Technical Advisor: Seconded to Support SARETEC is a fixed-term opportunity based in Bellville, Cape Town, reporting to the Component Leader for Career Path Development for Employment, supporting SARETEC as a leading renewable energy training centre for South Africa’s Just Energy Transition until 30 April 2028.

The Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, through the Career Path Development for Employment project, is seeking a Technical Advisor to support the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC).

GIZ is supporting SARETEC to consolidate its role as a specialised renewable energy training centre serving the needs of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition. Established with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Bellville, Cape Town, SARETEC has been operational since 2016 and is equipped with highly qualified instructors and modern facilities.

Its primary focus is training in wind turbine technology and solar photovoltaic systems, responding directly to industry demand and supporting other technical training providers.

Following its consolidation, SARETEC could play a pivotal role in South Africa’s Just Energy Transition landscape by acting as a mentoring institution for Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions, particularly in wind and solar photovoltaic technologies.

This support aims to assist SARETEC in enhancing its service offerings and establishing itself as a high-quality provider of technical upskilling and reskilling solutions for the Just Energy Transition.

As Technical Advisor, you will work closely with SARETEC, the GIZ office in Johannesburg and consulting partners to deliver joint institutional strengthening activities.

• Supporting organisational development of SARETEC, contributing to the enhancement and strengthening of the current Business Development Plan
• Supporting course development and course upgrades to be accredited by QCTO and other accreditation bodies
• Supporting the roll-out of SARETEC’s Training-of-Trainers programme for Technical and Vocational Education and Training lecturers
• Supporting structured institutionalised exchange and evaluation processes with key clients to gain industry insights and tailor skills development support
• Contributing to SARETEC’s general communication and stakeholder engagement strategy
• Supporting the elaboration of tracer studies amongst alumni to detect career pathways and receive feedback on SARETEC’s performance
• Supporting the formation and organisation of a SARETEC lecturer pool of experts to act as flexible teaching staff according to demands as and when required
• Supporting collaboration with key stakeholders including QCTO, the Department of Higher Education and Training, Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges, Higher Education Institutions and KfW
• Interacting with consultancy support to implement the above-mentioned working packages
• Contributing to the development of annual operational plans, quarterly plans and other plans as requested
• Contributing to programme reports including annual donor implementation reports and other related project reports as requested
• Assisting with research activities and studies
• Providing regular updates to the GIZ team on the progress of activities at SARETEC
• Carrying out other related tasks assigned by the Component Leader

• At least 5 years of professional experience working in the context of business development and energy or education-related institutional development
• Strong communication and networking skills
• Knowledge of the renewable energy value chain
• Excellent knowledge of English as a working language
• Strong social skills with the ability to establish rapport, motivate and inspire stakeholders
• Ability to focus outputs and deliver against institutional priorities

• A Master’s degree in Engineering, Energy-related fields, Business Administration or a similar discipline or equivalent

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a multicultural and multilingual environment
• Very good working knowledge of information and communication technologies and computer applications such as Microsoft Office
• Experience with QCTO course registration or the Technical and Vocational Education and Training sector in general will be an asset
• Willingness to upskill as required by the tasks to be performed

• At GIZ, you will be offered a global network and an atmosphere characterised by diversity, respect and genuine equal opportunities.
• GIZ is a signatory of the Diversity Charter. Recognition, appreciation and inclusion of diversity in the company are important and 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 would like to increase the proportion of employees with disabilities and applications from people with disabilities are most welcome
  

GIZ will only assess applications which meet the following criteria:

• A cover or motivation letter in PDF format, maximum of 2 pages, clearly stating why they should be the preferred candidate and the value added they will bring to the cluster - Subject Line:
  Application for Technical Advisor: Seconded to Support SARETEC
• A detailed CV in PDF format, maximum of 4 pages, indicating nationality
• Closing date: 18 February 2026
• Applications without a motivation letter will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates who meet the above requirements will be contacted.