Since 1948, KfW has been committed to improving economic, social, and environmental living conditions worldwide on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany and the German federal states (Länder).
Financial Cooperation (FC) between Germany and Madagascar dates to the 1960s, with the primary objective of combining effective nature conservation with sustainable improvements in living conditions. The aim is to combat poverty and hunger while preserving the island’s unique biodiversity, which forms the foundation of its sustainable development and constitutes a global public good.
Today, with a total financial commitment of EUR 340 million, German Financial Cooperation through KfW is active in Madagascar in four main sectors: (i) biodiversity and environmental protection, (ii) food security, (iii) rural electrification, and (iv) decentralization.
Role and Mandate of the Representative
The Head of Office/Local Representative (1) manages the KfW office (stand-alone antenna) in Antananarivo and (2) serves as KfW’s local counterpart regarding logistical, organizational, and professional support for the implementation and management of KfW-financed programs in Madagascar, as well as any activities required to ensure the most effective implementation of current and future Financial Cooperation with Madagascar and, where applicable, with other beneficiaries.
This includes coordinating KfW’s activities with other institutions and organizations involved in German Development Cooperation, particularly GIZ, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and other donors (e.g. the European Union (EU), the French Development Agency (AFD), and the World Bank).
The Head of Office/Local Representative of the KfW office in Antananarivo will report to the Regional Advisor responsible for Madagascar and will be part of the “East and West Africa Country Team (LAf2)” at KfW headquarters in Frankfurt.
The KfW office in Antananarivo shares its premises with GIZ. In addition to the Head of Office/Local Representative, the office team currently consists of two Project Coordinators, one Administrative Officer, and one Driver.
Terms of Reference
More specifically, the Head of Office/Local Representative shall:
- Be responsible, in coordination with KfW headquarters in Frankfurt, for the establishment, proper functioning, and public relations of the KfW office in Antananarivo.
- Represent the KfW office in Antananarivo by regularly participating in sector meetings, workshops, and seminars relevant to Financial Cooperation.
- As needed, provide ad hoc support to KfW Project Managers in the preparation and/or management of Financial Cooperation projects and programs, particularly regarding the strengthening of contacts with Malagasy authorities, project acquisition, and project implementation.
Regarding the relationship with the Regional Advisor responsible for Madagascar and the Project Managers at KfW headquarters in Frankfurt, Head of Office/Local Representative shall:
- Communicate and report regularly on all matters relevant to Financial Cooperation.
- Report simultaneously to the relevant KfW Project Managers in Frankfurt on all sector-specific matters.
- Report on needs related to the current development of Financial Cooperation in the relevant sectors, meetings, conferences, and other events related to these sectors, as well as on economic, social, and political developments in Madagascar deemed relevant for German Bilateral Cooperation.
- Support the regional department in the identification and forward planning of projects.
• Manage the KfW office in Antananarivo locally, including staff supervision and management, leadership, motivation and professional development of employees, as well as the financial and budgetary management of the office.
Additional duties may be assigned to the Employee within the framework of the employment contract and will be determined following consultation and mutual agreement between the parties.
Required Qualifications
Technical and Professional Qualifications
- Master’s degree in political economy, Business Administration, Regional Studies, or an equivalent qualification.
- At least 10 years of professional experience.
- At least 5 years of professional experience and strong networks in development cooperation with international organizations (e.g. World Bank, United Nations, European Union) or bilateral organizations in Madagascar, preferably within German Development Cooperation institutions.
- Advantageous: In-depth knowledge of financing procedures and instruments, as well as the structure and functioning of a development finance institution (preferably the KfW Banking Group)
- Professional experience and strong working relationships with the supervisory ministries of German Financial Cooperation projects in Madagascar (or at least in Africa);
- Experience in several of the sectors mentioned above.
- Ability to lead and supervise local staff and manage an office (proven experience is an asset);
- Excellent command of French and good knowledge of English.
- Advantageous: Proficiency in Malagasy.
Personal Competencies
- Excellent communication skills.
- Strong negotiation skills, dynamic approach, and results orientation.
- High sense of responsibility and reliability.
- Positive and confident attitude, with the ability to represent KfW effectively.
- Creativity and high flexibility in responding to diverse requirements and assignments.
- Strong commitment to development policy, social skills, and cultural sensitivity.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to set clear priorities.
How to Apply
Please submit your application by 17 July 2026, including the following documents (in English):
- A detailed CV with passport photo, three (3) professional references, and indication of your salary expectations – maximum 3 pages.
- A cover letter- maximum 2 pages.
Applications should be sent to: hanitrinirina.rakotoarisoa_naly@kfw.de