SAGEN-CET EDI Reform Snr Technical Advisor Position

Reports to (at GIZ): SAGEN-CET Head of Project

Duration: Until 31 December 2026

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.

Under the South African-German Energy Programme (SAGEN), the Capacities for the Energy Transition (CET) project collaborates with South African partners to strengthen public institutions’ contribution to implement a just energy transition. SAGEN-CET is funded by the German government and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in cooperation with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). Further main partners include the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

On national level, the project aims to increase capacities of decision-makers to anticipate and evaluate approaches and concepts relevant to the South African power sector reform and to strengthen capacities of key national institutions to implement these requirements. On the municipal level, SAGEN-CET provides advice to decision makers on the implementation of the Electricity Distribution Industry (EDI) reform.  From a cross-cutting perspective, the project aims to support the development and implementation of successful gender-responsive measures within public institutions of the energy sector.

ABOUT THE POSITION

SAGEN-CET is looking to fill the position of a Senior Technical Advisor to support in the implementation of its Electricity Distribution Industry (EDI) reform related projects and activities. The successful candidate will combine technical know-how with a strong track record of project management in a fast-paced, results-oriented, partner-focused environment. Joining the GIZ SAGEN-CET project in its Pretoria office, you will:

Understand and analyse partner needs and objectives in the context of the South African power sector reform and shape the direction of related activities, specifically pertaining to the municipal level.

Shape the strategic direction and conceptualize, design and implement SAGEN-CET activities aimed to strengthen capacities of SALGA and Municipalities to evaluate, navigate and implement power sector reform requirements. 

Build and maintain partnerships with key national and local stakeholders as well as international peers.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS - see full job description download below

The Senior Technical Advisor: EDI Reform is required to undertake, among others, the following:

  • Provide technical advice to public institutions on national level, including but not limited to DMRE, NERSA and NTCSA, in enhancing decision-makers’ capacities to navigate current reform scenarios and related policy implications vis-à-vis EDI Reform.
  • Provide technical and methodological advice to municipal-level stakeholders to strengthen capacities and capabilities to implement reform policies in their jurisdiction.
  • Ensure delivery and quality of the project activities including planning, tendering, implementation and monitoring, thereby identifying interfaces and leveraging synergies in coordination with other GIZ projects.
  • Establish and strengthen channels of collaboration by building effective working relationships with relevant power sector stakeholders, including policymakers, public and private sector experts and higher education institutions.
  • Drafting papers, notes, presentations and other relevant documentation and information on key developments and activities for external and internal purposes.
  • Support the officer responsible for the commission in adapting the project strategy, in evaluations and in preparing a follow-on phase.
  • Contribute to cross-cutting project management tasks such as communication, knowledge management, monitoring, evaluation and reporting according to GIZ standard procedures as well as organisation of specialist events.
  • Availability for (inter)national travel.  

APPLICATION PROCESS

Suitable candidates should apply by submitting a motivation letter (max. 2 pages) detailing why they should be the preferred candidate, the value they will bring to the work of SAGEN and state and their desired salary range. This should be accompanied by a detailed CV indicating their nationality.

We expressly welcome applications from women and traditionally marginalised groups.

The application should be submitted to: recruit-pretoria@giz.de, with the following email subject line “Application for EDI Reform STA Position” for the attention of Head of Human Resource.

Closing date for applications: 28 January 2024.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applications without a motivation letter will not be considered!