Senior Technical Advisor - Accelerating the Energy Transition in Africa Program

1. OBJECTIVE

The major focus of the role is to cooperate closely with AUDA-NEPAD on strengthening their Service Delivery Mechanism (SDM) to support early-stage project preparation activities, making the mechanism even more applicable to renewable energy projects. Further, the Senior Technical Advisor is responsible for liaising with Project Preparation Facilities and other financing institutions to e.g. plan market sounding events, building a sustainable network of cooperation to take prepared projects to the financing stage.  

2. DELIVERABLES

1. Lead the work on the institutional capacity building and cooperation with AUDA-NEPAD regarding the project preparation support mechanism (SDM) with a focus on improved infrastructure development and renewable energy projects

• Support AUDA-NEPAD on harmonization of SDM processes and guidelines
• Advise on suitable monitoring measures to follow up on project preparation lifecycles
• Support the political partner in piloting activities and subsequently assessing effectiveness and suggesting improvements
• Development of effective formats for stakeholder engagements
• Prepare input/content for technical meetings, forums, side events.
• Manage related consultancy contracts, including set up (draft ToR), contracting, and monitoring
• Cooperate closely with the GIZ Support to PIDA team on sustainable infrastructure development in Africa as well as with GIZ GET.Transform colleauges.

2. Lead and manage the coordination with Project Preparation Facilities as well as other financing institutions

• Support AUDA-NEPAD in mobilizing funding for early-stage project preparation
• Assist in mobilize funding for projects that are ready for structuring and financing (beyond pre-feasibility stage) through building up a network of financiers, project developers, contractors, institutional investors, etc.
• Creating an active and continuous engagement with AUDA-NEPAD colleagues to allow for active engagement in project preparation with those private sector actors (incorporating the needs and views of the private sector) with the aim to build sustainable relationships
• Cooperate with relevant colleagues internally at GIZ to support AUDA-NEPAD in conducting investor roundtables
• Support in developing a dynamic (renewable energy portfolio) that can be presented at different forums such as the above-mentioned investor roundtables
• Overall, support on (internal and external) reporting and monitoring tasks as well as preparation of content for accompanying communication materials is requested. Further, a focus will be on preparing and managing consultancy assignments and financing agreements and monitor service providers in completing their tasks.

3. REQUIRED PROFILE OF THE TECHNICAL ADVISOR

The section below presents the requirements of the Technical Advisor for this assignment:

• Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in Infrastructure Planning, Infrastructure Finance, Electrical, Power, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Systems, Renewable Energy, or economics

4. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Qualification should be enhanced by at least 10 years’ relevant working experience in infrastructure project preparation and finance, renewable energy systems development, energy transition topics in the African context
• At least 8 years or more relevant professional experience in in a similar role.
• Proven experience in collaborating and coordinating with financial actors (institutions, PPFs, development banks, commercial banks) in discussing infrastructure project preparation and finance e.g. access to finance for private investments in renewable energies
• Proven experience with project management, including managing consultancy contracts
• Good knowledge of process management and organizational development topics (defining roles and responsibilities for better coordination, ensuring effective working structures, strengthening communication)
• Very good knowledge and understanding of AfSEM and CMP challenges and opportunities; practical experience in advising and supporting decision-makers in the public sector at various hierarchical levels, as well as diplomatic skills and intercultural competence; experience in advising AU institutions on infrastructure and energy topics is a strong advantage
• Ability to think and act strategically and analytically, as well as quick comprehension and an eye for the essentials, with personal responsibility for conceptually developing new topics and structuring efficient processes
• Very good organizational, moderating, presentation and communication skills (oral and written) as well as consulting experience at all hierarchical levels preferably on the African Continent

5. OTHER KNOWLEGDE AND ADDITIONAL COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to work independently as well as in team.
• Hardworking, reliable, pro-active and results-oriented work ethic.
• Willingness to learn and to receive and give feedback and advise.
• Proficiency in the application of the MS Office Package.
• Ability to deliver quality outputs in a fast-paced working environment.
• Strong analytical and advisory skills.
• Proactive, flexible and with attention to detail.

6. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• The position will be based at GIZ South Africa in Hatfield, Pretoria with frequent travels to the AUDA-NEPAD office in Midrand.
• At GIZ, you will be offered global network and an atmosphere that is characterised by diversity, respect and genuine equal opportunities. Gender equality promotion is a matter of course for us.
• GIZ is a signatory of the Diversity Charter. Recognition, appreciation and inclusion of diversity in the company are important to us. All employees shall be valued - regardless of gender and gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, social background, age or sexual orientation.
• GIZ is committed to be an equal opportunities employer, therefore, women and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

7. APPLICATION PROCESS

Suitable candidates should apply for this position by submitting:

• A motivation letter (concisely 1 page) stating why they should be the preferred candidate, the value they will bring to  the work of the regional energy program as well as salary expectations.
• This should be accompanied by a detailed CV
• Internal Applicants ONLY should submit application to: recruit-pretoria@giz.de with the email subject line “Application for EnAct_PIDA STA Position”, for the attention of Head of Human Resources. Applications from external applicants submitted to recruit-pretoria@giz.de will not be considered.
• External Applicants must submit their applications by following this link: https://giz.simplify.hr/vacancy/e5gsns to be considered.

Closing date for applications: 27th of June 2025

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applications without a motivation letter will not be considered!