The SWITCH to Circular Economy in East and Southern Africa Program (SWITCH-2-CE) is co-financed by the European Union and jointly implemented by Expertise France (EF) and GIZ. The program aims to foster an inclusive transition to a circular economy in the East and Southern Africa region. The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is the regional political partner of the project.

The program is structured around three main outcomes, with the two priority value chains: “packaging/plastics waste” and “electronics/e-waste”.

The program aims to achieve the following outcomes:

·       Outcome 1: To establish an enabling policy framework for circular economy across the ESA region;

·       Outcome 2: To enhance the participation of formal and informal workers and SMEs, including women and youth, in circular economy models;

·       Outcome 3: To improve access to and use of financing by circular economy businesses

Expertise France is responsible for implementing activities under Outcome 1, jointly with GIZ. Outcome 1 will mainly involve policymaking support activities at the macro-level, with a focus on regional/supranational knowledge management, awareness raising and policy dialogue to create a common vision on circular economy among the target countries. At the same time, countries that express willingness and interest will be able to receive on-demand policy-mainstreaming support and pilot policy implementation at national level. 

EF is also responsible for implementing activities under Specific Objective 3, jointly with GIZ, to improve access to financing for circular economy businesses, through the implementation of a financial assistance and capacity-building program. The Action will establish a regional matching grant facility designed to reduce investment risks in early-stage CE firms or business models, from the very beginning of business development to joint ventures. Indeed, this scheme will operate through multiple funding windows, targeting early-stage and growth-stage investments in CE technologies, products, and services for start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and regional CE firms seeking partnerships within ESA or with European companies. The Special Objective 3 also includes technical assistance to financial institutions and capacity building activities to Business Development Services providers.

Mission

The Finance and Administration Manager will oversee all overall financial, contractual, accounting, and administrative aspects of the project. She/he will also support the setting up of Expertise France’s office in Zambia, in particular the development of all necessary procedures. He/she will report to the Project Co-lead and will also work closely with Headquarters (in particular the Administrative and Finance Project Officers in the Sustainable and Inclusive Economy Department and the Sustainable Development Department), to harmonise practices and coordinate the administrative and financial management of the project.

Note GIZ leads the project and that EF Program Co-Leader will therefore work alongside the GIZ-appointed Program Leader, both as heads of the Program Management Unit (PMU), managing the implementation of Expertise France’s activities within the program.

The programme is meant to be implemented in up to 13 countries of Eastern and Southern Africa.

The Finance and Administration Manager will be based in Lusaka, Zambia, with regular travel to other East and Southern African countries.