Technical Advisor: Energy seconded to SALGA under the South African – German Energy Programme (SAGEN)

Reports to: Component Manager

Duty Station:  SALGA Offices, Menlyn, Pretoria

Duration: Until 31 December 2025

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) Programme 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) 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 Gender Mainstreaming
  • Power System Planning and Operation
  • Embedded Generation in Distribution Networks
  • Municipal Energy Management

ABOUT THE POSITION

SAGEN is looking to fill the position of a Technical Advisor to support the cooperation with SALGA on energy related topics such as sustainable municipal electricity provision, the safe integration of embedded generation (EG) into municipal infrastructure, innovative business models for municipal utilities, municipal energy management systems, just transitions, power sector reform and local economic development related to energy efficiency and renewable energy. The Technical Advisor: Energy will make a strong contribution to the regulatory framework around the South African Electricity Distribution Industry (EDI).

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS - see full job description download below

The Technical Advisor: Energy is required to undertake, inter alia, the following tasks:

  • Overarching and co-ordination support
  • Coordinate the alignment of activities around the energy topics listed above and strengthen channels of collaboration between SAGEN and SALGA.
  • Act as the focal point for municipal (energy) activities for all GIZ clusters and programmes and provide guidance on the collaboration with SALGA and municipalities.
  • Includes the facilitation of quarterly co-ordination meetings between SALGA and GIZ, and any ad-hoc meetings as required.
  • Establish and maintain a database of support activities and metrics for analysis of municipalities.
  • Provide technical advice to SALGA, GIZ and their partners to support the navigation of energy sector trends and reforms, decision making capabilities thereof, and implications for municipalities.
  • Together with the relevant SAGEN team members, develop and organize capacity building measures for municipal staff members including Mayors and Councillors on relevant topics in the fields of:
    • Electricity Distribution Industry Reform;
    • Embedded Generation; such as Municipal Energy Planning and EG Programme Development, (SS)EG policies and strategies;
    • Energy Efficiency; such as EEDSM training, Municipal Energy Management Systems, Energy Performance Certificates;
    • Just Energy Transitions, etc.
  • Assist in the development of presentations, reports, publications, and support the knowledge sharing of SALGA and SAGEN support to municipalities at different fora.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Suitable candidates should apply by submitting the following:

  • A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) articulating their motivation for applying for the position and outlining why they are the best suited candidate addressing qualifications, competencies, experiences, as well as salary expectations.
  • A CV (maximum 4 pages) detailing professional experience and including at least two professional references of previous employment with contact details.
  • Candidates are expected to submit one PDF file, comprising of the cover letter and CV, not exceeding 6 pages.

The application should be submitted to: recruit-pretoria@giz.de, with the email subject line “Technical Advisor: Energy seconded to SALGA under the South African – German Energy Programme (SAGEN)”, for the attention of Head of Human Resources.