The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a state owned organisation. We work worldwide in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. GIZ International Services (InS) is an integral division of GIZ. We offer the experience, the regional and technical know-how of GIZ in the global market and provide international clients with expertise in terms of economic and result-oriented services.
 

In a consortium of private and public sector the GIZ project “Cobalt for Development” (C4D) aims to realize the development potential of artisanal cobalt mining while mitigating its negative impacts. To do so, it will pilot an approach to improve working conditions on a legal artisanal mine site (mining component), support the formalization of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mines (ASM), pilot a certification process on the pilot mine, as well as improve living conditions in the surrounding community.

The general objective is to support C4D in scaling the formalization of ASM operations by analyzing and identifying geologically viable, legal sites, leading geological studies and site visits, advising on operational improvements and material processing, and further developing the C4D Blueprint and tools for ASM formalization.
 

The Geological Expert m/f/d will support the scaling efforts by analyzing and identifying other geological viable, legal ASM sites with potential for formalization.
  • Lead geological feasibility study for legal ASM copper/ cobalt site(s)  
    • Audit historic geological reports for pre-selection of potential ASM sites.
    • Plan and lead site visits to potential ASM scaling sites (starting with the third site).
    • Assess suitability of sites for artisanal or small-scale operations.
    • Advise geological studies of selected sites through technical guidance to local team of mining experts.
    • Coordinate and supervise mine engineers for resource estimation.
    • Build capacity of technical teams in relevant Congolese institutions (e.g., EGC, ARESCOM).
    • Contribute data and updates for C4D project report on activities.
    • Review, compile, and prepare geological data with technical recommendations for operationalization for investor and stakeholder pitches.
  • Further refine C4D blueprint (technical tools) for scaling ASM formalization across the copper and cobalt sector.
    • Expand on and adjust the C4D blueprint, a tool for pre-assessment and selection of ASM sites, including geological, environmental, HSE, legal, and operational dimensions.
    • Potentially present blueprint at relevant industry events, e.g. Mining INDABA, DRC Mining Week.
  1. Advise C4D and its technical field team on how to gradually improve ASM mining operations of an ASM cooperative.
    • Advise C4D on addressing health and safety (H&S) risks in daily ASM mining operations in line with economic feasibility and pathways towards certification and responsible sourcing.
    • Support C4D’s in setting up pilot mine by planning preparation phase and giving technical advice to operationalize plan.
    • Provide advice and expertise on material processin

Requirements:

Education:
  • Master’s level university degree in a field relevant to responsible mining, such as geology, natural resource management, earth sciences, or similar.
 
           Professional experience:
          General professional experience:
  • 4 years of professional experience as a geologist in exploration with private sector companies.
  • 10 years of operational experience in the mining sector.
  •  
  • Specific professional experience:
    • - 5 years of experience with responsible mining in general, 3 years thereof working on responsible ASM.
    • - 2 years working on progress in ASM legalization and formalization in DRC’s copper-cobalt belt and EGC’s development.
    • - 3 years of experience in development cooperation 
    • - 5 years of working experience in DRC and a strong knowledge and network of its mining sector in the copperbelt, thereof 3 years working in       the copper-cobalt belt of Katanga.
Leadership/management experience:
- 5 years of experience in project management, such as developing project plans, managing procurement processes, and reporting.
  • Other Skills:
  • - Strong and demonstratable interest in current trends and developments of sustainable development. High intrinsic motivation for responsible mining.
  • - Practical and problem-solving orientated mindset, structured approach to work.Business acumen and entrepreneurial mindset.
  • - Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
  • - Willingness to take on frequent international business trips to DRC.
  • - Comprehensive experience in working with geological software (e.g., MapInfo, IoGas, Rockware Dips and Slide), will be considered an advantage
 
Language skills:
- Full fluency in Lingala, English and French is an essential requirement. Swahili is desirable.

 
Additional Information: 

The project will be mainly implemented in Katanga Region, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 

This position requests 54 working days throughout 20 months of implementation. 

The intended start date is 01 November 2025.