Senior Technical Advisor: Embedded Generation and Urban Energy Transition under the South African – German Energy Programme (SAGEN)

Reports to: Component Manager

Duty Station: Hatfield, Pretoria

Duration: Until 31 December 2025

Salary Band 4T

BACKGROUND

Change is accelerating within power systems across the world. The main factors driving this transformation include the economic and political drive towards low-cost clean energy solutions, the acceleration of decentralised power generation technologies, increased digitalisation, and energy efficiency reaching across entire power systems. These changes are resulting in a structural shift in the way power systems and markets are set up and operated.

The South African-German Energy Programme (SAGEN) collaborates with South African partners to manage this energy transition with a focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency. SAGEN is funded by the German government and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in cooperation with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), Eskom and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) under the government-to-government coordination of National Treasury (NT).

SAGEN’s support includes the following fields of activity towards the transformation of the South African energy sector:

  • Power Sector Reform and Regulation.
  • Capacity Building and Technology Innovation.
  • Power System Planning and Operation.
  • Embedded Generation in Distribution Networks.
  • Municipal Energy Management.

ABOUT THE POSITION - see full job description download below

SAGEN is looking to fill a Senior Technical Advisor position to lead the implementation of its Embedded Generation in Distribution Networks activities.

The successful candidate will combine excellent interpersonal skills and technical know-how with a strong track record of project and partner management in a fast-paced and results-orientated environment.

Joining the GIZ-SAGEN team in the Pretoria office, you will:

Be responsible for steering all activities under the Embedded Generation in Distribution Networks component and for achieving agreed results and success indicators;

Shape the strategic direction of the component and conceptualise new projects, based on partner needs and objectives in the context of embedded generation in municipal distribution networks as well as the broader energy transition;

Build and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders, e.g. the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the National Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), Municipalities, the Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities (AMEU), the private sector and industry associations.

APPLICATION PROCESS

GIZ will only assess applications which meet the following criteria:

  • Suitable candidates should apply by submitting a
    • Motivation / Cover Letter must clearly articulate your motivation for applying for the position and outline your competencies why you are the best suited candidate addressing qualifications, competencies and experiences asked for in this advert as well as salary expectation. Cover Letter must not exceed two (2) pages to be submitted in PDF Format.
    • CVs must include at least two professional references of previous employment including contact details and must not exceed four (4) pages to be submitted in PDF format.
    • Candidates are expected to submit one PDF file, comprising Cover Letter & CV.

 Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted.

The application should be submitted to: recruit-pretoria@giz.de, with the following email subject line “Senior Technical Advisor: Embedded Generation and Urban Energy Transition under the South African – German Energy Programme (SAGEN)” for the attention of Head of Human Resource.

Closing date for applications: 20 October 2023.

Only applicants shortlisted for interview will be contacted.

Applications without a Cover letter will not be considered!