Technical Advisor: Participation and Transition

Reports to: Component Leader – H2.SA

Duty Station: Hatfield, Pretoria

Duration: until 31 December 2025

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 skyrocketing, 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 GH2/PtX economy on the environment, society, and economy. Component 4 enhances understanding of the potential influences a hydrogen economy might have on the environment and society. The stakeholders engaged in the evolution of a hydrogen economy are provided with a foundation for making informed decisions, enabling them to structure the production of hydrogen and the associated large-scale proliferation of solar and wind power plants in a way that is both environmentally and socially harmonious. The groups that stand to be impacted are actively incorporated in the conversation, reducing environmental and societal issues while also bolstering the acceptance of extensive hydrogen projects. The Technical Advisor will mainly concentrate on strategizing and assisting with activities aimed at encouraging the broad-based involvement of potentially impacted groups, thereby fostering social acceptance in this sector.

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 focussed the establishment of a green hydrogen economy in South Africa.
  • Plan advisory activities and coordinate the implementation with external service providers, supervising and coordinating assignments of service providers;
  • Build on and strengthen channels of collaboration by forging effective working relationships with relevant GH2/PtX stakeholders, ensuring representation of affected groups.
  • Provide support to green hydrogen activities and pilot projects, with a focus on ensuring representation of affected groups in conceptualisation and implementation
  • Presentation, moderation and facilitation during meetings, workshops and events;
  • Contribute to operational planning and general project management, as well as monitoring and evaluation activities such as follow-up on service providers activities
  • 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: Participation and Transition” 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!