Technical Advisor: Environment and Sustainability

Reports to: Component Leader – H2.SA

Duty Station: Hatfield, Pretoria

Duration: until 31 December 2025 (extension Possible)

BACKGROUND

Green hydrogen (GH2) will be one of the key energy carriers of the future and the basis for a variety of Power-to-X (PtX) products like green ammonia and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Worldwide, investments are already increasing and the future global demand could be up to 500 million metric tons per year. For South Africa, with its outstanding potential of renewable energy sources and existing hydrogen production facilities, it will be a key component to decarbonize the production of domestic industries like mining, steel, manufacturing and ensure their future growth. At the same time, South Africa will benefit from the global demand and has the chance to become a major exporter of GH2 and PtX products. GH2 offers significant economic development and job creation and plays an integral role in supporting a just transition in the South African energy sector.

An essential pre-condition for GH2/PtX market development is the massive expansion of low-cost renewable energy (RE) capacities, the establishment of favorable political and regulatory framework conditions, the mobilization of foreign investment and a far-reaching capacity building and skills development initiative.

On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and in close cooperation with the South African government, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is implementing the programme H2.SA with the aim “to promote a green hydrogen economy in South Africa”.  

The programme has four components:

  • Strategy, policy & regulatory framework
  • Private sector cooperation
  • Capacity building, research & innovation
  • Sustainability & just transition.

The Technical Advisor will provide expertise and aid in facilitating the functions of the component 4 (sustainability & just transition), aiming to address potential repercussions of a H2/PtX economy on the environment, society, and economy. This component bolsters understanding regarding the potential effects of a hydrogen-based economy on our environment and societal structures. Those instrumental in driving the development of a hydrogen economy are equipped with a decision-making foundation that empowers them to strategize the production of hydrogen and the corresponding large-scale deployment of solar and wind energy plants in a way that aligns with environmental and societal norms. Groups that are likely to be impacted are actively engaged in the discourse, ensuring that environmental and societal challenges are mitigated, and acceptance for large-scale hydrogen initiatives is increased.

The Technical Advisor’s focus will be on planning and supporting activities on impacts of the green hydrogen value chain on the environment. The Advisor will work under the supervision of the component lead, as well as work alongside and in collaboration with other advisors in the workstream, and where necessary collaborate with or contribute to the other 3 workstreams (1,2 and 3).

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Full job description download below...

The Technical Advisor has the following key tasks and responsibilities:

  • Support the overall implementation of the H2.SA programme’s activities focused on the establishment of a green hydrogen economy in South Africa.
  • Support development of activities that promote environmental sustainability of the emerging GH2 economy;
  • Conceptualise and manage required inputs and activities in cooperation with relevant stakeholders;
  • Support and manage the implementation of contracts by service of activities in work stream 4;
  • Identify and plan important stakeholder engagements including meetings and workshops linked to workstream 4 activities;
  • Identify and develop new activities to strengthen the contribution of workstream 4 to promoting an environmentally sustainable GH2 economy
  • Participate in preparing and delivering presentations, reports as well as developing terms of reference for supporting activities as linked to workstream 4
  • Participate in operational planning of the H2.SA project, with regular updates and presentation and reporting
  • Presentation, moderation and facilitation during meetings, workshops and events;
  • Participate in coordination and project management of workstream 4 activities including reporting, operational planning, follow-up on activities, etc.;
  • Contribute to the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) system by adding required information and preparing reporting inputs as required.

All tasks will be done under the supervision of the workstream 4 Component lead,  and the H2.SA Programme Director.

Note that the list is not exhaustive and will be further developed.

APPLICATION PROCESS

GIZ will only assess applications which meet the following criteria:

Suitable candidates should apply by submitting a

  • Cover Letter (concisely 2 pages) clearly stating your motivation for applying for the position and as well as salary range expectation.
  • A detailed CV.
  • Proof of eligibility to work in South Africa (copy of SA ID).

The application should be submitted to: recruit-pretoria@giz.de, with the following email subject line “Technical Advisor: Environment and Sustainability” for the attention of Head of Human Resource.

Closing date for applications: 08 September 2023 (extended to 12 September 2023).

Only applicants shortlisted for interview will be contacted.

Applications without a Cover letter will not be considered!