Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency Business Development Manager (100%)

Duration: Until – 31 March 2026 (with possibility of extension)

Reports to: Programme Director JUST SA

Duty Station: MGCA, Mpumalanga

BACKGROUND

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is leading the JUST SA consortium, comprising five local implementing partners: GreenCape, TIPS, NBI, WWF and Yes4Youth. The 5-year JUST SA project is commissioned through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).

JUST SA supports the implementation of pathways towards a Just Transition in South Africa towards an environmentally sustainable, climate-change resilient, low-carbon economy and just society. At the regional level, JUST SA assists the Mpumalanga provincial government in formulating a concrete, sustainable and just green economy transition plan for a diversified regional economy, which covers skills pathways development and finance mechanisms. JUST SA cooperates closely with the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency. In this context JUST SA is seconding a Technical Advisor to the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency.

The Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency (MGCA) employs the triple helix cluster model with representation from Government, Industry, and Academia as part of its design setup. The cluster works at the interface between business, government, and academia in order to identify and remove barriers to economically viable green economy catalysing its uptake to enable the region and its citizens to prosper.

MGCA is a non-profit organisation that works to advance a sustainable and inclusive green economy and create shared value in the Mpumalanga province. MGCA works both at the micro and macro level supporting green-tech SMEs build their businesses, enabling bigger businesses to improve their environmental footprint, and assisting the provincial government to create the right environment for a more resilient green economy. Ultimately, MGCA is helping to facilitate more investment, ecosystem building and stimulate job creation into Mpumalanga’s green economy. The MGCA is a member of the International Cleantech Network, a body with 20 Clusters from 4 continents.

Business Development Manager: Responsibilities and Tasks - See full job description download below

TASKS

The Business Development Manager is expected to undertake the following tasks:

Strategic Development:

  • Develop and execute strategic plans to establish and grow MGCA’s business functions.
  • Identify new business opportunities, secure funding, and partnerships that align with MGCA’s mission.
  • Propose and evaluate new business models that can support the sustainable growth of MGCA and its partners. This could involve developing innovative ways to deliver services, creating value propositions for different stakeholders, and exploring new revenue streams.
  • Align the MGCA business model with local economic development policies in the region

Funding and Investment:

  • Lead efforts to identify, negotiate, and secure funding and investment for MGCA initiatives and projects.
  • Prepare and present business cases and proposals to potential investors and funding bodies.

HR and Organisational Development:

  • Oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive HR concept that supports MGCA’s strategic goals.
  • Ensure the recruitment, development, and retention of skilled and dedicated staff to advance MGCA’s mission.

Cluster Engagement:

  • Facilitate collaboration and partnerships among the triple helix cluster members (Government, Industry, and Academia) to advance MGCA’s objectives.
  • Work closely with stakeholders to identify and overcome barriers to the green economy, ensuring the region's economic and environmental prosperity.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Suitable candidates should apply by submitting:

  • A motivation letter (max. 1 page) stating why they should be the preferred candidate and the value added they will bring to the project.
  • A detailed CV indicating their residency status

Applications should be submitted to: recruit-pretoria@giz.de with subject line “Application for MGCA Business Development Manager role” for the attention of Head of Human Resources.

Closing date for applications: 11 March 2024

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applications without a motivation letter will not be considered!