Technical Advisor Focus: Private Sector Support / Access to Finance Facilitation

Reports to: Component Leader

Duration: Until 31 December 2023 with a likely extension until 2025

Duty Station: Hatfield, Pretoria

BACKGROUND

Greenhydrogen (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 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) 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 & development
  • Sustainability & just transition

The position of the Technical Advisor will support the activities in Component 2 of the H2.SA programme, specifically in the area of assisting projects to access finance for early-stage project development finance (e.g. feasibility studies). Many green hydrogen projects in South Africa struggle to advance beyond the pre-feasibility stage due to a perceived lack of feasibility finance. National and international development finance institutions (DFIs) on the other hand, point to a lack of high-quality projects to finance. H2.SA seeks to implement a finance facilitation unit to assist hydrogen projects attract feasibility finance to reach bankability.

TASKS AND  RESPONSIBILITIES

The Technical Advisor has the following key tasks and responsibilities:

  • Support the implementation and coordination of activities of Component 2;
  • Take responsibility for work packages – particularly in the area of finance facilitation of green hydrogen projects;
  • Propose and – jointly with the component lead – develop new activities in the field of finance facilitation;
  • Continuously engage with private and public project developers in the green hydrogen sector and stay up to date on current market trends;
  • Support the organisation of events from conceptualisation to post-event evaluation;
  • Support the implementation of communication and knowledge management activities, incl. the organisation of meetings, workshops, seminars, study tours and other means of information sharing among private and public decision-makers, industry representatives and other experts;
  • Presentation, moderation and facilitation during meetings, workshops and events;
  • General coordination and project management 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 H2.SA Programme Component Manager and the H2.SA Programme Director;
  • Note that the list is not exhaustive and will be further developed.
  • sharing among government decision-makers, industry representatives and other experts.
  • Contribute and participate in substantive meetings and strategic planning for the H2.SA programme.
  • Note that the list is not exhaustive and will be further developed.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Suitable candidates should apply by submitting:

  • A motivation letter (max. 1 page) stating why they should be the preferred candidate, the value added they will bring to the project and their desired salary range.
  • A detailed CV
  • Copies of academic transcripts and proof of qualification.
  • Proof of eligibility to work in South Africa (copy of SA ID).

Applications should be submitted to: recruit-pretoria@giz.de, with the email subject line “Application for Technical Advisor Focus: Private Sector Support” for the attention of Head of Human Resource.

Closing date for applications 02 June 2023

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be informed!

Applications without a motivation letter will not be considered!

Full Job Description download below…