Technical advisor/ R&D and Skills at GIZ Ghana
KumasiJob Description
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 and support public and private sector clients in a wide variety of areas, including economic development and employment, energy and environment, and peace and security. Our activities cover three priority areas: Energy and Climate, which deals with renewable energy and energy efficiency; Training and Sustainable Growth for decent Jobs; and Peaceful and Inclusive Societies, which focuses on good governance.
Job Title: Technical advisor, R&D and Skills development in the pharmaceutical sector
Project Brief:
The programme “Strengthening the Ghanaian pharmaceutical sector with a focus on vaccine production” (PharmaVax Ghana), co-financed by the European Union and German Cooperation, aims to strengthen the ecosystem of Ghana’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industry through support on (1) governance and regulation, (2) skills development, (3) research and development, and (4) private sector development.
Scope of Role:
• As a Technical advisor for research and development (R&D) and skills development in the pharmaceutical sector, you support the programme’s components 2 and 3.
• You take technical responsibility for the results-based planning, implementation and monitoring of activities that develop the capacities of partner institutions.
Tasks:
• Coordinating programme support to Ghanaian pharmaceutical and vaccine research institutions regarding laboratory equipment, the provision of
laboratory testing services for manufacturers and making greater use of intellectual property
• Coordinating and monitoring grants to Ghanaian research institutions for joint pharma and vaccine R&D projects with manufacturers
• Coordinating programme support aimed at strengthening higher education in pharmaceutical engineering
• Supporting the management of international vaccine research collaborations financed by the programme, in Kumasi
• Supporting and implementing other R&D and skills development activities flexibly as needed
• Representing the overall programme in Kumasi and northern Ghana and supporting engagement of local pharmaceutical manufacturers
• Regarding above-mentioned areas, (i) coordinating technical, logistical, equipment and financial support for partners while ensuring alignment with
national institutions/policies, (ii) preparing analyses, strategies, operational plans, concept notes, reports etc. and ensuring activity monitoring, (iii)
providing technical, strategy and implementation advice to both partners and programme management
• Regarding above-mentioned areas, ensuring (i) compliance with GIZ rules and procedures and appropriate documentation of work processes and results, (ii) the preparation of procurement, monitoring and quality control of suppliers and service providers, (iii) close coordination with team members, involvement of partner institutions and liaison with other GIZ projects, the cluster as well as country and head offices, (iv) the consideration
of cross-cutting topics such as gender equality, environmental protection and digitalisation activities that develop the capacities of partner institutions
Qualification Required & Experience
• MSc/Doctorate degree in pharmaceutical or life sciences or a related discipline
• 5 years of professional experience in pharmaceutical, vaccine or related research at public research institutions
• R&D experience in the pharmaceutical industry and experience with academia-industry collaboration are desirable
• Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical laboratory work and instruments and experience in vaccine R&D are desirable
• Strong consulting skills, including methods of developing individual and organisational capacities of partners/clients (advice, coaching, training,
etc.), the ability to build trustful relationships with partners, analytical skills and the ability to develop and present ideas verbally and in writing to diverse audiences
• Competencies in results-oriented project and activity management, including planning and budgeting, progress monitoring, event management
and logistics; preferably experience in managing partnerships with the private sector
• Knowledge of procedures of GIZ or another development agency are an asset
• Proficiency in ITC technologies, including MS Office suite, and digital communication
• Strong command of written and spoken English; knowledge of French and German is an asset
• Dynamic, agile personality with integrity, attention to detail, strong diplomatic and communication skills and a willingness to learn
• Ability to work in a diverse team but also autonomously as well as results-oriented and to multi-task, prioritise and work under pressure.
Location: Kumasi
Closing Date: 30th November, 2025
HOW TO APPLY
Interested and suitable applicants are to forward their Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a one-page cover letter stating their motivation to the position and added value to the project to:
recruitment-ghana@giz.de quoting the Job Code 2025/R&D-Pharma/11/17 in the subject line. If you do not hear from us four (4) 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.