledge of regional integration, transport corridors, and sustainable development frameworks.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Fluency in English; knowledge of French or Portuguese is an advantage.
- Ability to travel frequently within the region.
How to Apply
About the Company
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has been a committed partner in Botswana since the mid-1970s. The organization plays a pivotal role in fostering regional integration and sustainable development across the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Through various programmes in Botswana, GIZ works to enhance capacity and implement initiatives that contribute to robust socio-economic progress. Their activities in Botswana are geared towards achieving long-term, impactful solutions for the nation and the broader region.
Fostering regional integration and sustainable development in Botswana and SADC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for this role in Botswana?
A master’s degree in transport planning, infrastructure development, international cooperation, or a related field is commonly expected. Relevant professional certifications such as those from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) or PRINCE2 are valued, especially if aligned with donor-funded project management standards used by GIZ. Local recognition of foreign degrees may require verification through the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA).
What does a typical day look like for a Regional Advisor for Africa in the Infrastructure/Transport sector based in Botswana?
The role involves coordinating with national transport agencies (e.g., Botswana Road Transport Master Plan units), facilitating capacity-building workshops for local partners, and supporting policy alignment with AU and SADC transport frameworks. Field visits to infrastructure projects—such as road upgrades under the North-South Corridor—are common, alongside virtual coordination across time zones with GIZ offices in Germany and other African countries.
How does workplace culture in Botswana influence expectations for this advisory role?
Respect for hierarchy, relationship-based communication, and consensus-driven decision-making are central; advisors are expected to engage respectfully with senior government officials and community stakeholders. Punctuality is valued, but flexibility around meeting timelines is common when aligning with public sector rhythms, especially during budget cycles or parliamentary sessions in Gaborone.
What realistic career progression paths exist after holding this position in Botswana?
Successful advisors often transition into senior technical leadership roles within multilateral institutions (e.g., AfDB, UNECA) or take on country directorship positions with international development partners operating in Southern Africa. Some move into high-level advisory roles with Botswana’s Ministry of Transport and Communications or regional bodies like SADC, leveraging experience in donor-compliant infrastructure programming.
What benefits—like leave, medical aid, and pension—can I expect in this type of role in Botswana?
Employers like GIZ typically provide full medical coverage including dependents, 30+ days of annual leave, and participation in a defined contribution pension scheme compliant with Botswana’s National Pension Scheme Act. Additional allowances—such as housing, education for dependents, and relocation support—are standard for internationally recruited advisors, though locally engaged staff receive benefits aligned with Botswana’s Employment Act and collective agreements.
How should I apply, and what do employers in Botswana specifically look for in candidates for this role?
Applications must be submitted via GIZ’s official recruitment portal, with emphasis on demonstrated experience in SADC transport policy, stakeholder engagement with African governments, and fluency in English (French or Portuguese is advantageous). Botswana-based employers prioritise evidence of cultural adaptability, proven success in capacity development with public institutions, and familiarity with national frameworks like Botswana’s Vision 2036 and National Transport Policy.