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As an international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development with worldwide operations, the federally owned Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH supports the German Government in achieving its development-policy objectives. It provides viable, forward-looking solutions for political, economic, ecological, and social development in a globalised world. GIZ promotes complex reforms and change processes. Its corporate objective is to improve people’s living conditions on a sustainable basis. For more information about GIZ see www.giz.de

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, is seeking to fill the national position of:

Regional Cyber Policy Advisor

The overall purpose of the post

The German Federal Foreign Office (FFO) actively promotes international cybersecurity policies for a global, open, free, inclusive, stable, and secure cyberspace. To support this endeavor, the Partnership for Strengthening Cybersecurity, implemented by GIZ, was created in 2023 as Germany’s main instrument to provide technical capacity, foster partnerships and increase public awareness. In the Western Balkans (WB), the objective is to enhance both national and regional cyber capacities, supporting alignment with EU policies in the area of cyber diplomacy. The Cyber Diplomacy Network, launched within the framework of this project, serves as a vital platform for ongoing communication and cooperation in the field of cyber diplomacy in the WB6. Key to the project’s aims is also the empowerment of national CSIRTs (Computer Security Incident Response Teams) from the WB6 region to increase their capacities in terms of protecting their information systems, responding to incidents and consequently achieving a high common level of cybersecurity.

The Regional Cyber Policy Advisor will be working full-time (100%) and will support the implementation of cyber capacity-building initiatives in the Western Balkans by providing policy advice, strengthening stakeholder cooperation, and ensuring high-quality project delivery in line with GIZ.

Main tasks and responsibilities

The Advisor will be responsible for:

• Support the implementation of cyber capacity-building activities in the Western Balkans, ensuring alignment with project objectives, stakeholder needs, and GIZ’s guidelines under the commission of the German Federal Foreign Office;
• Act as an advisor and liaison between GIZ, Western Balkan government/ authority focal points, civil society, and international partners, fostering cooperation and ensuring project sustainability;
• Tender and quality control of contractual project partners, e.g. grantees and service providers jointly with the GIZ-KOS office, other GIZ offices in WB6, and the global project team;
• Organise and attend events abroad, supporting travel arrangements of participants;
• Collaborate with and regularly report back to the global project team on relevant developments, activities, stakeholder management, etc.;
• Perform other duties and tasks at the request of the Head of Project and/or Line Manager.
• Performs additional duties, as assigned by the supervisor.

Required qualifications, competencies, and experience

Qualifications

• Graduate degree (equivalent to a master’s degree) in international relations, political science, cyber diplomacy, cybersecurity, or another related field. A first university degree in combination with strong qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of Master’s degree or the advanced university degree.

Professional experience

• At least 5 years of professional experience and demonstrable knowledge at the interface of digital and security policy, preferably in the fields of international cybersecurity and cyber diplomacy. A strong professional network in cybersecurity within WB6 is considered an asset;
• Professional experience with regional or international organisations in the field of capacity building, organisation change and/or policy advice, preferably with active engagement of governmental decision makers;
• Demonstrable experience in impact-oriented project management, event organisation (including setting up and running workshops and conferences, logistics and participants management), results monitoring and stakeholder management;
• Experience and knowledge of procedures and actors in international cooperation in digital or security policy fields, with a focus on the WB6 and its relevant organs;
• Experience in international relations or diplomatic contexts is a strong advantage.

Other knowledge, additional competences

• Fluency in Albanian and English languages is required; German and Serbian are advantage.
• Experience in communicating and working with ministries, institutions, and private sector institutions in the region;
• Proficiency in using basic office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good interpersonal, intercultural competence and organisational skills

Location: GIZ Office-Pristina

Expected start date: April 2026

How to apply?

Interested and, suitably qualified and experienced candidates are invited to submit their electronic application in English, in PDF version, to [email protected]

• CV (Europass template is recommended)
• Letter of motivation
• Diploma(s), references/recommendations
• Exclusively to ensure transparency and avoid any potential conflict of interest, please provide the name(s) of any individuals who are related to you or you may know that have either previously worked for or are currently employed by GIZ, to the best of your knowledge (GIZ, in this case, will act in accordance with Article 13 of the Law No. 06/L –082 on Protection of Personal Data)
• Subject of the email: Name & Surname-Regiona Cyber Policy Advisor

Applications that do not meet these rules will not be considered!

Deadline for the application: 11th of March 2026

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted and invited to the next stage of recruitment.

GIZ welcome applications from all qualified individuals, particularly women, persons from non-majority communities, and persons with disabilities, to apply.

*Disclaimer

Data Privacy

GIZ is committed to ensuring the security and protection of the personal information we process.

Declaration of Consent

You agree that your personal data will be used for the purpose of the recruitment process, only. The information will only be accessed by recruitment staff and panel members. You understand that your data will be held securely and will not be distributed to third parties. You have a right to change or access your information. You understand that your personal data will be deleted after six months when this information is no longer required for this purpose.