Technical Advisor

Shape South Africa's Battery and Finance FutureLocation : Hatfield, Pretoria (with IDC Johannesburg engagement) | Duration : until 31 December BackgroundSouthAfrica is strategically positioned to develop value chains for green hydrogen and its derivatives (Power-to-X, PtX) and for battery technologies, thanks to world-class renewable energy potential, an established industrial base, and access to critical raw materials such as platinum, vanadium, chromium, nickel, and manganese.These resources are vital for industrial processes, digitalisation, new energy vehicle (NEV) technology, and the global energy transition. Combined with South Africa's strong mining and refining sector and skilled workforce, the country is well placed to become a regional hub for critical raw materials and battery value chain (BVC) development.The Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP) and the Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan (JET-IP), approved by Cabinet in November , highlight green hydrogen, batteries, and new energy vehicles as priority investment pillars. Despite this potential, challenges remain – uncertain market development, capacity gaps, lack of coordination, and integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. The JET-IP aims to reduce transport sector emissions, expand manufacturing, and foster socio-economic benefits. The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has been mandated to host the JET NEV Programme Management Office (PMO), which coordinates five workstreams : Auto sector, Mobility and Logistics, Public Transport, Battery Value Chain, and Shared Charging Infrastructure. To address these, GIZ is implementing the H2.SA II / BVC programme, on behalf of the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), in close cooperation with the South African government. The Technical Advisor : Private Sector and Finance will play a key role in supporting private sector projects, engaging with financial institutions, and enabling investment into South Africa's battery and critical raw material value chains. Your ContributionAs Technical Advisor : Private Sector and Finance, you will : Enable private sector projects to reach implementation stage through targeted supportIdentify, plan, and implement support activities with active battery assemblers in South AfricaProvide technical and financial advisory services to companies in the CRM and battery industries, focusing on business development, market access, and project financeFacilitate collaboration with financial institutions (IDC, DFIs such as KfW and EIB) to unlock investment for beneficiation, battery assembly, EV applications, and related technologiesSupport the IDC JET NEV Programme Management Office in coordinating workstreams, developing implementation plans, preparing materials, and managing work packagesFoster collaboration between academia and private sector to drive applied research and innovationCoordinate with international and local financing institutions to support investment in BVC and CRM projectsProvide input for policy reform, regulations, and incentives to create an enabling environment for investmentSupport implementation of pilot projects in the battery value chainManage consultancies, service providers, and stakeholder cooperation across multiple sectorsFacilitate communication, workshops, study tours, and knowledge sharing across government, industry, and civil society What You Will Need to SucceedQualifications : A tertiary degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Engineering, or a relevant science fieldProfessional Experience : At least 5 years of relevant experience in private sector finance, international finance, project development, renewable energy, infrastructure finance, or public-private cooperationDemonstrated success in project and process managementExperience in designing and implementing measures to promote economic development across multiple sectorsUnderstanding of international battery value chains and market developmentFamiliarity with South Africa's energy, renewable, CRM, NEV, and battery sectorsKnowledge of JET-P financing mechanisms or other funding instrumentsExperience in building and managing multi-stakeholder partnershipsSkills and Attributes : Strong financial and market development insight with the ability to advise private companiesCapacity to work in a multi-disciplinary and diverse environmentStructured, methodical approach with ability to manage complex projectsExcellent communication and writing skills in English What We OfferAt GIZ, you will join a global organisation committed to sustainability and innovation. You will : Contribute directly to building South Africa's battery and critical raw material value chainsWork alongside government, DFIs, and private sector partners in shaping a just energy transitionBe part of a multicultural and inclusive environment where respect, diversity, and equal opportunities are at the core Application ProcessTo apply, please submit the following : Cover Letter (max. 1 page) detailing why you are the preferred candidate and the value you will bring to H2.SA II / BVCDetailed CV (max. 3 pages) indicating nationalityProof of eligibility to work in South Africa (copy of South African ID)Applications without a cover letter or with CVs longer than 3 pages will not be considered.We expressly welcome applications from women and historically marginalised groups. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.Closing Date : 02 October Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and will be required to complete an assignment prior to the interview.Drive investment, build value chains, and shape South Africa's just energy transition with GIZ #J-18808-Ljbffr