Technical Component Lead - BMFTR Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Readiness Initiative

ABOUT THE COMPANY

GIZ, the German Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH, provides services in the field of international technical cooperation worldwide. In Kenya, it has been active since 1964, and up to now implements programs in a wide variety of areas, including economic development, green energy and water, governance, food security, and peace and security. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is GIZ’s main commissioning party. However, GIZ as well works closely with the private sector, fostering successful interaction between development policy and foreign trade.

A. Background

About GIZ

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is the German development agency and provides global services in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. As a public-benefit federal enterprise, GIZ is commissioned by the German Government and collaborates with public and private sector partners in around 120 countries in achieving their objectives in international development cooperation.

About the PQC Project

Much of today’s digital economy relies on encryption to protect personal, commercial and government information. Advances in quantum computing could eventually make some of the cryptographic methods currently used to protect this information vulnerable. The challenge is particularly relevant for information that must remain confidential for many years. Sensitive information intercepted today could potentially be stored and decrypted in future once sufficiently capable quantum computers become available. Preparing early gives Kenya an opportunity to assess these risks, develop domestic expertise and avoid a costly or rushed transition later.

Funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), the proposed German–Kenyan initiative seeks to prepare Kenya for the future cybersecurity risks arising from advances in quantum computing, while building a sustainable knowledge and technology partnership between Kenya and Germany. The project will work primarily with Kenyan academia, research institutions and private sector CII operators to establish a Quantum Safe Cryptography (QSC) testing environment, undertake selected industry pilots, develop specialized skills and generate practical guidance for Kenya’s future transition to Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC).

The initiative will be implemented by GIZ Kenya via the Digital Transformation Centre Kenya II.

B. Responsibilities

Overall technical responsibility for the implementation of the BMFTR-funded Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) project in Kenya, ensuring achievement of agreed outputs, indicators and milestones.

Lead coordination of the project’s technical staff and service providers

Advise Kenyan government partners and relevant institutions on PQC readiness, migration planning, quantum resilient cybersecurity and alignment with international standards and regulatory developments; Support development of the Kenya PQC readiness roadmap and recommendations for migration of critical cryptographic assets, including links to data protection, cybersecurity and digital governance priorities.

Coordinate cooperation with academia, private sector CII operators, research institutions and German/EU technical partners, including development of joint testing, training and knowledge transfer activities.

Ensure proper implementation of project administrative processes in accordance with GIZ and BMFTR requirements, and in close coordination with the component management, including budget monitoring, procurement, contracting and management of consultants and subcontractors.

Coordinate project planning, reporting, communication and stakeholder engagement with GIZ headquarters, BMFTR and relevant Kenyan political and technical partners.

In compliance with the coordination management to ensure synergies with other German and European cooperation initiatives in cybersecurity, digital transformation, research, skills development and critical infrastructure protection.

Support strategic development of the project portfolio and identification of opportunities for research cooperation, private-sector participation, talent development and German Kenyan technology partnerships.

Ensure close coordination with the Component Lead so that all activities remain aligned with project and output two and four objectives and GIZ implementation requirements.

C. Required qualifications, competences and experience

Qualifications

Completed university degree in law, computer science, cybersecurity, information systems, digital policy, or a comparable discipline, preferably with a focus on cybersecurity or digital transformation.

Professional experience

At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in cybersecurity, cryptography, digital transformation, critical infrastructure protection or technology policy projects, preferably in international cooperation.

Demonstrated understanding of post-quantum cryptography, cryptographic migration, cybersecurity standards and emerging technology governance; experience with NIST, BSI, ETSI or related standards is an advantage.

At least 5 years' experience coordinating multi-stakeholder projects involving government, academia, private sector and international partners.

Experience with project management, including budget oversight, procurement, subcontractor management, results monitoring and donor reporting.

Other knowledge, additional competences

Strong strategic and analytical capabilities, with the ability to translate complex technical topics into policy, programme and management recommendations.

Excellent communication, coordination and teamwork skills, together with intercultural competence and experience working in international teams.

High level of initiative, reliability and organisational capability, with the ability to manage several technical and institutional workstreams simultaneously.

Knowledge of tools on stakeholder management, skilling and private sector cooperation;

Good knowledge of GIZ processes and grant management with GIZ HQ;

Intercultural competence working with local and international teams;

Results and problem-solving orientation;

Presentation and facilitation skills.

Business-fluent English required

Assignment Details

Duty Station: Nairobi

Duration: 01/01/2027 - 31.12.2028

Vacancy Reference Number: GIZ/SED/05/11/2026

Equal Employment Opportunity

GIZ Kenya is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all and do not tolerate discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, disability, marital status, or any other protected status.

Ethics

GIZ is committed to safeguarding the safety, dignity, and well-being of staff, partners, community members, and programme participants. Sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, child abuse, and all forms of misconduct are strictly prohibited. Staff are expected to uphold high ethical standards, comply with local laws, and complete mandatory ethics training upon engagement.

Data Confidentiality

Candidate applications will be retained for six (6) months in accordance with GIZ's data protection policy and deleted thereafter.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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